Senior Cyber Threat Hunting Specialist IRES - HSV

Amentum•Huntsville, AL

7d•$149,000 - $158,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Cyber Threat Hunting Specialist supports the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) on the Integrated Research and Development for Enterprise Solutions (IRES) contract. The candidate will serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) on advanced threats for the MDA Cyber Security Service Provider (MDA CSSP), collaborating with Defensive Cyber Operations, Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), Cyber Threat Emulation (CTE), and Forensics teams to drive unified defensive strategies. This role involves developing and executing intelligence-driven hunt hypotheses to detect Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and anomalies that bypass traditional security controls, mapping adversary Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) using the MITRE ATT&CK framework, and integrating tactical threat intelligence into hunt operations. The specialist will analyze network traffic, host-based logs, and endpoint telemetry utilizing SIEM, EDR, and packet capture tools, and correlate asset, threat, and vulnerability data against known adversary exploits and techniques to determine impact and improve network defensive posture. Leveraging actionable Cyber Threat Intelligence data is key to searching for indicators of compromise and assisting in the development of SIEM content/signatures. The role also includes coordinating with CSSP subscribers to develop configurations, rules, and signatures, and to notify, investigate, and remediate discrepancies. Confirmed threats will be transitioned to Defensive Cyber Operations with forensic artifacts, root cause analysis, and actionable intelligence. The specialist will create and maintain custom scripts for automation, provide technical mentorship, conduct training, and participate in tabletop exercises. Additionally, the role requires reviewing data of ongoing intrusions or cybersecurity incidents, reporting findings in accordance with CJCSM 6510.01B guidelines, and supporting internal and external insider threat and law enforcement/counterintelligence agencies. Advising security leadership and Defensive Cyber Operations teams on emerging adversary capabilities and translating hunt findings into strategic recommendations is also a core function. Finally, the candidate will develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including hunt runbooks, methodologies, and technical debriefs.

Requirements

6 years of combined experience in Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), to include enterprise-level security monitoring, incident response, and threat hunting
2 years of experience in management or leadership in a team environment
Experience applying the MITRE ATT&CK framework to security operations or intelligence analysis
One, or more, of the following certifications: CFR, CySA+, GCFA, GCIA, GICSP
An active DoW Top Secret with SCI Eligibility
Experience with MS Office 365 suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.)
Ability to multi-task and prioritize various projects and assignments in a dynamic work environment to meet scheduled/unscheduled customer requests
Willingness to support teams in a 24/7 operational environment and respond quickly to emergencies as needed
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical findings into concise and actionable intelligence for senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders
Resumes, in month and year format, must be submitted with application in order to be considered for the position.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree, or higher, in Cybersecurity, Computer Science or related field
One or more of the following advanced cybersecurity certifications: Offensive Security: OSCP, PNPT, GPEN | Forensics/Incident Response: GCFA, GCFE, GCIH, EC-Council Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) | Threat Hunting/Analysis: GIAC Certified Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI)
An active DoD Top Secret clearance
Experience with security analysis and solutions in a WAN/LAN environment to include Routers, Switches, Network Devices, and Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, and Linux)
Experience with other Security Operations Centers (SOC)/DCO tools/applications, such as Firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems / Intrusion Prevention Systems, Network Security Manager, Forward Proxy, Spam Firewall, etc.
Experience analyzing security compliance scans performed across a WAN (ACAS/Nessus preferred)
Experience analyzing network and host-based threats (ESS preferred)
Ability to mentor and train personnel in an evolving, high-paced environment
Familiarity with DoD Security Operations Centers (SOC)
Familiarity with DCO/Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP)-guiding security policies and procedures
Demonstrable experience in offensive security operations, such as penetration testing, red teaming, or exploit development
Experience with advanced digital forensics, including host-based and memory analysis
Proficiency in scripting and data analysis with languages such as Python, PowerShell, Bash, or KQL to automate tasks and parse large datasets
Familiarity with the intelligence cycle and its application to cybersecurity operations
Experience with hunt-centric security platforms, including industry-standard Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) tools
Familiarity with the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) in cybersecurity, including the ability to leverage AI-driven security tools and critically assess their output

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) on advanced threats for the MDA Cyber Security Service Provider (MDA CSSP), collaborating with Defensive Cyber Operations, Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), Cyber Threat Emulation (CTE), and Forensics teams to drive unified defensive strategies
Develop and execute intelligence-driven hunt hypotheses to detect Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and anomalies that bypass traditional security controls
Map adversary Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) using the MITRE ATT&CK framework and integrate tactical threat intelligence into hunt operations
Analyze network traffic, host-based logs, and endpoint telemetry utilizing SIEM, EDR, and packet capture tools
Correlate asset, threat, and vulnerability data against known adversary exploits and techniques to determine impact and improve network defensive posture
Leverage actionable Cyber Threat Intelligence data to search for indicators of compromise and assist in the development of SIEM content/signatures to detect known attack patterns and make recommendations to improve detection capabilities, tune alerts, and close security gaps
Coordinate with CSSP subscribers to develop current configurations, rules, and signatures for cyber security related toolsets
Coordinate with CSSP subscribers to notify, investigate, and remediate discrepancies in security logging and CSSP alignment
Transition confirmed threats to Defensive Cyber Operations, providing forensic artifacts, root cause analysis, and actionable intelligence during active investigations
Create and maintain custom scripts (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Elastic KQL, ES|QL) to automate data parsing, log aggregation, and routine hunt tasks
Provide technical mentorship, conduct training sessions, and participate in tabletop exercises to elevate the team's overall capability in advanced threat detection
Review data of ongoing intrusions or cybersecurity incidents and report, analyze, and document/report the findings in accordance with CJCSM 6510.01B guidelines
Provide support to internal and external insider threat and law enforcement / counterintelligence (LE/CI) agencies during cyber incidents / investigations.
Advise security leadership and Defensive Cyber Operations teams on emerging adversary capabilities, translating tactical hunt findings into strategic recommendations for infrastructure hardening
Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including hunt runbooks, methodologies, and technical debriefs, ensuring actionable intelligence is effectively disseminated across multiple departments