T1 Cyber Network Defense Analyst – Day Shift; w​/TS

T1 Cyber Network Defense Analyst – Day Shift (w/ active TS)

Critical Solutions, LLC is hiring a Tier 1 Cyber Network Defense Analyst (CNDA) to support our federal customer in Washington, DC.

Location:

Washington, DC

Employment type:

Full‑time, Hybrid

Shift schedule:
Day Shift 7 am – 7 pm ET (non‑core hours may be required)

Clearance:
Top Secret / SCI (active TS/SCI, must maintain an Entry‑on‑Duty clearance)

Job Description

We need an analyst who will provide security operations center (SOC) support, cyber analysis, application development, and 24x7x365 support. Responsibilities include network security monitoring and detection, proactive threat hunting, traffic inspection, log analysis, alert investigation, and documentation in SOC investigations and Security Event Notifications (SENs).

• Utilize a SIEM for enterprise monitoring and detection
• Create Security Event Notifications to document investigation findings
• Investigate cyber‑security alerts with critical thinking and analysis
• Analyze network traffic using enterprise tools (e.g., full PCAP, firewall, proxy, IDS logs)
• Collaborate with team members on alert or threat analysis
• Stay current with emerging threats
• Monitor shared email box for notifications and requests
• Use OSINT to aid investigations
• Contribute to content‑tuning requests

• Active TS/SCI clearance, able to obtain and maintain an Entry‑on‑Duty clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field
• Minimum 2 years professional experience in one or more of: network administration, Unix/Linux administration, software engineering, systems administration, or help‑desk/IT support
• Self‑motivated, career focused in cyber security
• Familiarity with SOC purpose and role
• Knowledge of common network ports and protocols (TCP/UDP, HTTP, ICMP, DNS, SMTP)
• Understanding of network topologies and security device functions (firewall, IDS/IPS, proxy, DNS)
• Experience with packet‑analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark)
• Critical‑thinking and analysis for alert investigation
• Familiarity with malware and attack vectors
• Knowledge of Windows OS and standard logging
• Experience with AV, DLP, and host‑based firewalls
• At least one listed certification: A+ CE, CCNA‑Security, CND, Network+ CE, SSCP, Security+, CySA+

• Experience with SOC methodologies and processes
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Power Shell, JavaScript, VBS)

• Day Shift Front: 7 am – 7 pm ET (Sunday–Tuesday, every other Wednesday)
• Day Shift Back: 7 am – 7 pm ET (Thursday–Saturday, every other Wednesday)
• May require non‑core hours

• Hybrid role with frequent client‑site presence
• Willingness to commute to Washington, DC

Must possess an active DoD Top Secret Clearance. Selected candidates will undergo background investigation and fingerprinting by the federal agency and must pass the investigation to qualify for the position. U.S. citizenship required.

Salary range: $58,000 – $74,000, based on responsibilities, experience, and certifications.

Benefits include 100 % premium coverage for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; supplemental insurance; 401(k) matching; flexible PTO/holidays; higher‑education/training reimbursement and more.