Senior Cyber Threat Hunting Specialist IRES - HSV

Location: Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL | On-site; no remote/telework | Active DoW Top Secret with SCI eligibility required | Day shift with up to 10% travel

About the role

The Senior Cyber Threat Hunting Specialist supports the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) on the Integrated Research and Development for Enterprise Solutions (IRES) contract. As the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) on advanced threats for the MDA Cyber Security Service Provider (MDA CSSP), you will collaborate with Defensive Cyber Operations, Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), Cyber Threat Emulation (CTE), and Forensics teams to drive unified defensive strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute intelligence-driven hunt hypotheses to detect Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and anomalies that bypass traditional security controls
• Map adversary Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) using the MITRE ATT&CK framework and integrate tactical threat intelligence into hunt operations
• Analyze network traffic, host-based logs, and endpoint telemetry utilizing SIEM, EDR, and packet capture tools
• Correlate asset, threat, and vulnerability data against known adversary exploits and techniques to determine impact and improve network defensive posture
• Leverage actionable Cyber Threat Intelligence data to search for indicators of compromise and assist in the development of SIEM content/signatures to detect known attack patterns; recommend improvements to detection capabilities, tune alerts, and close security gaps
• Coordinate with CSSP subscribers to develop current configurations, rules, and signatures for cyber security related toolsets
• Notify, investigate, and remediate discrepancies in security logging and CSSP alignment
• Transition confirmed threats to Defensive Cyber Operations, providing forensic artifacts, root cause analysis, and actionable intelligence during active investigations
• Create and maintain custom scripts (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Elastic KQL, ES|QL) to automate data parsing, log aggregation, and routine hunt tasks
• Provide technical mentorship, conduct training sessions, and participate in tabletop exercises to elevate the team's overall capability in advanced threat detection
• Review data of ongoing intrusions or cybersecurity incidents and report, analyze, and document findings in accordance with CJCSM 6510.01B guidelines
• Support internal and external insider threat and law enforcement / counterintelligence (LE/CI) agencies during cyber incidents / investigations
• Advise security leadership and Defensive Cyber Operations teams on emerging adversary capabilities, translating tactical hunt findings into strategic recommendations for infrastructure hardening
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including hunt runbooks, methodologies, and technical debriefs, ensuring actionable intelligence is effectively disseminated across multiple departments
• Use MS Office 365 suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.)
• Multi-task and prioritize various projects and assignments in a dynamic work environment to meet scheduled/unscheduled customer requests
• Support teams in a 24/7 operational environment and respond quickly to emergencies as needed
• Translate complex technical findings into concise and actionable intelligence for senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders

Requirements

• 6 years of combined experience in Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), including enterprise-level security monitoring, incident response, and threat hunting
• 2 years of experience in management or leadership in a team environment
• Experience applying the MITRE ATT&CK framework to security operations or intelligence analysis
• One or more of the following certifications: CFR, CySA+, GCFA, GCIA, GICSP
• Active DoW Top Secret with SCI eligibility

Qualifications (desired)

• Master’s degree or higher in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field
• Advanced cybersecurity certifications: Offensive Security (OSCP, PNPT, GPEN), Forensics/Incident Response (GCFA, GCFE, GCIH, EC-Council CHFI), Threat Hunting/Analysis (GIAC GCTI)
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance
• Experience with security analysis and solutions in a WAN/LAN environment, including routers, switches, network devices, and operating systems (Windows, Linux)
• Experience with Security Operations Centers (SOC)/DCO tools/applications such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, Network Security Manager, forward proxy, spam firewall
• Experience analyzing security compliance scans across a WAN (ACAS/Nessus preferred)
• Experience analyzing network and host-based threats (ESS preferred)
• Ability to mentor and train personnel in an evolving, high-paced environment
• Familiarity with DoD Security Operations Centers (SOC) and DCO/Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP)-guiding security policies and procedures
• Demonstrable experience in offensive security operations, such as penetration testing, red teaming, or exploit development
• Experience with advanced digital forensics, including host-based and memory analysis
• Proficiency in scripting and data analysis with languages such as Python, PowerShell, Bash, or KQL to automate tasks and parse large datasets
• Familiarity with the intelligence cycle and its application to cybersecurity operations
• Experience with hunt-centric security platforms, including industry-standard EDR, SIEM, and SOAR tools
• Familiarity with the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) in cybersecurity, including the ability to leverage AI-driven security tools and critically assess their output

Pay

$149,000 – $158,000

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance