Cybersecurity Principal

Applied Research Solutions•Bedford, MA

1d•$200,000 - $220,000

About The Position

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is seeking an experienced cybersecurity professional for a System Cybersecurity Principal position supporting critical Air Force programs at Hanscom AFB. The role applies advanced technical expertise in system security, threat detection, vulnerability analysis, and cyber operations to strengthen system security, identify emerging threats, and provide technical recommendations that support mission readiness. The position supports Air Force cybersecurity operations by assessing Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements and system authorizations, monitoring systems and investigating security events, assessing vulnerabilities, and recommending cybersecurity solutions for cloud systems, devices, and networks. The incumbent prepares technical briefings and recommendations for senior Department of the Air Force cybersecurity leadership and builds working relationships with government customers, program leadership, and technical teams. During the first 90 days, the employee will learn the program's system architecture, security controls, RMF authorization status, cyber tools, monitoring processes, and stakeholders; begin evaluating controls and reviewing dashboards and logs; and take ownership of assigned cybersecurity activities. Over the first year, success includes maintaining visibility into system security and RMF compliance, improving monitoring and event analysis, supporting incident investigations and vulnerability assessments, recommending mitigations and improvements, and briefing leadership. ARS describes itself as a technically integrated solutions provider supporting critical customer missions. It highlights professional growth, meaningful mission work, work/life balance, a competitive benefits package, awards and recognition programs, and personalized attention from senior leadership. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, including criminal history and identity checks.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field.
10+ years of cybersecurity experience.
6+ years of experience within a DoD environment.
CISSP or CISSM certification required.
Active Top Secret security clearance.
U.S. citizenship required.
Successful completion of a background investigation, including criminal history and identity checks, is required for employment.

Responsibilities

Apply in-depth knowledge of Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements and system authorizations.
Map RMF security controls to the technologies and tools used within each system.
Identify security gaps and recommend technical solutions to reduce risk.
Use SIEM/SOAR tools, such as Splunk, to monitor system security.
Build dashboards to track threats, system activity, and security events.
Configure alerts to support Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring.
Analyze audit, security, and application logs to investigate suspicious activity and support incident response.
Monitor systems for potential attacks, intrusions, unusual activity, and unauthorized use, distinguishing actual threats from normal system activity.
Investigate malicious activity to determine how systems were compromised, which vulnerabilities were exploited, and the potential impact.
Correlate security events from multiple enterprise sources to understand attack activity, identify patterns, and assess potential threats.
Identify and test system and network vulnerabilities through penetration testing, red teaming, and ethical hacking.
Develop and implement cybersecurity solutions for cloud-based systems, devices, and networks.
Apply technical expertise in network exploitation, malware development, and reverse engineering to assess threats and system vulnerabilities.
Prepare and deliver technical cybersecurity briefings and recommendations to senior Department of the Air Force cybersecurity leadership.
Support threat investigations, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and advanced threat analysis.
Develop and recommend cybersecurity improvements for cloud environments and network infrastructure.
Build trusted working relationships with government customers, program leadership, and technical teams.
Perform other duties as assigned.