Cyber Defense Countermeasures Engineer

Join an elite team dedicated to defending the Nation's critical networks through innovative cyber engineering and advanced defense strategies. As a Cyber Defense Countermeasures Engineer, you will play a vital role in safeguarding the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) networks, ensuring the protection of the Department of Defense (DoD) and Combatant Command networks against sophisticated cyber threats.

Your Mission

Countermeasure Development & Deployment

• Design and implement innovative countermeasures to neutralize advanced threats while exposing adversarial activities on classified networks.
• Develop cutting-edge malware detection capabilities specifically tailored to respond to emerging threat actor techniques.
• Continuously assess the effectiveness of countermeasures against evolving Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and modify strategies in real-time.
• Utilize Detection-as-Code principles to create scalable and version-controlled security solutions.

Automation & Engineering Excellence

• Architect and deploy automated cybersecurity solutions that provide comprehensive enterprise protection.
• Create customized integrations, data correlation engines, and processing pipelines to minimize cyber risks across the DoD and classified domains.
• Conduct agile development and maintenance of automation scripts and tools, adhering to modern DevSecOps practices.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the automation team, mentoring colleagues and spearheading technical innovation.

Threat Intelligence & Situational Awareness

• Maintain an acute awareness of the cyber threat landscape by analyzing intelligence from the DoD, Intelligence Community, and open-source reporting.
• Identify vulnerabilities, malware families, and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) of threat actors that may affect mission-critical networks.
• Translate threat intelligence into actionable defensive measures and detection capabilities.
• Collaborate with DISA, mission partners, and Combatant Commands to strengthen the collective defense posture.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Active DoD Top-Secret Clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or a related field with over 8 years of hands-on experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (Security+ CE or equivalent), CSSP-A certification required within 180 days.
• Strong programming skills in at least one modern language: Python, Java, Ruby, or C++.
• Proven experience in developing custom malware detection solutions.

Advanced understanding of

• TCP/IP, network protocols, ports, and traffic flow analysis.
• System administration across multiple platforms.
• OSI model and defense-in-depth security architecture.
• Key security elements and enterprise security technologies.
• Thorough knowledge of the threat actor lifecycle, attack vectors, exploitation methods, and intrusion set Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).
• UNIX/Linux administrative skills.

Highly Desired Experience

• Direct experience with DISA and DoD network environments.
• Proven ability to counter APTs and nation-state threats targeting DoD networks.
• Advanced experience in cybersecurity analytics development and implementation.
• Expertise in DevSecOps, developing and maintaining secure development environments.
• Automation skills with Bash, Python, PowerShell, or other scripting capabilities.
• Familiarity with Linux and Windows system administration in cloud or virtualized environments (AWS, Azure, VMware).
• Experience in API development and integration.
• Proficiency in security tools such as Git, Sigma, Yara, Snort, and Suricata.
• Hands-on malware analysis utilizing reverse engineering techniques.
• Advanced certifications: GREM, OSCP, GCFA, CISSP, CASP, or GIAC.

Why This Role Matters

As a Cyber Defense Countermeasures Engineer, you will be a pivotal player in enhancing national defense. Your innovative strategies will shield vital DoD infrastructure, empowering warfighter operations and countering nation-state cyber threats. Engage with elite cybersecurity professionals and directly contribute to national security.

If you thrive in a challenging and dynamic environment, this position is for you. At Leidos, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and are seeking proactive individuals who are ready to make an impact.

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

The Leidos pay range for this job level serves as a general guideline and is not a guarantee. Factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, and internal equity will be considered when extending an offer.