Cybersecurity Analyst – Operations Watch Analyst (Tier 1–3)

Role Description

The Operations Watch Analyst serves as a critical member of the Cybersecurity Operations team, responsible for identifying, investigating, reporting, and mitigating cyber incidents across diverse network environments.

This role ensures timely detection, analysis, and response to security events in accordance with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual (CJCSM) .01B and other applicable Department of Defense (DoD) directives. The analyst will assess the severity of incidents, document findings, and coordinate appropriate response actions with stakeholders across the DoD Information Network (DoDIN).

• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of CJCSM .01B and ensure compliance with related policies and procedures.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operational watch functions.
• Conduct proactive network intrusion detection, monitoring, correlation, and analysis to identify potential threats.
• Validate and assess suspicious events to determine if they meet incident criteria, ensuring accurate and timely entry into designated reporting systems.
• Coordinate with Joint Force Headquarters-DoDIN (JFHQ-DoDIN) and supported organizations to ensure appropriate analysis, reporting, and escalation of significant incidents.
• Provide 24 / 7 incident response coverage, including after-hours and surge support as mission needs dictate.
• Perform network and host-based digital forensics across Microsoft Windows and other operating systems to support incident analysis and remediation.
• Analyze full packet captures (PCAP) using tools such as Wireshark and other network forensic utilities.
• Correlate system and network activity using Splunk and other log aggregation tools to detect anomalies and potential intrusions.
• Develop, tune, and implement Intrusion Detection / Prevention System (IDS / IPS) signatures to enhance detection accuracy and minimize false positives.
• Participate in program reviews, product assessments, and on-site certification evaluations to strengthen cyber defense posture.
• Support a rotating shift schedule (4x10-hour workdays), including at least one weekend day.
• Work collaboratively in a high-tempo, mission-focused environment requiring flexibility and occasional overtime for surge operations.

Qualifications : Clearance Level :

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Preferred :