SOC Tier 3 and Incident Response Lead

STOPSO; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

STOPSO is seeking a SOC Tier 3 and Incident Response Lead to support the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) DC...

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of documented relevant experience.
• Experience in DoD or enterprise incident response and cyber defense, including CJCSM 6510.01B familiarity, advanced intrusion analysis, hunting, and detection engineering.
• Meet DoDM 8140.03 qualification requirements for each work role; maintain residential qualification and continuing learning.
• Certification options include CFR, CySA+, GCFA, GCIA, GICSP for 531 Advanced.
• Certification options include CBROPS, CFR, CySA+, GCFA, GCIA, GICSP for 511 Advanced.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of complex intrusions and suspected APT activity across host, network, and intelligence sources.
• Direct technical incident investigation, evidence handling, scope assessment, and response recommendations.
• Coordinate containment, eradication, recovery, and reporting with Government stakeholders.
• Plan advanced hunts and develop or validate correlation rules, YARA content, and detections.
• Review significant incident records and ensure findings, actions, and handoffs are complete and timely.
• Mentor lower-tier analysts, improve playbooks, and support exercises and surge response.
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the position's responsibilities, qualifications, clearance, and authorized scope.

Skills

Advanced incident response

Intrusion analysis

Threat hunting

Detection engineering

Incident categorization

Education

DCWF 531 Advanced proficiency

DCWF 511 Advanced proficiency

DoD 8140 qualification

Tools

SIEM

EDR

Packet analysis

YARA

Snort

Suricata

Forensics tools

Job description

Position Summary

Strategic Operational Solutions (STOPSO) is seeking a SOC Tier 3 and Incident Response Lead to support the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) Defensive Cyberspace Operations Mission Support Services (DCOMSS) program at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Lead complex intrusion analysis and incident response, conduct advanced threat hunts, and improve detection coverage. This senior technical role guides Tier 1 and Tier 2 analysts during high-priority investigations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of complex intrusions and suspected advanced persistent threat activity across host, network, and intelligence sources.
• Direct technical incident investigation, evidence handling, scope assessment, and response recommendations.
• Coordinate containment, eradication, recovery, and reporting with authorized Government stakeholders.
• Plan advanced hunts and develop or validate correlation rules, YARA content, and network or host detections.
• Review significant incident records and ensure findings, actions, and handoffs are complete and timely.
• Mentor lower-tier analysts, improve playbooks, and support exercises and surge response.
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the position's responsibilities, qualifications, clearance, and authorized scope.

Education and Experience

Minimum 5 years of documented relevant experience. Relevant incident response and cyber defense experience in a DoD or enterprise setting, including CJCSM 6510.01B familiarity, advanced intrusion analysis, hunting, and detection engineering.

DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) 531, Cyber Defense Incident Responder, Advanced proficiency, and DCWF 511, Cyber Defense Analyst, Advanced proficiency.

Meet DoDM 8140.03 qualification requirements for every assigned work role and proficiency through an approved education, training, certification, or authorized experience route before independent cyber work. Document work-role appointment and qualification; maintain required residential qualification and continuing learning. A higher-level approved option may qualify the same role at a lower level.

Current matrix-listed certification options for 531 Advanced: CFR, CySA+, GCFA, GCIA, GICSP.

Current matrix-listed certification options for 511 Advanced: CBROPS, CFR, CySA+, GCFA, GCIA, GICSP.

Qualification is needed for both assigned roles.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of Advanced incident response, intrusion analysis, network and host forensics, threat hunting, detection engineering, and incident categorization.
• Proficiency with SIEM, EDR, packet analysis, YARA, Snort or Suricata, and forensic or malware-analysis tools appropriate to assigned duties and approved access.
• Ability to produce accurate records, explain findings and decisions, and follow approved procedures and security requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and sound judgment when coordinating with technical staff and Government stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-focused environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading major incident response in a DoD or enterprise environment.
• Relevant DoD or enterprise IT experience with mission tooling and operational reporting.

Security Clearance

Active SECRET clearance and ability to maintain assigned system access. U.S. citizenship is required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Serves as technical lead for incident investigations and mentors analysts; formal personnel supervision depends on assignment.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed on site in a secure Government facility using computer systems and standard office equipment. The employee must be able to perform sustained computer-based analysis or coordination, communicate effectively, and support operational activities outside standard business hours when assigned. Mission-essential watch roles may include shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Travel

Occasional local, CONUS, or OCONUS travel may be required for authorized mission activities, exercises, assessments, or conferences.

Equal Employment Opportunity

STOPSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.