Principal Cyber Defense Engineer

At Accenture Federal Services, nothing matters more than helping the US federal government make the nation stronger and safer and life better for people. Our 13,000+ people are united in a shared purpose to pursue the limitless potential of technology and ingenuity for clients across defense, national security, public safety, civilian, and military health organizations.

Overview

AFS is seeking a highly skilled and hands‑on Principal Cyber Defense Engineer to join our team. This role will focus on leading technical efforts in cybersecurity, working closely with federal law enforcement clients to ensure their cybersecurity systems are robust and effective. We are growing in this space and are looking for technical leaders to drive this work forward.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of advanced cybersecurity systems.
• Perform hands‑on technical work, including system configuration, integration, and optimization.
• Engage in incident response activities, including threat hunting, forensic analysis, and remediation efforts.
• Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies and initiatives to enhance system security.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional technical teams to develop and deploy customized cybersecurity solutions.
• Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies, and apply this knowledge to improve security posture.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on cybersecurity best practices, policies, and frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant federal regulations and standards.
• Prepare and present technical reports, documentation, and analysis to internal stakeholders and clients.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a cybersecurity role, with a strong focus on hands‑on technical work.
• Experience in managing technical teams.
• Hands‑on design and engineering experience with three or more cybersecurity tools and technologies such as (but not limited to): firewall security configuration and best practices, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), endpoint protection, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR), network security monitoring, Network micro‑segmentation, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP).
• Proficiency in scripting and automation using languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash.
• Hands‑on experience with forensic tools and techniques for incident response and investigation.
• Active Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, SANS Defensive Certifications, CISM, OSCP, or equivalent.

Compensation

As required by local law, Accenture Federal Services provides reasonable ranges of compensation for hired roles based on labor costs in the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Vermont, the District of Columbia, and the city of Cleveland. The base pay range for this position in these locations is shown below. Compensation for roles at Accenture Federal Services varies depending on a wide array of factors, including but not limited to office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Accenture Federal Services offers a wide variety of benefits.

Pay range for the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Vermont, the District of Columbia, and the city of Cleveland: $126,300—$243,100 USD.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities. For details, view a copy of the Accenture Federal Services Equal Opportunity Policy Statement. Accenture Federal Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Additionally, as an affirmative action employer for veterans and individuals with disabilities, Accenture Federal Services is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.

Requesting an Accommodation

Accenture Federal Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture Federal Services and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.

Other Employment Statements

• Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.
• Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture Federal Services or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration.
• Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process.
• The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information.
• California requires additional notifications for applicants and employees. If you are a California resident, live in or plan to work from Los Angeles County upon being hired for this position, please click here for additional important information.