Host Based Cyber Systems Analyst III

Argo Cyber Systems•Arlington, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Argo Cyber Systems is seeking an experienced Host-Based Systems Analyst III (HBA03) to support DHS HIRT's national incident response and digital forensics operations. The successful candidate will lead and execute host-level forensic analysis, malware triage, and investigative reporting in response to advanced cyber threats targeting critical government systems. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with mission-critical communication and coordination responsibilities - directly supporting DHS leadership and federal stakeholders during high-impact incidents.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship (required)
Active TS/SCI clearance (required)
Ability to obtain DHS Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
5+ years of hands-on experience conducting host-based or digital forensic investigations
Expertise in forensically sound data acquisition, duplication, and preservation
Proficiency in analyzing, categorizing, and reporting cyber attacks and system compromises
Strong knowledge of evidence handling procedures, documentation, and chain-of-custody standards
Familiarity with attack lifecycle phases and common adversary techniques
Comprehensive understanding of system and application security threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies
Experience performing host triage, live response, and volatile memory analysis
Proficiency with Windows, Linux/Unix, and related file systems
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across distributed teams in time-sensitive operational environments

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with two or more of the following forensic and analysis tools: EnCase, FTK, X-Ways, SIFT, Volatility, Sleuth Kit/Autopsy
Wireshark, Splunk, Snort, or EDR tools (CrowdStrike, Carbon Black, SentinelOne)
Experience conducting malware reverse-engineering and all-source research
Understanding of threat actor TTPs and advanced intrusion methodologies
Strong communication skills for technical briefings and interagency coordination
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or a related field or High School Diploma with 7-9 years of host or digital forensics experience
GCFA, GCFE, GCIH, EnCE, CCE, CFCE, CISSP, or equivalent certifications

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate forensic investigations in support of incident response engagements and post-compromise assessments.
Plan, direct, and execute the collection, examination, and analysis of host-based evidence across multiple operating systems and environments.
Acquire, preserve, and analyze digital artifacts (malware, volatile memory, registry data, user activity, logs, and executables) to support attribution and root-cause analysis.
Perform forensic triage to determine incident scope, urgency, and potential impact on enterprise operations.
Correlate host-level findings with network telemetry to reconstruct intrusion narratives and identify persistence or lateral movement.
Evaluate and dissect malicious code and executable behavior to identify tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
Maintain strict chain of custody and documentation standards to ensure evidence integrity.
Distill technical analysis into clear, actionable reports and executive summaries suitable for senior leadership and interagency partners.
Serve as a technical liaison to government stakeholders, explaining forensic methodologies, tools, and findings in both technical and operational terms.
Support the development of Computer Network Defense (CND) guidance, playbooks, and after-action reports based on investigative outcomes.