CYBER OPERATIONS PLANNER (PART- TIME)-NGA - Quantum Research Int'l

Overview:
Quantum Research International, Inc. (Quantum) is a certified DoD Contractor providing services and products to US/Alliedgovernments and industry in the following main areas: (1) Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing Systems, Cloud Services and Systems; (2) Space and Ground Support Systems; (3) Aviation Systems; (4) Missile Systems; (5) Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning Systems and Experimentation/Training; and (6) Audio Visual Systems and Services.   Quantum’s Corporate Office is in Huntsville, AL, but Quantum actively hires for positions nationwide and internationally.  We pride ourselves on providing high quality support to the U.S. Government and our Nation’s Warfighters.  In addition to our corporate office, we have physical locations in Aberdeen; MD; Colorado Springs, CO; Orlando, FL; Crestview, FL; and Tupelo, MS.

Mission:

As a member of the NGA DEFENDER Computer Network Exploitation team, the contractor executes computer network operations via penetration testing and emulating Advanced Adversaries, Insider Threats, and Purple Team against NGA systems for the purpose of strengthening information system security. Cyber Operations Planners develop detailed plans for the conduct or support of the applicable range of cyber operations through collaboration with other planners, operators and/or analysts. They also participate in targeting selection, validation, synchronization, and enables integration during the execution of cyber actions. This position is available immediately and supports the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) onsite at NGA headquarters in Springfield, VA.

Responsibilities:

The contractor shall assist the customer in providing technical and engineering support to sensitive and highly regulated Computer Network Exploitation (CNE) operations designed to identify vulnerabilities subject to Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) or other emerging, time sensitive cyber threats on the customers networks.  The Cyber Operations Planner develops cyber operations plans and guidance to ensure that execution and resource allocation decisions align with organization objectives.  They assist and advise interagency partners in identifying and developing best practices for facilitating operational support to achievement of organization objectives.  They also apply expertise in policy and processes to facilitate the development, negotiation, and internal staffing of plans and/or memorandums of agreement. Assess target vulnerabilities and/or operational capabilities to determine courses of action. Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop, review and implement all levels of planning guidance, and deliberate and crisis action plans supporting cyber operations
• Provide input to the analysis, design, development or acquisition of capabilities used for meeting objectives and to the identification of cyber-related success criteria.
• Coordinate with intelligence and cyber defense partners to obtain relevant essential information and use intelligence estimates to counter potential target actions.
• Determine indicators and gather and analyze data (e.g., measures of effectiveness) that are best suited to specific cyber operation objectives and provide reporting for follow-on activities.
• Incorporate cyber operations and communications security support plans into organization objectives.
• Maintain relationships with internal and external partners involved in cyber planning or related areas and maintain situational awareness of cyber-related intelligence requirements and associated tasking.
• Monitor and evaluate integrated cyber operations to identify opportunities to meet organization objectives.
• Conduct long-range, strategic planning efforts with internal and external partners in cyber activities.
• Prepare for and provide subject matter expertise to exercises and document lessons learned that convey the results of events and/or exercises.

 Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Systems or other technically relevant degree. In lieu of degree, CEH or Security+ may be accepted in conjunction with relevant experience
• Experience with Computer Network Defense (CND) Intelligence Analysis, Assessments, and/or Open-Source Research
• Knowledge of Government standards for data security such as markings, handling of classified and unclassified information, and how to handle the distribution of this information.
• Understands computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies and risk management processes (e.g., methods for assessing and mitigating risk).
• Familiar with laws, regulations, policies, and ethics as they relate to cybersecurity and privacy.
• Experience with cyber threats and vulnerabilities and the specific operational impacts of cybersecurity lapses.
• Understands physical computer components and architectures, including the functions of various components and peripherals (e.g., CPUs, Network Interface Cards, data storage).
• Knowledge of accepted organization planning systems and forms of intelligence support needs, topics, and focus areas.
• Familiar with cyber-attack methods and techniques (DDoS, brute force, spoofing, etc.) and common computer/network infections (virus, Trojan, etc.) and methods of infection (ports, attachments, etc.).
• Experience with crisis action planning and time sensitive planning procedures for cyber operations.
• Familiar with cyber actions (i.e., cyber defense, information gathering, environment preparation, cyber-attack) principles, capabilities, limitations, and effects.
• Expertise with existing, emerging, and long-range issues related to cyber operations strategy, policy, and organization.
• Familiar with objectives, situation, operational environment, and the status and disposition of internal and external partner collection capabilities available to support planning.
• Knowledge of the basics of network security (e.g., encryption, firewalls, authentication, honey pots, perimeter protection) and of the common networking and routing protocols (e.g., TCP/IP), services (e.g., web, mail, DNS), and how they interact to provide network communications.
• Familiar with organizational structures pertaining to full spectrum cyber operations, including the functions, responsibilities, and interrelationships among distinct internal elements.
• Knowledge of the range of cyber operations and their underlying intelligence support needs, topics, and focus areas.
• TS/SCI eligible, subject to CI Polygraph
• IAT Level 2 (includes CEH or Secruity +)

Desired/Preferred Skills

• Administer planning activities, to include preparation of functional and specific support plans, preparing and managing correspondence, and staffing procedures.
• Apply analytical methods typically employed to support planning and to justify recommended strategies and courses of action.
• Develop and execute comprehensive cyber operations assessment programs for assessing and validating operational performance characteristics.
• Ability to communicate complex information, concepts, or ideas in a confident and well-organized manner through verbal, written, and/or visual means.
• Adjust to and operate in a diverse, unpredictable, challenging, and fast-paced work environment.
• Develop or recommend planning solutions to problems and situations for which no precedent exists.
• Function in a collaborative environment, seeking continuous consultation with other analysts and experts—both internal and external to the organization—to leverage analytical and technical expertise.
• Participate as a member of planning teams, coordination groups, and task forces as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.