Full-Time

Cyber Defense Incident Responder

Updated on 8/1/2026

Deadline 7/22/27
Peraton

Peraton

10,001+ employees

Delivers defense, intelligence technology for government

Compensation Overview

$80k - $128k/yr

+ Overtime + Shift differential + Discretionary bonus

No H1B Sponsorship

Fort Liberty, NC, USA

In Person

US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
IT & Security (1)
Required Skills
PowerShell
Malware Analysis
Python
Incident Response
Cybersecurity

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Requirements
  • A minimum of 12 years of experience with a high school diploma, 10 years with an associate degree, 8 years with a bachelor's degree, 6 years with a master's degree, or 3 years with a PhD is required.
  • A Department of Defense Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance is required.
  • DoD 8570 IAT II certifications and one of the listed qualifying certifications are required: Certified Ethical Hacker, Cyber Forensics and Recovery, Cisco Certified Network Associate Cyber Operations, Cisco Certified Network Associate Security, Cybersecurity Analyst+, Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator, GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst, GIAC Certified Incident Handler, GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst, Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional, Cloud+, Security Cyber, PenTest+, or CSSP Incident Responder/CSSP Analyst.
  • Deep expertise in cybersecurity concepts, including threat detection, malware analysis, network security, and threat intelligence, is required.
  • Extensive experience with one or more security tools such as Security Information and Event Management platforms, intrusion detection and prevention systems, endpoint protection solutions, forensic analysis tools, and threat intelligence platforms is required.
  • Proven ability to lead incident response efforts and handle complex, high-severity security incidents is required.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability to provide strategic recommendations is required.
  • Effective communication skills, including the ability to deliver executive-level briefings and reports, are required.
  • Demonstrated leadership and mentorship capabilities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment are required.
  • The candidate must be willing to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule totaling 80 hours per two-week pay period, with schedules of Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday comprising three 12-hour shifts or three 12-hour shifts and one 8-hour shift; hours may change to meet mission requirements, most likely on a three-month rotation.
  • The candidate must handle sensitive and classified information in compliance with Department of Defense and USSOCOM requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Oversee and refine threat detection processes to proactively counter advanced persistent threats and emerging risks.
  • Integrate threat intelligence from internal and external sources to anticipate adversarial activities.
  • Develop mitigation strategies against nation-state actors and sophisticated threat groups targeting USSOCOM systems.
  • Manage high-severity security incidents and coordinate response efforts across SOC teams, J6 staff, and external stakeholders.
  • Create and execute containment, eradication, and recovery plans to minimize operational disruption.
  • Deliver executive-level briefings and post-incident reports with actionable insights and recommendations for process improvement.
  • Apply Department of Defense cybersecurity policies and USSOCOM standards to align SOC operations with regulatory requirements.
  • Lead audits and assessments and recommend improvements to policies and compliance processes.
  • Act as a liaison between SOC operations and USSOCOM leadership to meet governance objectives.
  • Mentor junior and journeyman analysts to support their technical growth and professional development.
  • Lead training sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives to improve SOC capabilities and team preparedness.
  • Serve as an escalation point for complex technical issues and provide strategic direction and solutions to the SOC team.
  • Research and implement security tools, methodologies, and automation to enhance SOC efficiency and capabilities.
  • Drive orchestration initiatives to streamline threat detection, response, and reporting processes.
  • Stay informed about emerging cybersecurity trends and adversarial tactics.
  • Operate within a 24/7 Security Operations Center environment, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
Desired Qualifications
  • Must be DoW 8140 compliant under Work Role Code 531, Cyber Defense Incident Responder, at intermediate level or higher by October 1, 2026.
  • A bachelor's or master's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is preferred.
  • Advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional, GIAC certifications including GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst, GIAC Certified Incident Handler, and GIAC Penetration Tester, Offensive Security Certified Professional, or Certified Information Security Manager are preferred.
  • Experience with scripting, automation tools such as Python and PowerShell, and advanced threat hunting techniques is preferred.
  • Expertise in threat intelligence analysis, integration, and dissemination is preferred.

Peraton helps government clients in defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure by delivering advanced technology solutions and services. Its offerings include cyber-hardened systems, systems engineering, and mission-critical support that protect national security. The company works through long-term government contracts and strategic partnerships to provide comprehensive, multi-year programs. It prioritizes a strong workforce, actively recruiting veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses to bring disciplined, mission-focused talent. Unlike many competitors, Peraton emphasizes collaboration with partners under clear, fair engagement rules to expand capabilities and deliver integrated solutions. The overall goal is to ensure reliable, secure technology and services for national security and critical infrastructure while sustaining growth through steady government contracts.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$60M

Headquarters

Herndon, Virginia

Founded

2017

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Peraton secured $31.5B prime integrator role for US air traffic control modernization in December 2025.
  • CMS awarded nearly $2B contracts to Peraton and HealthEdge to modernize Medicare claims by 2029.
  • Gabe Camarillo joined as Defense Sector president in May 2026 with 20+ years of DOD acquisition experience.

What critics are saying

  • S&P Global revised credit outlook negative, signaling deteriorating financial stability within 6–12 months.
  • Federal client shutdowns or funding delays cripple cash flow due to high counterparty concentration risk.
  • Palantir and Andurift likely displace Peraton[x] in critical defense AI contracts within 12–18 months.

What makes Peraton unique

  • Peraton[x] is the first enterprise agentic AI platform deployable in hours via plain English for federal agencies.
  • Peraton Labs traces lineage to Bell Labs and tackles DARPA-hard challenges for national security missions.
  • IRIS AI platform supports real-time disinformation detection and cognitive warfare countermeasures at Combatant Commands since April 2025.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Vacation

Performance Bonus

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
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CMS awards companies nearly $2 billion to modernize Medicare claims. CMS awarded information technology companies HealthEdge Software and Peraton contracts totaling almost $2 billion to replace four legacy Medicare claims adjudication systems with a new cloud-based system, a major tech initiative the Trump administration unveiled earlier this year and expects to be done within three years. Not a subscriber? Sign up for 30 days free access to exclusive, detailed reporting on drug pricing reforms, Medicaid policy, FDA news and much more. NEWSLETTERS Inside Health Policy is a subscription-fee-based daily digital news service from Inside Washington Publishers. SITE LICENSES Economical site license packages are available to fit any size organization, from a few people at one location to company-wide access. For more information on how you can get greater access to Inside Health Policy for your office, contact Online Customer Service at 703-416-8505 or [email protected]. STAY CONNECTED (C) 2002-2026. Inside Washington Publishers | Contact Us

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