Cyber Threat Hunter
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Leidos is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Cyber Threat Hunter to join our DHS NOSC Cyber Team. This role supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect its enterprise-wide information systems from cyber threats through proactive monitoring, intrusion detection, and security services.
The ideal candidate is process-driven, inquisitive, and skilled at identifying patterns and anomalies in complex datasets.
About DHS NOSC The Network Operations Security Center (NOSC) is a U.S. Government program responsible for preventing, identifying, containing, and eradicating cyber threats across DHS networks. NOSC provides monitoring, intrusion detection, and protective services for DHS information systems, including:
- LAN/WAN infrastructure
- Public-facing websites
- Wireless and mobile/cellular networks
- Cloud environments
- Security devices, servers, and workstations
NOSC oversees the overall security of DHS enterprise systems and investigates and reports suspected or confirmed security violations.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop threat models to assess the DHS IT enterprise, identify defensive gaps, and prioritize mitigations
- Author, update, and maintain SOPs, playbooks, and work instructions
- Use threat intelligence and models to formulate threat hypotheses
- Plan and execute threat hunt missions to validate hypotheses
- Proactively search systems and networks for advanced threats
- Analyze host, network, and application logs, malware, and code
- Prepare and present risk analyses and threat findings to stakeholders
- Recommend and assist in developing new security content (e.g., signatures, alerts, workflows, automation)
- Collaborate across teams to enhance threat detection, response, and overall security posture
Requirements
- Active TS/SCI clearance; must also obtain a favorable Entry on Duty (EOD) determination from DHS HQ
- Bachelor's degree in IT, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or Software Engineering from an ABET or NCAE-C designated institution
- Minimum 12-15 years of relevant experience (SOC Analyst, Incident Responder)
- A bachelor's degree may substitute for up to 1 year of experience
- A master's degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience
- At least two certifications from the following: Security+, PenTest+, Cloud+, GSEC, CEH, CCE, CFR, CySA+, GCFA, GCIA, GCIH, GDSA, GICSP
- Strong ability to work independently; self-starter and self-motivated
- Must be a U.S. Citizen, * Expertise in network and host-based analysis and investigation
- Experience planning and executing threat hunt missions
- Understanding of enterprise network architecture (routing, switching, firewalls, proxies, load balancers)
- Completion of military cyber training courses: 4-11-C32-255S (CP), 4C-255N (CP), or 4C-255A (CP)
- Working knowledge of networking protocols (HTTP, DNS, SMB, etc.)
- Familiarity with Windows and Linux operating systems
- Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, PowerShell)
- Experience with Splunk SPL and/or Elastic DSL
- Proven ability to triage and respond to APT activities
- Experience with cloud and container platforms (AWS, Azure, O365, etc.)
- Deep understanding of the cyber threat landscape and adversary tactics
- Prior experience on a federal government threat hunt team, especially DHS or DoD
Benefits & conditions
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .
