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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Cyber Defense Specialist - **Company:** MIT Lincoln Laboratory - **Location:** Lexington, MA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $110,400.0 - $148,900.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing Security, Cyber Security, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Network Protocols, ArcSight SIEM Tool, Rust (Programming Language), Google Cloud, Cloud Platform System, Cyber Threat Analysis, Information Technology, Cyber Warfare, Splunk, Programming Languages - **Published:** June 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/career/12459209/Cyber-Defense-Specialist-Massachusetts-Lexington ## About the Role To be considered for this role, you must possess the following qualifications. * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field (Master's degree preferred) * Minimum 8years of experience in defensive cyber operations, including experience in planning, conducting, and assessing defensive operations as an element of the Cyber Mission Force * Experience utilizing defensive tools such as Splunk, ELK, ArcSight, or similar platforms for cyber hunting, threat analysis, and incident response (experience with GOTS tools is a plus) * Strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles * Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and outside the box * Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical communication for non-technical audiences * Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on difficult, open-ended problems in cyber security and operations with interdisciplinary technical teams. * Motivation to identify underlying technical problems and investigate solutions proactively Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas is desired but not required: * Experience working in a research environment, with a focus on developing and applying new technologies and techniques to solve complex problems * Experience with programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Rust, and/or Java * Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and cybersecurity solutions (e.g. AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) ## Description We are seeking an experienced Defensive Cyber Operations Subject Matter Expert to join our team at MIT Lincoln Laboratory as a Cyber Defense Specialist in a technical role. The successful candidate will have a strong background and experience in planning, conducting, and assessing defensive cyber operations, as well as experience utilizing defensive tools for cyber hunting, threat analysis, and cyber incident response. As a Cyber Defense Specialist, you will: * Contribute to technical R&D efforts identifying technical gaps and developing solutions to meet operational needs * Work closely with operational stakeholders to identify technical needs and challenges * Provide expert-level guidance on defensive cyber operations to both technical researchers and government stakeholders * Stay informed of emerging cyber threats and technologies, including advanced persistent threats, zero-day exploits, and nation-state sponsored attacks * Develop and maintain expertise in emerging technologies and techniques relevant for cyber defense, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud security * Represent MIT Lincoln Laboratory in interactions with government agencies, industry partners, and other stakeholders on matters related to defensive cyber operations ## Related Videos - [The Cloud is Calling: Answer with In-Demand Skills](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/945-the-cloud-is-calling-answer-with-in-demand-skills) - [Our journey with Spring Boot in a microservice architecture](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/511-our-journey-with-spring-boot-in-a-microservice-architecture) - [Cyber Sleuth: Finding Hidden Connections in Cyber Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/893-cyber-sleuth-finding-hidden-connections-in-cyber-data) - [Cloud Run- the rise of serverless and containerization](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/106-cloud-run-the-rise-of-serverless-and-containerization) - [You can’t hack what you can’t see](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/41-you-can-t-hack-what-you-can-t-see) - [A Computer Is All You Need](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100142-a-computer-is-all-you-need) ## Related Articles - [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Best Paying Jobs in Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/256-best-paying-jobs-in-technology) - [Why Upskilling And Reskilling is Important For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/428-why-upskilling-and-reskilling-is-important-for-developers) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)