Blue Team Lead and Senior Cyber Defense Analyst

Strategic Operational Solutions, Inc. (STOPSO)

• $110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of relevant experience in cybersecurity and operational environments.
  • Specialized experience in cyber defense, incident response, and threat hunting within DoD or enterprise IT.
  • Must possess DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) 511 certification or equivalent.
  • Proven proficiency with matrix-listed certifications for cyber defense such as CEH(P) and Security+.
  • Active SECRET clearance required along with the ability to maintain system access.

Responsibilities

  • Direct daily operations of the Blue Team and manage watch coverage.
  • Coordinate incident response efforts and develop defensive tools with technical staff.
  • Maintain and update Blue Team Standard Operating Procedures and training protocols.
  • Review significant investigations, ensuring accurate reporting and coordination with customers.
  • Integrate various assessments and tooling with steady-state coverage for effective operation.
  • Track and mentor analyst performance, addressing any qualifications or access issues.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned per position specifications.

Benefits

  • Working in a secure government facility with cutting-edge cyber defense technology.
  • Opportunity for professional development through continuing education and certifications.
  • Engagement in mission-critical operations supporting the U.S. Army Reserve.
  • Flexible work hours, including shift work, to accommodate operational needs.
Full Job Description
Position Summary

Strategic Operational Solutions (STOPSO) is seeking a Blue Team Lead and Senior Cyber Defense Analyst to support the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) Defensive Cyberspace Operations Mission Support Services (DCOMSS) program at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Lead Blue Team monitoring, detection, incident response coordination, and integrated assessment execution. The lead manages analyst coverage, escalation, technical quality, and operational readiness for the DCOMSS mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Direct daily Blue Team operations, tiered watch coverage, shift handoffs, priorities, and analyst escalation.
• Coordinate incident response, threat hunting, detection-content development, and defensive tooling with technical staff.
• Maintain Blue Team SOPs, playbooks, quality reviews, training, and response readiness.
• Review significant investigations and ensure timely, accurate operational reports and customer coordination.
• Integrate vulnerability assessment, CTI, tooling, exercises, and surge requirements with steady-state coverage.
• Track staffing, qualifications, access, and performance issues; mentor analysts and drive corrective actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the position's responsibilities, qualifications, clearance, and authorized scope.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience
• Minimum 5 years of documented relevant experience. Documented specialized operational experience in the cyber functional area in a DoD or enterprise IT environment; cybersecurity analysis, incident response, network monitoring, threat hunting, analyst escalation, and defensive tooling.
• DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) 511, Cyber Defense Analyst, Intermediate proficiency. Additional DCWF 521 infrastructure support or 531 incident responder qualification is required if those duties are formally assigned.
• 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 511 Intermediate: CEH(P), Cloud+, FITSP-O, GCED, GDSA, GMON, GRID, GSEC, PenTest+, Security+.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated knowledge of Cyber defense analysis, incident response, network security monitoring, threat hunting, defensive tooling, and technical leadership.
• Proficiency with SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS, network analysis, incident-management, and reporting platforms 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
• Current matrix-listed certification options for 521 Intermediate: CEH, Cloud+, CySA+, GMON, GRID, GSEC, PenTest+, SSCP, Security+.
• Current matrix-listed certification options for 531 Advanced: CBROPS, CCSP, CEH, CEH(P), Cloud+, ECIH, FITSP-O, GCED, GCIH, GRID, GSEC, PenTest+, RCCE Level 1, Security+
• Experience leading tiered DoD cyber defense operations and integrated assessments.
• 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

Leads Blue Team personnel, assigns operational work, reviews quality, and provides coaching and performance input consistent with company authority.

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.

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