Deputy Range Operations Lead

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Position Overview

The Deputy Range Operations Lead will support the leadership and coordination of the Joint Cyber Training Enterprise (JCTE) Cyber Range Engineering team. Working closely with the Range Operations Lead, the Deputy will help manage operations, provide technical direction, ensure quality execution of cyber range events, and facilitate collaboration across functional areas. This position requires a strong mix of technical expertise, organizational skills, and team leadership experience in dynamic and mission-critical environments.

Position location is Annapolis Junction, MD and full time on-site.

Responsibilities

• Serve as deputy to the team lead, assisting with day-to-day oversight of team operations, tasking, and progress tracking.
• Support the planning, coordination, and execution of cyber training and testing events across multiple cyber range platforms.
• Assist with prioritizing and synchronizing tasks across engineering, cybersecurity, and content development teams.
• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding range operations and team performance.
• Drive execution of operational objectives, ensuring all deliverables meet contractual requirements and quality standards.
• Mentor junior team members and assist in performance feedback, skills development, and onboarding.
• Support the integration of new technologies and process improvements.

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (e.g., Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science) or 6+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of experience in cyber range operations, cybersecurity engineering, or IT infrastructure in support of cyber training events.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including task management or deputy/assistant team lead responsibilities.
• Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II/III Certification (e.g., Security+, CISSP, CCNA), or the ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Strong working knowledge of enterprise networks, cyber tools, and systems administration.
• Familiarity with the Joint Event Life Cycle (JELC), cyber mission forces, and red cell operations.
• Expertise in virtual environments, VMWare, Linux (RHEL), Microsoft systems, DNS, and TCP/IP networking.
• Experience working with cyber protection teams (CPTs) or in support of joint cyber exercises.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to brief senior leadership and collaborate across technical teams.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting large-scale joint or multinational cyber exercises.
• Familiarity with tools such as Security Onion, Splunk, LDAP, and Identity Management systems.
• Experience supporting both offensive and defensive cyber operations.
• Project management or technical team coordination experience in a DoD or federal environment 

Special Requirements/Security Clearance

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and a TS/SCI security clearance with a valid CI polygraph. 

CESI is committed to principles of inclusion and equal employment opportunity.  We foster a non-discriminatory, professional work environment for all our teams.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

Salary Range

Salary Minimum: $145,000, Salary Maximum: $185,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, CESI also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, CESI provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

Benefits Overview

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)