Operations Lead, TS/SCI CI Poly (Chantilly, VA)

GuidePoint Security provides trusted cybersecurity expertise, solutions and services that help organizations make better decisions and minimize risk. By taking a three-tiered, holistic approach for evaluating security posture and ecosystems, GuidePoint enables some of the nation's top organizations, such as Fortune 500 companies and U.S. government agencies, to identify threats, optimize resources and integrate best-fit solutions that mitigate risk.

An active Top Secret / SCI with a CI Poly clearance is required prior to employment consideration

You must be a US Citizen for this work supporting the US Government. Work is 100% ONSITE in Chantilly, VA.

Job Summary

The Cyber Security Operations Lead will oversee and manage the day-to-day cybersecurity operations supporting a U.S. intelligence agency. This role is critical in ensuring the protection of sensitive classified systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. The Lead will supervise a team of cybersecurity professionals, coordinate incident response efforts, and implement advanced security measures to safeguard national security information. This position requires a proactive leader with deep technical expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to operate in a high-pressure, mission-critical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management:
• Supervise and mentor a team of cybersecurity analysts, engineers, and incident responders.
• Assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure team performance aligns with agency mission objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, training, and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Threat Detection & Incident Response:
• Oversee monitoring of networks, systems, and applications for potential security incidents or breaches.
• Lead the investigation, containment, and remediation of cyber incidents in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and refine incident response playbooks tailored to the intelligence agency's unique operational needs.
• Security Operations Oversight:
• Manage and optimize Security Operations Center (SOC) tools, including SIEM (e.g., Splunk, ArcSight), endpoint detection platforms, and threat intelligence feeds.
• Ensure continuous monitoring and analysis of classified and unclassified systems for vulnerabilities and anomalies.
• Coordinate with system administrators to implement patches, updates, and hardening measures.
• Threat Intelligence Integration:
• Leverage classified and open-source threat intelligence to anticipate and mitigate emerging cyber threats.
• Collaborate with intelligence analysts to correlate cyber events with broader geopolitical or adversarial activities.
• Policy & Compliance:
• Ensure adherence to federal cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST 800-53, FISMA) and agency-specific security policies.
• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to identify gaps and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on security posture, incidents, and mitigation efforts to senior leadership.
• Collaboration & Communication:
• Act as the primary point of contact between the cybersecurity team and agency leadership, contractors, or external partners.
• Participate in cross-agency working groups to align cybersecurity efforts with broader intelligence community goals.
• Brief stakeholders on emerging threats, operational risks, and recommended strategies.
  

Qualifications

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Equivalent experience in lieu of a degree may be considered (e.g., 10 years in cybersecurity).
• Experience:
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in cybersecurity, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven experience supporting U.S. government or intelligence community operations (e.g., DoD, IC agencies).
• Hands-on expertise in SOC operations, incident response, and threat hunting.
• Certifications (Preferred):
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• GIAC Security Operations Manager (GSOM)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Other relevant certifications (e.g., CEH, CompTIA Security )
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency with SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk, Elastic, QRadar) and endpoint security tools (e.g., CrowdStrike, Carbon Black).
• Strong knowledge of network protocols, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and encryption technologies.
• Experience with cloud security (e.g., AWS, Azure) and securing hybrid environments.
• Familiarity with scripting or automation (e.g., Python, PowerShell) to enhance operational efficiency.
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Ability to make rapid, informed decisions under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior officials.
• Security Clearance:
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a current polygraph (or eligibility to obtain one).
• U.S. citizenship required.
  

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work non-standard hours, including on-call availability for incident response.
• Ability to travel to secure facilities as needed.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality and handling of classified information in accordance with agency protocols.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting [specific agency, e.g., CIA, NSA, DIA] or similar IC entities.
• Knowledge of advanced persistent threats (APTs) targeting U.S. intelligence assets.
• Familiarity with zero-trust architecture and implementation.
  
  

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Why GuidePoint?

GuidePoint Security is a rapidly growing, profitable, privately-held value added reseller that focuses exclusively on Information Security. Since its inception in 2011, GuidePoint has grown to over 1000 employees, established strategic partnerships with leading security vendors, and serves as a trusted advisor to more than 4,200 customers.

Firmly-defined core values drive all aspects of the business, which have been paramount to the company's success and establishment of an enjoyable workplace atmosphere. At GuidePoint, your colleagues are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced and will seek to collaborate and provide mentorship and guidance at every opportunity.

This is a unique and rare opportunity to grow your career along with one of the fastest growing companies in the nation.

Some added perks….

• Remote workforce primarily (U.S. based only, some travel may be required for certain positions, working on-site may be required for Federal positions)
• Group Medical Insurance options: Zero Deductible PPO Plan (GuidePoint pays 90% of the premium for employees and 70% for family plans (spouse/children/family) or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA (GuidePoint pays 100% of the employees premiums and 75% for family plans (spouse/children/family) and GPS will contribute in one lump sum: ($500 per EE annually / $1000 per family annually (includes spouse/children/family options)
• Group Dental Insurance: GuidePoint pays 100% of the premium for employees and 75% of family plans
• 12 corporate holidays and a Flexible Time Off (FTO) program
• Healthy mobile phone and home internet allowance
• Eligibility for retirement plan after 2 months at open enrollment
• Pet Benefit Option