Cyber Security Specialist

Description We are on the lookout for an exceptional Cyber Security Specialist to join our dynamic team, supporting the NRO cyber operations group or Industrial Control Systems group. You will work closely with the Information Security Offices to design, implement, and maintain robust defensive security solutions that protect our mission-critical systems and data. If you possess a strong background in cyber threat research, vulnerability assessment, and secure software development practices, we want to hear from you! This role is focused on securing networks, data, and applications while proactively detecting and mitigating cyber threats. Primary Responsibilities: Create and implement defensive cybersecurity solutions leveraging a mix of software and hardware tools for enterprise protection. Conduct ongoing research in cybersecurity to identify emerging trends, vulnerabilities, and existing flaws that could threaten critical systems. Engage in threat detection, identification, and incident response efforts to protect net-centric capabilities and network assets. Enhance development environments by applying application security architecture principles and best practices. Evaluate the security of software and systems, by conducting web application vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, fuzzing, and malware analysis. Boost the resilience of critical missions by addressing vulnerabilities and diminishing exposure to cyber exploits. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure security is integrated throughout the software development lifecycle. Basic Qualifications: Must possess TS/SCI w/ Poly Clearance. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience (or a comparable combination of education and experience). Possession of industry certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH, OSCP, GSEC) can be considered with respect to education and experience. Solid foundation in developing both software and hardware for cybersecurity applications, incorporating both offensive and defensive security solutions. Expertise in coding and scripting languages (e.g., Python, C/C++, Assembly, Java) for tool creation and code analysis. Experience in cyber threat research, vulnerability discovery, and exploit analysis. Familiarity with malware analysis and reverse engineering techniques. Experience in defensive security engineering, focusing on data protection, network defense, and incident response. Proven skills conducting web application vulnerability assessments and software security evaluations. Ability to work autonomously on complex projects with significant impact, with a capacity to mentor junior staff. Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with both internal teams and clients. Preferred Qualifications: Advanced knowledge of offensive cybersecurity operations, including payload development and custom exploit creation. Experience in cyber threat intelligence, including data gathering, analysis, and synthesis for actionable insights. In-depth expertise in application security architecture and secure development lifecycle practices. Experience with vulnerability scanning and reverse engineering tools (e.g., IDA Pro, Ghidra). Proficiency in scripting for automation of cybersecurity tasks. Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK, NIST 800-53) and compliance requirements. Background in research and development methodologies to foster innovation in cybersecurity capabilities. Relevant industry certifications such as OSCP, CISSP, CEH, GPEN, GREM, or equivalents. Original Posting: May 23, 2025 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an expected close date no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date. Pay Range: Pay Range $85,150.00 - $153,925.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level serves as a general guideline and does not guarantee specific compensation. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, abilities, internal equity, market alignment, applicable agreements, or other laws.