Cyber Network Defense Analyst

Leidos

$69K — $125K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of SOC analyst experience; additional experience can substitute for a degree.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of a SOC's and NOSC's operations within an organization.
  • In-depth understanding of common network protocols and ports (TCP/UDP, HTTP, ICMP, DNS, SMTP).
  • Proficient in network topologies and functions of security devices (Firewall, IDS/IPS, Proxy).
  • Skilled in using packet analysis tools such as Wireshark.
  • Certifications required: Sec+, CEH, CySA+ or SANS certs.
  • Must possess TS/SCI clearance or be TS clearance eligible.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and execute technical detection, analysis, containment, and remediation as part of the Incident Response team.
  • Mentor and guide junior analysts to enhance team skills and knowledge.
  • Oversee the accountability and punctuality of shift security analysts.
  • Collect cybersecurity metrics for executive briefings (daily, weekly, monthly).
  • Communicate daily operational challenges to the Government Watch Officer.
  • Inspect web and host logs for potential security compromises.
  • Coordinate remediation efforts for infected or compromised devices.
  • Ensure continuity of operations during emergencies and call-outs.
  • Prepare incident reports, executive summaries, and analytical reports for security events.
  • Update and document processes, workflows, and technical guidance for the team.

Benefits

  • Work in a highly visible cyber security setting supporting a U.S. Government program.
  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic 24x7x365 support environment.
  • Gain experience in incident response and security operations at a comprehensive level.
  • Potential for career advancement through cross-training and mentoring initiatives.
Full Job Description
Leidos is seeking a Cyber Network Defense Analyst (CNDA) to join our team on a highly visible cyber security single-award IDIQ vehicle that provides Network Operations Security Center (NOSC) support, cyber analysis, application development, and a 24x7x365 support staff.

T

he Network Operations Security Center (NOSC) is a U.S. Government program responsible to monitor, detect, analyze, mitigate, and respond to cyber threats and adversarial activity on the enterprise. The NOSC has primary responsibility for monitoring and responding to security events and incidents detected at the Trusted Internet Connection (TIC) and Policy Enforcement Point (PEP) and is responsible for directing and coordinating detection and response activities performed by each Component SOC. Direction and coordination are achieved through a shared customer incident tracking system and other means of coordination and communication.

The Monitoring and Analysis team provide 24x7 support across 4 different shifts. We have front half shifts (day and night) and back half shifts (day and night). The front half shift will work 12-hour shifts from Sunday - Tuesday and alternating Wednesdays. The back half shift will work 12-hour shifts from Thursday - Saturday and alternating Wednesdays. Candidates must have the ability to work non-core hours, if necessary.

Duties include network security monitoring and detection, proactively searching for threats, inspecting traffic for anomalies and new malware patterns, investigating and analyzing logs, providing analysis and response to alerts, and documenting activity in NOSC investigations and Security Event Notifications (SENs).

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Manage and conduct hands-on technical detection, analysis, containment, eradication, and remediation as a member of the Incident Response team
  • Guide and mentor peers and subordinates to provide cross training
  • Ensure accountability and punctuality of security analysts assigned to your shift
  • Capture cybersecurity metrics that support executive-level briefings (daily, weekly, monthly)
  • Articulate daily challenges to the Government Watch Officer (GWO)
  • Analyze web and host logs for indications of compromise
  • Remediate and coordinate the remediation of infected or compromised devices
  • Ensure shift continuity during call-outs and emergencies
  • Compile incident reports, executive summaries, and analysis reports of intrusions and/or security events
  • Document and update processes, workflows, and technical guides
  • Perform simple firewall rule changes (after training)

Clearance Required:
  • Must have TS/SCI clearance to start. TS clearances candidates will be considered. Preference to candidates with current/active TS/SCI clearance.
  • US Citizenship required


Basic Qualifications:

Candidates should also demonstrate the following:

Bachelor's Degree and 2-4 years of SOC analyst experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
  • Extensive knowledge of a SOC's/NOSC's purpose and role within an organization
  • Detailed understanding of common network ports and protocols (e.g. TCP/UDP, HTTP, ICMP, DNS, SMTP, etc)
  • Expertise with network topologies and network security device functions (e.g. Firewall, IDS/IPS, Proxy, DNS, etc).
  • Expertise with packet analysis tools such as Wireshark


Certification Requirement: Sec+, CEH, CySA+ or SANS certs

Original Posting:
June 10, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

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.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Leidos

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Cyber Network Defense Analyst jobs: