Cyber Operations Lead

General program information and/or position overview. (Must be proficient in Spanish and be able to speak, read, and communicate fluently)

The Digital Modernization Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Cyber Operations Lead to work onsite in Doral, Florida and have the opportunity to manage and lead cybersecurity operations for IT and Cyber Services programs supporting the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Cyber Information Technology Enterprise Services (SCITES) 2 contract. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of defensive cyber operations, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, and maintaining operational readiness across USSOUTHCOM's Area of Responsibility (AOR). The Cyber Operations Lead will play a key role in developing and implementing security strategies, directing cyber operations, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to enhance overall cybersecurity posture.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of cyber operations and ensure the protection of critical IT systems and data within USSOUTHCOM’s AOR.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes proactive defense, incident response, and threat mitigation measures in alignment with DoD standards and USSOUTHCOM mission objectives.

• Manage the operation and maintenance of security systems, including intrusion detection, firewalls, endpoint protection, and other defensive measures.

• Lead the analysis and response to cyber threats, incidents, and vulnerabilities, ensuring all events are managed and resolved effectively.

• Coordinate with various stakeholders, including engineering, program management, interagency, and international partners, to ensure a cohesive and unified approach to cyber defense.

• Develop and implement mission defense plans (MDPs) for critical mission-relevant terrain in cyberspace, ensuring key assets are adequately defended.

• Oversee the creation and maintenance of security documentation, including security assessments, risk analyses, and incident reports.

• Ensure compliance with DoD standards, including NIST frameworks, eMASS, and other cybersecurity regulations, to meet the requirements of USSOUTHCOM.

• Lead and manage a team of cybersecurity professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Drive continual service improvement (CSI) initiatives to enhance security effectiveness, identify capability gaps, and integrate innovative technologies into the cyber defense environment.

• Provide senior-level briefings and reports on the state of cyber operations, including risk assessments, incidents, and mitigation strategies, to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.

• 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity operations, with a focus on defensive cyber operations and incident response.

• Must currently hold and be able to maintain a Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility.

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Information Systems Security Management Professional (ISSMP) or equivalent CSSP Manager level certification.

• CompTIA Security+ or equivalent IAT Level II/III certification

• Proven ability to lead cybersecurity operations in a high-stakes, mission-critical environment, including OCONUS deployments.

• Strong knowledge of DoD security standards, NIST frameworks, and eMASS.

• Experience managing security systems and tools, including SIEM platforms, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to brief senior leadership and coordinate across diverse mission partners.

• Demonstrated ability to lead a cybersecurity team, providing technical guidance and driving strategic cyber defense initiatives.

• Must be proficient in Spanish and be able to speak, read, and communicate fluently

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, IT, or a related field.

• Experience supporting cybersecurity for combatant commands or other major defense organizations.

• ITIL Foundation Certification or similar service management qualification.

• Experience with SIPRNet, NSANet, or other secure networks in a DoD environment.

• Knowledge of USSOUTHCOM’s mission, operational objectives, and command structure.

Key Competencies:

• Cybersecurity Leadership: Proven ability to lead cyber operations in complex, mission-critical environments, providing strategic direction and effective management.

• Threat Analysis and Incident Response: Strong skills in identifying, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats and incidents, ensuring effective mitigation and resolution.

• Collaboration and Coordination: Ability to work with diverse teams across various functional areas to ensure unified and robust cyber defense.

• Communication Skills: Effective communication skills to articulate complex cyber issues and strategies to senior leaders, technical teams, and mission partners.

Original Posting Date:

While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.