Cyber Defense Analyst

Leidos Holding$87K — $157K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in Cybersecurity, IT, or Information Assurance, or 8+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance is mandatory.
  • 5+ years of concentrated experience in Certified Network Defender (CND) concepts.
  • 3+ years of experience in monitoring and investigating cybersecurity alerts.
  • Familiarity with SIEM tools like Splunk and Elastic, and NIDPS tools such as Cisco FirePower and Palo Alto NGFW.
  • Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python and PowerShell and familiarity with penetration testing tools.
  • Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities are essential.

Responsibilities

  • Perform initial monitoring and analysis of cybersecurity alerts on TS/SCI networks.
  • Investigate alerts, performing technical analysis and escalating incidents when necessary.
  • Manage incident tickets within the approved ticketing system.
  • Engage in proactive threat hunting to uncover potential threats.
  • Conduct wireless security scans and document findings comprehensively.
  • Correlate alerts across platforms to identify security patterns.
  • Prepare and present operational briefings on cybersecurity findings.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance packages are typically offered, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Retirement savings plans with company matching are available to help secure your financial future.
  • Flexible work schedules may be encouraged, supporting a work-life balance.
  • Professional development opportunities and training support are often provided to enhance skills and advance careers.
Full Job Description
Cyber Defense Analyst

Location: Suitland, MD
Clearance: Active TS/SCI

Leidos is seeking a Cyber Defense Analyst to join a mission focused team supporting the Navy's cybersecurity environment at the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) Hopper Global Communications Center (HGCC) in Suitland, MD.

In this role, you will serve on the front line of cyber defense, helping protect critical TS/SCI networks by monitoring and investigating cybersecurity alerts, identifying potential threats, and supporting proactive threat hunting activities. You will apply your experience in the Certified Network Defender (CND) discipline and knowledge of IT systems and networks to analyze security events, manage incident tickets, support intelligence gathering and analysis, and communicate findings to key stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Perform first line monitoring of security tools and conduct initial analysis of alerts for TS/SCI networks, including JWICS, ATLAS, and other networks for which HGCC is responsible.
  • Monitor organizational cybersecurity tools for alerts, anomalies, and indicators of compromise.
  • Investigate and perform initial technical analysis of cybersecurity alerts and events, escalating potential incidents to Tier 2 as appropriate.
  • Create, update, and manage incident and event tickets within the approved ticketing system.
  • Conduct proactive threat hunting activities to identify potential malicious activity and emerging threats.
  • Perform wireless security scans of facilities and document and report findings.
  • Correlate alerts and security events across multiple platforms to identify patterns, trends, and potential threats.
  • Prepare and deliver operational and situational awareness briefings.
  • Support annual cyber defense exercises.


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Information Assurance, or a related area of study desired, with 5+ years of experience.
  • 8+ years of relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance.
  • 5+ years of concentrated experience in the CND discipline, regardless of degree.
  • 3+ years of professional experience monitoring and investigating alerts from cybersecurity tools.
  • Experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems such as Splunk and Elastic.
  • Experience with Network Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (NIDPS), such as Cisco FirePower and Palo Alto NGFW, as well as host based tools such as Trellix ePO, Microsoft Defender, and Tanium.
  • Knowledge of scripting and coding languages such as Python, Perl, Ruby, JavaScript, PowerShell, C, C++, and Java.
  • Knowledge of penetration testing and red team tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as tools such as Kali, SamuraiWTF, Nmap, Burp Suite, sqlmap, and Metasploit.
  • Knowledge of ticketing systems, report writing, and intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination techniques specific to cybersecurity.
  • Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem solving skills.


Required Certifications
  • Must possess one of the following certifications: CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA PenTest+, CompTIA Cloud+, EC Council CEH, GIAC GCIA, GIAC GCIH, GICSP, or Cisco CyberOps.


NITESONI

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Original Posting:
August 20, 2026

Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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