Principal Cyber Security Analyst
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 3, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 30, 2026. Applied Research Associates scores B on the Alion truth index.
The Principal Cyber Security Analyst serves primarily as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for cyber development efforts. This engineer has a strong understanding of the requirements capture process and the full lifecycle of technical cyber development initiatives. Execution of these responsibilities requires the ability to develop effective solutions by synthesizing mission strategy, industry standards, processes, emerging technologies, and creative approaches to achieve program objectives.
The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary, distributed team and will integrate existing products, industry-standard architectural methodologies, and emerging technologies to address complex IT and cyber challenges for our customers.
Principal Cyber Security Analyst Responsibilities:
The Principal Cyber Software Analyst will provide cyber management services to government agencies related to threats in Cyberspace Operations. The role includes managing all technical aspects of cyber development projects using Agile software development methodologies, ensuring an effective balance between user requirements and technical constraints.
This role may involve supporting government exercises focused on Cyberspace Operations in support of military operations. Additionally, this position may also develop and deliver customized training and documentation for software products.
Principal Cyber Security Analyst Requirements:
- MUST have a Top Secret clearance and be eligible for SCI eligibility (TS/SCI)
- Minimum of 12 years experience with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related field, or 20 years of equivalent experience
- This position requires residency within 45 miles of Fort Belvoir, VA
- This is a hybrid position consisting of work in the office and occasional telework
- Travel is estimated at 5 to 7 days a month
- Completion of one of the following U.S. Government Cyberspace Operations courses is highly preferred: RIOT, COTC, or FORGE
- Equivalent commercial training such as GIAC GPEN, GXPN, or GRTP is desired
- Experience leading or providing technical oversight for complex cyber or IT development efforts
- Experience with Windows, Linux, and core networking concepts (e.g., protocols, switching, routing, VPNs)
Principal Cyber Security Analyst Preferences:
- Experience supporting cyber operations or mission-focused environments (e.g., SOCs, fusion centers)
- Experience with scripting or object-oriented programming for cybersecurity or automation
- Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and best practices (e.g., NIST, MITRE ATT&CK, Zero Trust)
- Experience delivering technical briefings and demonstrations to senior leaders and large technical audiences
- Experience with integration, architecture, or interoperability of cyber capabilities
- Familiarity with cyber test and evaluation
- Experience supporting cyber exercises or training events
- Knowledge of containerization, virtualization, or cloud environments
- Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Experience applying Agile development methodologies
Anticipated salary range: $220k-$240k. Offer may vary depending on experience and skill set.
Who is ARA?
Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,230 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.
ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience.
To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits