Cybersecurity Principal

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is seeking an experienced cybersecurity professional for a System Cybersecurity Principal position supporting critical Air Force programs at Hanscom AFB. This role requires advanced technical expertise in system security, threat detection, vulnerability analysis, and cyber operations. You'll help strengthen system security, identify emerging threats, and provide technical recommendations to support mission readiness.

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions, delivering premier talent and technology to support critical customer missions.

Recognized as a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS understands that our employees are the foundation of our success. We prioritize our people by providing opportunities for professional growth, meaningful mission work, and a healthy work/life balance.

Our employees benefit from a competitive benefits package, awards and recognition programs, and personalized attention from ARS senior leadership. At ARS, you'll be part of a team where your contributions matter.

• 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 system logs, including audit, security, and application logs, to investigate suspicious activity and support incident response.
• Monitor systems for potential attacks, intrusions, unusual activity, and unauthorized use. Distinguish actual threats from normal system activity.
• Investigate malicious activity to determine how systems were compromised, what 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 advanced 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 (DAF) cybersecurity leadership.
• Will perform other duties as assigned.

During your first three months, you'll become familiar with the Air Force program, its systems, security requirements, and current cybersecurity operations.

Learn the system architecture, existing security controls, RMF authorization status, cyber tools, monitoring processes, and key program stakeholders.

Begin evaluating security controls, reviewing SIEM/SOAR dashboards, analyzing system logs, and identifying potential vulnerabilities or gaps in existing security practices.

Take ownership of assigned cybersecurity activities, provide technical recommendations, support threat investigations, and brief program leadership on findings and potential improvements.

You'll be an established technical resource for the program, helping strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and providing actionable guidance to Air Force leadership.

Success will include:

Maintaining strong visibility into system security, RMF compliance, and authorization requirements.

Improving threat…