Cyber Defense Analyst

Computer Network Defense Analyst (CNDA) TS SCI + PolygraphFort Meade, MarylandAt Aperio Global, we bring together experts in cybersecurity, AI, data analytics, and cloud technologies to solve complex national security challenges. We focus on work where our expertise creates the greatest impact. Our team includes technologists, Intelligence Community veterans, and security professionals who believe the best solutions come from collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence. From cyber operations and AI platforms to cloud-native software and emerging technologies, our work speaks for itself.We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings with company match, generous paid time off, and professional development. We invest in our people because great missions require great teams.Aperio Global is hiring a team of Computer Network Defense Analysts (CNDA) to support our IC program in Fort Meade, MD. This role requires that you have an active TS SCI with an active polygraph to be considered for this position.The CNDA role involves using information from various sources like intrusion detection systems, firewalls, network traffic logs, and host system logs to identify potential vulnerabilities and respond to cyber events. The role also focuses on developing mitigations to strengthen network defenses and protect against attacks on network infrastructure. The job encompasses working with diverse data transport methods, including wired and wireless networks, collaborative platforms, and related hardware and software. The candidate is expected to apply their analytical skills and curiosity to form hypotheses, choose appropriate analysis techniques, and manipulate data to gain insights. Findings, including new tradecraft, should be documented, contextualized, and shared with teammates, stakeholders, and intelligence consumers.Uses information collected from a variety of sources (e.g., intrusion detection systems, firewalls, network traffic logs, and host system logs) to identify potential vulnerabilities, respond to cyber events that occur, and defend against events that might occur. Helps develop mitigations to strengthen network defenses and protect against attacks on network infrastructure devices or systems. Your work may span the gamut of data transport possibilities, such as traditional wired networks, wireless transport (including Wi-Fi and cellular), collaborative platforms such as video teleconferencing, and the hardware and software that support it all.You can advance your career as you develop increasing expertise in networking protocols and architectures, cloud security, Internet of Things protocols, and advanced network security. Collaborate with a team to develop shared understandings of intelligence needs, mission relevance, and areas of expertise. Applies your innate curiosity and analytical talent to form hypotheses, critically assess and choose analysis techniques, then query, merge, enrich, evaluate, and pivot within data to attain and share insights. Distills, documents, contextualizes, and shares findings—including any new tradecraft that you develop—with teammates, stakeholders, and intelligence consumers.Current TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearanceBachelor's degree in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Technology, or related field. Extended military cyber training courses may be counted toward degree requirement.Level may vary based on years of relevant work experience: Level 1: Two (2) or more years of experience Level 2: Five (5) or more years of experience Level 3: Eight (8) or more years of experience Level 4: Eleven (11) or more years of experienceEquivalent combination of experience and education may be considered. Experience in the following: design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, and/or systems engineering or related fieldMust have experience in network or system administration. Foreign language proficiency may also be used to satisfy experience requirements; recent Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scores are required to substantiate your proficiency level. The total of all experience equivalencies is capped at half of the required years of experience.Anticipated Annual Salary Range for Levels 1 - 4: 95k-243kThe salary range for this role represents Aperio's good-faith estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Placement within the range is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to an individual's qualifications, relevant experience, education, certifications, technical skills, contract labor categories and/or rates, work location, market conditions, and business needs.BenefitsAt Aperio Global, we understand the value of investing in our most important asset—our employees. That's why we have crafted a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you make the best decision for yourself, your family and your lifestyle. For additional details, contact our talent acquisition team.Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)Retirement Plan (401k, IRA) with 100% employer match up to 6%Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)Short Term & Long Term DisabilityProfessional Development(and much more)Aperio Global is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workforce where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and fairness. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs — never on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy/childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ethnicity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.