Cyber Analyst (Tier 2) / Incident Commander 

Position Description

Valiant Solutions is seeking a Cyber Analyst (Tier 2) / Incident Commander to join our rapidly growing and innovative cybersecurity team!

As a Cyber Analyst (Tier 2) / Incident Commander, you and your team will man a 24x7x365 cybersecurity operations and coordination center. You will manage escalated alerts, notifications, and communications while executing core incident response activities, including tracking the lifecycle of events, managing stakeholder communication, and driving remediation and recovery actions. Additionally, you will ensure all reports are accurately documented in the incident tracking system and coordinate directly with reporting entities to gain a full understanding of each event while strictly following established SOPs for the escalation and notification of Federal Leadership.

The ideal candidate must possess deep knowledge of cybersecurity incidents, anomaly analysis, log analysis, digital forensics, and common threat vectors to effectively determine the required actions to resolve an incident. You must demonstrate a strong understanding of Splunk SIEM, Microsoft Defender EDR, XSOAR, and support forensic tools to effectively analyze data and guide response activities. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and compliance-minded discipline to maintain operational readiness and meet stringent federal reporting procedures.

Named one of the Best Places to Work in the Washington DC area for 12 consecutive years, Valiant is proud of our employee-centric culture and commitment to excellence. If you are interested in learning more about Valiant and this opportunity, we invite you to apply now!

Location: This position allows for 100% remote work. Remote work requires a high level of trust in our employees, and we strictly adhere to the details outlined in our Remote Work Policy below.

Eligibility Requirements: U.S. Citizenship is required due to federal contract obligations, along with the ability to successfully pass a federal background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust.

Required Certifications:

• MUST HAVE one of the following ACTIVE certifications: CISSP, GCIH, Security X, CSAE, or CSIE.

Required Experience:

• 7+ years of relevant work experience or a Bachelor’s Degree with 2+ years of relevant experience
• US Citizenship and must be able to pass a background investigation (Public Trust – High Risk)
• Excellent organizational, verbal, presentation/facilitation, and written communication skills. Comfortable presenting briefings to the client.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the Incident Response Process and SOC operations, and a good understanding of threat hunting
• Good understanding of system log information and where to collect specific data/attributes as required for the Incident Event
• Operational understanding of enterprise networking and security tools (firewalls, Antivirus, HIDS, IDS/IPS, proxy, WAF), Windows and Unix/Linux systems’ operations
• Experience performing log analysis and reporting
• Experience creating and tracking investigations to resolution
• Experience with Endpoint security solutions, including but not limited to: Windows Defender, Antivirus Solutions, and EDR Tools
• Understanding of compliance or regulatory frameworks (i.e., FISMA, NIST, ISO)
• Solid understanding of application, authentication, network security principles, and operating system hardening techniques
• General knowledge of cyber-attack frameworks (MITRE ATT&CK and Lockheed Cyber Kill Chain)
• Understanding of Computer Network Defense (CND) policies, procedures, and regulations
• SIEM monitoring and analysis, analyzing network traffic, log analysis, prioritizing and differentiating between potential intrusion attempts and false alarms
• Ability to work with or support senior leaders to understand risk factors and communicate effective mitigation strategies
• Ability to work independently to address and resolve a security incident with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities:

• Supports/develops reports during and after incidents, which include all actions taken to properly mitigate, recover and return operations to normal operations.
• Lead and actively participate in security-related meetings and discussions with the client.
• Perform incident response analysis based on investigation requirements.
• Participate in the remediation of incidents and responses that are generated from live threats against the enterprise.
• Record and report all incidents per Federal and department policy.
• Create and track network incidents and investigations through closure.
• Serve as key personnel for Incident Management; provide coordination, task assignment, and process guidance for incident response events.
• Monitor and investigate security events received through the SIEM or other security tools.
• Carry out Level 2 triage of incoming Incidents (initial IR assessment of the priority of the event, initial determination of incident nature to determine risk and damage, or appropriate routing of security or privacy data request).
• Work directly with the Tier 3 Incident Commander and manage assigned investigations to ensure they are being actively worked on and assist Tier 1 and Tier 2 analysts as needed to resolve investigations.
• Review, revise, and recommend technical, process, and physical controls.
• Develop and implement defensive cyber best practice tactics, techniques, and procedures.

