Security Operations Center Lead SME

ECS Tech Inc•Fairfax, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The War Data Platform (WDP) is a key initiative within the U.S. Department of War's (DoW) AI‑First strategy. The WDP focuses on operational warfighting data and aims to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) on the battlefield. The WDP extends to Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret environments, and supports collaboration between Combatant Commands, Joint Staff directorates, Senior Executive Service leaders, and operational analysts. The Security Operations Center Lead SME is the senior cybersecurity operations authority within the WDP Core Integration program, responsible for directing continuous monitoring, threat detection, and incident response activities across NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS environments in support of DoW mission systems. This role leads the WDP SOC function in alignment with ECS's enterprise cybersecurity strategy—which encompasses RMF compliance, vulnerability management, SOC monitoring, supply chain risk management, and defensive cyber operations across the full WDP security enclave portfolio—and serves as the primary escalation authority for all cybersecurity incidents impacting mission availability and information assurance.

Requirements

Current Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance.
12 or more years of progressively responsible experience in cybersecurity operations, SOC leadership, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expert-level proficiency directing continuous monitoring and incident response operations across enterprise or multi-enclave DoW environments.
DoW 8140/8570 IAM Level I baseline certification, satisfied by one of the following active credentials: CompTIA Security+ CE, ISC² CAP, ISC² SSCP, or GIAC GSLC.
Hands-on expertise operating and administering SIEM platforms, endpoint detection and response tooling, network sensors, and threat intelligence feeds in support of 24/7 SOC operations across NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS environments, including demonstrated proficiency tuning detection logic and analytic use cases to reduce false positives and maintain advanced persistent threat coverage.
Demonstrated experience leading cybersecurity incident response operations, including containment, eradication, and recovery coordination, as well as maintaining incident documentation and evidence artifacts supporting RMF continuous monitoring, eMASS reporting, and authorization Body-of-Evidence requirements.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with a proven ability to weigh the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and identify the most appropriate solution.
Highly developed interpersonal and oral/written communication skills, with the ability to effectively and professionally interact with a diverse set of stakeholders (from peers to end-users to executive management).

Responsibilities

Directs daily security operations supporting Department of War mission systems across unclassified and classified networks.
Leads continuous monitoring activities through centralized Security Operations Center workflows, serving as primary escalation authority for cybersecurity incidents impacting mission availability and information assurance.
Oversees SOC analysts conducting alert triage, threat investigation, and incident response using SIEM platforms, endpoint detection tools, network sensors, and threat intelligence feeds.
Tunes and optimizes SIEM correlation rules, detection logic, and analytic use cases to improve signal fidelity and reduce false positives while maintaining coverage against advanced persistent threats.
Coordinates incident response activities with incident handlers, ISSOs, system administrators, and network defenders to contain, eradicate, and recover from malicious activity.
Maintains incident documentation, timelines, and evidence supporting continuous monitoring, RMF reporting, and cybersecurity Body-of-Evidence requirements.
Develops operational procedures, analyst workflows, and shift handover practices to sustain round-the-clock monitoring effectiveness.
Produces SOC performance metrics, incident trend analysis, and executive summaries for cybersecurity leadership and Authorizing Officials using ServiceNow, SharePoint, and reporting dashboards.
Supports training, mentoring, and quality oversight of SOC personnel to maintain investigative rigor and operational consistency.
Delivers improved threat detection, reduced response times, and mission resilience while reinforcing program values of vigilance, accountability, operational readiness, and disciplined cyber defense.
Performs other duties as assigned.