Cyber Range Engineer

About the role

CESI, a By Light company, is seeking a highly motivated Cyber Range Engineer to join the Range Operations team working in the Persistent Cyber Training Environment - Operations Group (PCTE-OG). The successful candidate will design, implement, and maintain advanced cyber training environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain advanced cyber training environments.
• Build and configure cyber range content (virtual machines, virtual networks, accounts/roles, tooling, and exercise injects) to meet event objectives and scenario design.
• Implement and operate offensive and defensive training content, including red cell tools, defensive sensors, and supporting applications, under established design guidance.
• Provide event support during execution windows, including environment readiness checks, user access support, troubleshooting, and rapid issue resolution.
• Configure and maintain Windows and Linux hosts used in training environments, including patching, baseline configuration, and restoration of lab state as required.
• Deliver virtual infrastructure and network support (VMware, routing/switching constructs, DNS, TCP/IP), including diagnosing connectivity and performance issues across range enclaves.
• Coordinate with content developers, exercise staff, and stakeholders to capture requirements, track tasks, and communicate status, risks, and impacts.
• Develop and update technical documentation (build notes, runbooks, diagrams, and after-action inputs) to support repeatable event delivery and knowledge transfer.
• Identify repeat issues and contribute to continuous improvement by recommending and implementing process, automation, or standard configuration updates.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline such as information technology, computer science, systems or software engineering from an accredited college or university or 6 years of relevant experience can be substituted for degree.
• 5+ years of combined experience with Computer Network Operations (CNO)/ Computer Network Exploitation (CNE)/ Computer Network Defense (CND) platforms, cyber training, validation exercises, and working with cyber protection teams (CPTs), including planning, coordinating, and execution.
• Current DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II Certification
• Relevant networking engineering certification
• Relevant Cloud/VMware certification
• Relevant certification in RedHat/Linux/Windows
• Working knowledge and hands-on experience in both Windows and Linux operating system environments.
• Experience working with VMware and supporting systems within virtualized environments.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot network connectivity, performance, and configuration issues involving DNS, routing, and TCP/IP.
• Intermediate knowledge of defensive and offensive cyber tools and techniques.

Skills

• Self-starter in a fast-paced environment and able to work with a range of engineers holding a diverse set of skills at differing levels of experience.
• Effective written and oral communication with multiple levels of leadership involving both business and technical sides of the business.
• Able to prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
• Familiarity with or experience supporting the Joint Event Life Cycle (JELC).
• Experience supporting cyber training and validation exercises, including planning, coordination, and execution with Cyber Protection Teams (CPTs).
• Experience using SIEMs, intrusion detection systems, or threat intelligence platforms to support cybersecurity operations.
• Experience using scripting or automation tools to streamline cybersecurity operations or environment setup.

Benefits

CESI offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage, Wellness Program, 401(k) Matching, Disability (Short Term & Long Term) Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Education & Training, Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty).