Computer Network Defense Analyst (CNDA), Lead Associate - TS/SCI w/poly

About Peraton

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extends to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees solve the most daunting challenges that our customers face.

Program Overview

Provide experienced analysts that will deliver network and exploitation analysis to secure and defend vital networks, and accelerate the nation's ability to meet the challenges posed by an increasingly complex global security environment.

About The Role

Computer Network Defense Analyst (LCAT: CNDA2)

Location: Ft. Meade / Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Clearance: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph Required

Responsibilities

• Protect our nation's critical networks.
• Apply advanced analytical and technical skills to defend, monitor, and secure national networks.
• Detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats using data from intrusion detection systems, firewalls, network traffic logs, and host system logs.
• Develop and implement mitigations to strengthen network defenses and prevent attacks on network infrastructure devices or systems.
• Support multiple data transport environments, including wired networks, wireless (Wi-Fi/cellular), collaborative platforms, and related hardware/software.
• Build expertise in networking protocols, architectures, cloud security, IoT protocols, and advanced network defense techniques.
• Collaborate with government, military, and contractor personnel to align intelligence priorities, mission needs, and technical expertise.
• Apply analytical methods to form hypotheses, assess and select techniques, query and enrich data, and pivot as needed to provide actionable insights.
• Document, contextualize, and communicate findings—including newly developed tradecraft—to teammates, stakeholders, and intelligence consumers.

Qualifications

• Experience: 7+ years with an Associate's degree, OR 5+ years with a Bachelor's degree, OR 3+ years with a Master's degree, OR 1+ year with a PhD
• Relevant experience includes computer/information systems design, software/hardware engineering, network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, digital forensics, information assurance, or systems engineering.
• Completion of military cyber training programs such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis Course), UCT, NWBC, INWT, or Cyber Defense Operations may be credited toward experience requirements. For example, the 20-24-week JCAC course may count as up to six (6) months of experience or be considered equivalent to a technical Associate's degree.
• Foreign language proficiency (DLPT-verified) may be considered relevant experience.
• Network or system administration experience is required.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance with a current polygraph is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Forensics, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of network security concepts, firewall administration, encryption technologies, and network protocols.
• Ability to conduct computer/network security assessments and target development.
• Experience developing new tradecraft to meet evolving mission challenges.

Why Join Peraton

This critical National Security role is eligible for Peraton's premier benefits package, designed to recognize and support the professionals safeguarding our nation: heavily subsidized health and wellness coverage for you and your dependents, 25 days of PTO, annual Critical Skills Bonus, and more. Join an elite team where your work directly impacts national security while enjoying top-tier benefits and recognition.

Details

• Target Salary Range: $135,000 - $216,000.
• The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

EEO Statement

Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.