Information Security Analyst (Reston, VA)

Ops Tech Alliance (OTA) is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions dedicated to protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data. We are committed to excellence and innovation, and we take pride in supporting initiatives that enhance national security, such as cybersecurity competitions and cyber training events. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Information Security Analyst with a specific focus on developing cybersecurity challenges for cyber competitions. This role involves creating and executing competition challenges, developing challenges, and applying the skills and knowledge gained to enhance our cybersecurity operations., * Plan, design, and develop innovative and challenging scenarios, ensuring they are realistic, engaging, and technically demanding.

• Execute and oversee the event, ensuring smooth operation and addressing any technical issues that arise.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure the challenges are comprehensive and align with current cybersecurity trends and threats.
• Analyze feedback and results from the competition to refine and improve future iterations of the competition.
• Provide technical support throughout the program lifecycle
• Build and containerize challenge environments using Docker and Docker Compose, producing images and multi-service stacks that deploy reliably and reproducibly on competition infrastructure.
• Develop automated setup, grading, and flag-handling logic for each challenge, and test end-to-end for correctness, idempotent reset, and resource limits under competition load.
• Maintain challenge source, artifacts, and solution guides in version control, and prepare challenges for peer review and public release.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies to ensure competition challenges remain relevant and challenging.
• Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify potential vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure compliance with industry standards, best practices, and relevant compliance frameworks.

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field. Will consider relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in information security or a related role.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies.
• Experience with cybersecurity competitions is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in security tools and technologies such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, firewalls, and endpoint protection.
• Familiar with modern development workflows and tools, such as Agile methodologies, DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and version control systems.
• Hands-on proficiency with Docker and Docker Compose, including writing Dockerfiles, composing multi-service networks and volumes, managing images and registries, and hardening containers.
• Strong Linux and Windows system administration skills, with solid networking fundamentals (DNS, routing, firewalls, TLS, packet analysis) and service configuration.
• Scripting and development ability in Python, Bash, and/or PowerShell for challenge tooling, environment automation, and grading scripts.
• Familiarity with virtualization and infrastructure-as-code (VMware, Proxmox, KVM, Terraform, Ansible) for building repeatable lab and range environments.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically under pressure.
• Understanding of workforce development frameworks such as NICE.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Experience in developing and designing cybersecurity challenges or CTF (Capture The Flag) competitions is highly desirable.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or GIAC are a plus.

Ops Tech Alliance (OTA) was founded by former National Security and Special Operations professionals with over 100 years of combined experience and was formed with a singular focus: to bridge the gap between operations and technology to enable mission success. We are a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Team Member Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Work-life Balance

Our employees have achieved incredible things working on some of the most important technology and security projects in locations around the world to safeguard national security. We focus on hiring top talent and we want you to join our team. OTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. This is a full time position