Description
The Mission Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Cyber Blue Team Operator to join our team conducting cyber assessments of vulnerabilities of critical U.S. and Allied systems, networks, infrastructures, and assets. Our team supports the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Nuclear Enterprise Support Directorate (NE)'s Mission Assurance Department (MA) program. We are seeking hands-on cyber analysts with and understanding of both the compliance standards and the tools and techniques to assess vulnerabilities to be a part of our team. Assessment teams identify risks that may lead to mission loss or degradation and provide recommendations for risk reduction and management based on DoD Mission Assurance Assessment benchmarks. Teams identify threats to information technology and operational technology and assess the vulnerability and risk to assets. Selected candidates will apply in-depth knowledge of cyber threats to develop recommendations to remediate system vulnerabilities.
Our teams provide a balanced look at the mission survivability of key DoD facilities and provide recommendations with supporting rationale to leadership. Teams also perform assessments from an adversarial viewpoint to identify weaknesses, test and evaluate protection strategies, and demonstrate exploitation of identified vulnerabilities. Components of these assessments include but are not limited to examining telecommunications (e.g., video, voice and data, commercial and military) and cyber space operations (e.g., computer networks, IA tools use, operations security).
Cyber assessment teams may be deployed to high-threat but permissive environments anywhere in the world. Each team can support up to 10 assessments per year that range from one to six weeks in duration, from start to submission of final assessment report.
This position is contingent upon a program expansion/opening and customer approval of the candidate's resume.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelors degree with 2-4 years directly relevant experience in defensive cyber security such as security operations center, network operations and cyber blue/red teaming or incident response OR 8-10 years of experience in lieu of a degree
Current / Active Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI access
Active certifications required - IAT II as described in DoDD 8570.01 and CSSP Auditor (Security+, CySA+, Pentest+); s
Demonstrated experience with Linux environments (Red Hat, CentOS, Ubuntu)
Understanding of information technology threats, and cybersecurity practices
Hands-on experience with security monitoring, threat hunting, packet analysis, malware analysis, signature development, and/or shell scripting
Hands-on experience with network monitoring and packet inspection tools
Programming experience (Perl, Python, C, etc.)
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, information technology, cyber security, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related discipline 5+ years' relevant experience can serve as a substitute for degree requirements)
Knowledge, skills, and ability to operate the advanced cyber analytical toolkit and perform required assessments
Working knowledge of Department of War's IT system and network certification and accreditation processes to include system security authorization agreements
Experience conducting Information Operations Computer Network Defense/Exploitation assessments
Experience with firewalls and network TAP technologies
Experience installing, configuring, and administering software applications
Demonstrated skills in troubleshooting problems with software and hardware
Experience configuring, managing, and maintaining networking equipment
Knowledge of Department of Warfare's information assurance policies and procedures
Experience in Vulnerability Alert processes
Working knowledge of Computer Network vulnerability/compliance analysis software
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership generates greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company's success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com .
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Cyber Blue Team Operator position
Qualifications
Behaviors
Required
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Motivations
Required
Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Peer Recognition: Inspired to perform well by the praise of coworkers
Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Experience
Required
2-4 years: Relevant experience in cyber operations
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
