Defensive Cyber Operations Analyst

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline or equivalent professional/military experience.
  • DoD 8570 IAT Level II/III certification or ability to obtain within 180 days.
  • CSSP Analyst certification or ability to obtain within 180 days.
  • CSSP Infrastructure Support certification or ability to obtain within 180 days.
  • Strong computing system knowledge, especially in networking and security elements like IDS/IPS.
  • Experience in analyzing packet captures (PCAP) and logs.
  • Current DoD TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Perform incident detection and response activities for cyber threats.
  • Monitor security tools for malicious activities and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Follow SOPs with attention to detail, ensuring timely checks and documentation.
  • Influence solution design and process approaches within the team.
  • Develop and conduct technical briefings for senior management.
  • Document all events and analyses accurately for auditing purposes.
  • Facilitate regular communication and coordination among team members.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work flexibility with up to 20% telework potential.
  • Ongoing recruitment indicating potential future job security.
  • Comprehensive training and onboarding program for new hires.
Full Job Description
The Leidos Digital Modernization sector is seeking Defensive Cyber Operations Analysts to support a Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) team in Washington, DC. Our team provides mission critical, 24/7 operational support to the customer's mission of protecting federal networked systems and services from cyber threats impacting national security. We hire for these roles on an ongoing basis and our recruiting team will contact applicants as positions become available.

This is a hybrid position with the potential for up to 20% Telework. Shifts include Days, Swings and Mids. Shift availability will vary based on program needs and staffing levels. All new hires' initial 4-6 weeks will be spent on weekday Day Shift to complete onboarding, training and familiarization. Applicants must remain flexible to potential shift modifications to assist in meeting minimum staffing requirements.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Incident Detection & Characterization: Perform computer network incident detection and response activities to detect, correlate, identify, and characterize anomalous activity indicative of enterprise threats.
  • Continuous Security Monitoring: Monitor various security tools and applications for malicious activities, investigate associated alerts or indicators, and develop mitigation strategies and courses of action.
  • Operational Rigor: Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with strong attention to detail, ensuring all system checks are performed timely and all documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Technical Leadership & Influence: Work to influence project/team leaders regarding solution design and process approaches; review investigations and reports of peers to ensure accuracy and clarity.
  • Senior-Level Briefing: Develop and conduct technical briefings to senior management, translating complex security events into actionable business or mission intelligence.
  • Detailed Documentation: Maintain high-quality technical writing standards, documenting every event and associated analysis within the ticketing system for audit and follow-on action.
  • Collaborative Coordination: Exercise excellent communication skills for regular face-to-face customer interaction and high-tempo coordination between team members in a collocated environment.
  • Adaptive Defense: Support the CSSP in providing detect, response, mitigation, and recovery capabilities by monitoring network/host/application security devices.


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • All positions require a Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline as well as professional, directly relevant experience depending on job level (Level II: 2+ years of experience, Level III: 4+ years of experience, Level IV: 8+ years of experience). Additional years of professional and/or military experience may be substituted in lieu of degree.
  • DoD 8570 IAT Level II/III: Must hold an IAT Level II or higher certification (or obtain within 180 days). (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CySA+, GSEC, SSCP) or (CASP+ CE, CCNP Security, CISA, GCED, and GCIH).
  • DoD 8570 CSSP Analyst: Must hold a CSSP Analyst certification (or obtain within 180 days). (e.g., CompTIA CySA+, Cloud+, GIAC GCIA).
  • DoD 8570 CSSP Infrastructure Support: Must hold a CSSP Infrastructure Support certification (or obtain within 180 days). (e.g., CompTIA CySA+, Cloud+, EC-Council CEH, CND, CHFI, GIAC GICSP, and ISC2 SSCP).
  • Technical Proficiency: Strong computing system knowledge, particularly networking, including communication protocols and familiarity with common security elements such as IDS/IPS and firewalls.
  • Data Analysis: Direct experience evaluating packet captures (PCAP) and logs to identify malicious traffic and verify security events.
  • Security Clearance: Current DoD TS/SCI security clearance and ability to pass additional customer suitability screenings prior to start and maintain throughout employment.


PREFERRED SKILLS:
  • SOC Excellence: Prior experience working in a Cyber Network Defense (CND) or Security Operations Center (SOC) environment.
  • Framework Expertise: Demonstrated familiarity with security frameworks such as the Lockheed Martin Cyber Kill Chain and MITRE ATT&CK.
  • Intrusion Analysis: Specialized experience in the monitoring of intrusion detection appliances and the analysis of complex, multi-stage alerts.
  • Response Recommendation: Proven track record of documenting technical analysis and providing defensive response recommendations to senior stakeholders.
  • Platform Familiarity: Experience working with SIEM platforms (Splunk, Elastic, or similar) to perform data correlation and search queries.


#nebo

Original Posting:
August 11, 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 $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.

About Leidos Holding

Leidos Holding Careers

Joining Leidos Holding presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in innovation and technology. The company offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Explore Career Opportunities

Leidos Holding is actively seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and leadership in their fields. With a variety of open positions, Leidos Holding provides a platform for individuals to challenge themselves in a dynamic work environment.

Innovation and Professional Growth

At Leidos Holding, innovation is at the core of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries. The company supports this drive for innovation through comprehensive professional development and diversity training programs that are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Leidos Holding is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated. With a culture that values and promotes diversity, Leidos Holding ensures that all team members have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career, Leidos Holding offers internship programs that provide a robust foundation in the industry. Internships are a great way to develop essential skills, gain valuable work experience, and build professional networks.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at Leidos Holding enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, providing a supportive and collaborative environment where every team member is valued.

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