Job Description

Malware Analyst - Senior (w/ active TS)

Location: Alexandria, VA
Clearance: Top Secret
Travel Requirement: 10% of the time
Type: Full-time, On-site (No Remote)
Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000 per year

Critical Solutions is seeking a highly skilled Senior Malware Analyst to support a federal agency's cybersecurity operations in Alexandria, VA. This position requires an active Top Secret clearance and significant experience in reverse engineering malware, including custom protocols.

The analyst will contribute to the agency's Security Operations Center by conducting dynamic and static malware analysis, supporting threat attribution, identifying vulnerabilities, and guiding defensive strategy. The role also involves developing a standard process for the capturing and analysis of software artifacts suspected of being malicious code.

PRIMARY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform reverse engineering of malicious software using both dynamic and static analysis techniques.
• Demonstrated advanced experience with network traffic and communications, including known ports and services
• Perform malware analysis and security assessments across multiple operating systems, with a focus on Windows, as well as Linux/Unix platforms.
• Demonstrated experience with cyber security related technologies (e.g., NIDS, HIDS, IPS, and IDS)
• Utilize a broad range of open-source and commercial tools to conduct advanced malware analysis and reverse engineering.
• Demonstrated advanced technical ability in reverse engineering custom protocols used by malware
• Produce clear, detailed reports in plain business language, outlining findings and defensive recommendations.
• Analyze malware to uncover adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active Top Secret clearance or higher (program can support up to TS/SCI)
• Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of prior IT (additional work experience or Cyber courses/certifications may be substituted in lieu of degree)
• Demonstrated experience with reverse engineering practices
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and report writing skills
• Motivated self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to create complex technical reports on analytic findings.
• Programming skills in languages such as Python, C, C++, or Ruby.
• Deep expertise in Windows OS and familiarity with Linux/Unix environments
• Proven experience with cybersecurity tools such as NIDS, HIDS, IPS, and IDS.
• Required Certifications (prior to start):
  • DoD 8570 IAT II
  • GREM (GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware)

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT

• DoD 8570 IAT II and GREM certifications required prior to starting

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• IAM-III certification
• ITIL v3 Foundation or v4
• BA/BS degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, or Information Systems
• Cybersecurity experience (Protect, Detect, Respond and Sustain) within a Computer Incident Response organization.
• Demonstrated understanding of the life cycle of cybersecurity threats, attacks, attack vectors and methods of exploitation with an understanding of intrusion set tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs).
• Experience with malware analysis concepts and methods.
• Familiarity or experience in Intelligence Driven Defense, Cyber Kill Chain methodology, and/or MITRE ATT&CK framework.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Clearance Requirement: Must possess an active DoD Top Secret Clearance. In addition, selected candidate must undergo background investigation (BI) and finger printing by the federal agency and successfully pass the preceding to qualify for the position. US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED.

CRITICAL SOLUTIONS PAY AND BENEFITS:

Salary range $120,000 - $180,000. The salary range for this position represent the typical salary range for this job level and this does not guarantee a specific salary. Compensation is based upon multiple factors such as responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, certifications, and other requirements.

BENEFIT SNAPSHOT: 100% premium coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Supplemental Insurance, 401K matching, Flexible Time Off (PTO/Holidays), Higher Education/Training Reimbursement, and more.