About Valiant Solutions

Valiant Solutions delivers cybersecurity and IT services to federal civilian, defense, and national security customers nationwide. We support the full cyber lifecycle, from secure system design and accreditation through AI-enabled operations, threat emulation, and continuous improvement, across classified and unclassified environments. Our work is independently certified for quality and security, including CMMI, CMMC, and ISO certifications.

Valiant is a multi-year Washington Business Journal Best Places to Work winner, and our growth and cyber leadership have been recognized by Washington Technology, Northern Virginia Technology Council, and the Triangle Business Journal. We offer strong benefits, rewards for earning industry certifications, and room to grow your career as we grow. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, our distributed workforce supports customers from coast to coast. We go where the stakes are highest, and the margin for error is zero. If you want meaningful work alongside talented professionals, apply today.

Benefits Snapshot

Valiant takes care of the people who support our customers, with real choices in coverage and real investment in your career. Eligible full-time employees receive:

• A choice of medical plans, from an affordable HSA option to a full-featured PPO, with generous company contributions
• Dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Company-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• Optional supplemental life, accident, and critical illness coverage to round out your protection
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off that grows with your years of service, plus paid federal holidays
• Paid certifications, professional development, and the Valiant University training portal
• Flexible spending accounts and a wellness and fitness program
• Referral bonuses when you help us bring great people to Valiant

Benefit eligibility and plan details are subject to the terms of each plan and may change from time to time.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $115,000 to $130,000. This range reflects Valiant Solutions' good-faith estimate of the base salary reasonably expected for this position upon hire, at the time of posting. The range has been established based on the scope of the role, market rates, and internal equity. Where a candidate falls within the posted range will depend on job-related factors, including relevant skills, experience, qualifications, achievements, education, geographic location, applicable security clearance requirements, additional corporate responsibilities, and other legitimate, non-discriminatory business considerations. The posted range does not guarantee an offer at any particular salary. In addition to base salary, this position includes the benefits described above.

Remote Work Policy (Remote and Hybrid Positions Only)

Remote work necessitates a high level of trust in our employees. To ensure that employee performance does not suffer in a remote work environment, all employees who telecommute are expected to have a quiet and distraction-free workspace with adequate internet, dedicate their full attention and availability to their job duties during working hours, and maintain a schedule during core business hours that aligns with those of their coworkers and Valiant's clients. In alignment with Valiant's inclusive and engaging environment, cameras are encouraged and can be required to be on during virtual video conferences. Additionally, in alignment with the Office of the Inspector General’s effort to eliminate conflicting employment, all Valiant employees are required to disclose any current or future outside employment engagements. During onboarding and throughout employment, employees must disclose any current activities or intent to engage in outside employment or other professional activities and obtain written approval. Employees may not solicit or conduct any outside business during core business hours for Valiant Solutions and our clients.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valiant Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Valiant Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact [email protected].

Physical Demands

Sitting or standing at a desk for prolonged periods and consistently operating a computer. Frequent communication and exchanging of accurate information via electronic communication, phones, and in person. Occasionally lift and/or move moderate amounts of weight, typically less than 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Authorization to Share Resume and Personal Information

By submitting your resume for this position, you authorize Valiant Solutions to share your resume, as well as personal information included on the resume, with its subsidiaries, affiliates, and teaming partners for the purpose of considering you for this position and other available positions requiring comparable skills, education, and experience. Should Valiant Solutions or its affiliates and teaming partners wish to initiate pre-employment discussions, you will be asked to complete an employment application and related employment documents.