Network Defense Analyst

DESE Research, Inc. seeks a professional to join an exciting and growing team focused on the cybersecurity analysis, protection, and defense of critical Department of Defense (DoD) networks and infrastructure.

About the role

The candidate will join a team of analysts to provide monitoring and analysis of DoD networks to maintain defense and safeguarding of protected data and access. Responsibilities include performing network flow analysis and deep packet inspection to identify vulnerabilities, traffic anomalies, or concerns related to abnormal activity on protected networks. The team leverages network monitoring tools to process alerts related to vulnerabilities and compiles reports based on findings for DoD stakeholders. The candidate will also assist sites with cybersecurity policy compliance and readiness of network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, switches, and cloud-hosted services.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes network data using packet capture analysis, network flow analysis, and Cloud Logs to identify and report on potential security incidents
• Assists customers with remediation of a wide range of cybersecurity issues including vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, cyber incidents, and non-compliance
• Provides analysis, recommendations, and verification to achieve acceptable mitigation of security incidents
• Generates and publishes monthly reports summarizing customers' cybersecurity posture and assists with consistent issues
• Conducts daily review of open vulnerabilities using both Network and Endpoint based security solutions, reporting on high-risk findings and tracking mitigation efforts until resolved
• Enforces endpoint quarantine policies on extremely high-risk devices using Endpoint Security Solution
• Assists customers in preparing for upcoming cybersecurity posture assessments by providing overviews of assessment topics and coordinating with customer and operational teams to mitigate potential high-risk findings
• May require interfacing with external entities (e.g., law enforcement, intelligence/government agencies)

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Cybersecurity, Computer Information Systems, or a related field
• Minimum of 1-4 years of related experience
• Active Secret security clearance (or ability to obtain)
• Active CompTIA Security+CE certification (or ability to obtain one of the following within two months of hire: CEH, CFR, CCNA Cyber Ops, CCNA-Security, CySA+, GCIA, GCIH, GICSP, Cloud+, SCYBER, PenTest+)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information to customers at varying levels of technical detail
• Comfortable working in a constantly adapting environment that may require learning new skills and adjusting priorities

Skills

• Basic knowledge of Computer Network Defense activities, including IDS, IPS, network monitoring, packet capture analysis, network flow analysis, network proxy operation, firewalls, and anti-virus capabilities
• Basic knowledge of vulnerability and risk management techniques in a cybersecurity setting, including handling risk/severity-based prioritization and decision making
• Familiarity with encryption technologies, penetration and vulnerability analysis, and information technology security research

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience analyzing alerts using PCAPs and/or cloud logs, with an understanding of network threats, potential network exploitation, and defense methods
• Proficiency in Office 365 tools at a professional level
• Experience using vulnerability scanning solutions such as Tenable Nessus
• Experience using data presentation/automation tools such as PowerBI or Tableau
• Experience assessing Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) findings
• Experience working with Endpoint Security Solutions such as Trellix or Microsoft Defender Endpoint
• CySA+ or CEH certification
• Top Secret Clearance

Benefits

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance with affordable premiums
• Flexible work schedules
• Two different flexible spending account options
• Company-paid life insurance with options for employee-paid additional coverage
• Performance bonus program
• Education reimbursement program
• Company-paid personal leave for approved philanthropic activities
• Vacation, sick, and holiday leave
• Robust 401k profit-sharing plan
• Opportunities for internal promotions
• Employee referral incentive program
• Rewards and gifts for service anniversaries

About DESE

For the past 43 years, DESE has provided industry-leading technical and engineering solutions in the fields of Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment. As a small, family-oriented business, DESE offers a compelling benefits package, including a generous profit-sharing plan, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solve complex and engaging problems.