Senior Cybersecurity Analyst
Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory, North Logan, Utah, United States
Job ID: 6101
Date Posted: February 2, 2026
The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a skilled Information Security Analyst with 10+ years of hands-on cybersecurity experience to join our dynamic security operations team. This role spans mid-level to senior responsibilities, focusing on threat detection, incident response, security tool management, and contributing to the enhancement of our overall security posture. The position involves a mix of high-level operational execution, independent analysis, and contributions to process improvements.
The ideal candidate brings practical experience in enterprise security environments, strong analytical skills, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect National security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of War. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
Key Responsibilities:
Threat Prevention & Monitoring
Monitors security alerts from SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS, email filter, endpoint tools, and other platforms
Performs triage, investigation, and escalation
Develops, tunes, and maintains detection rules, signatures, queries, and behavioral analytics
Conducts proactive threat hunting for IOCs to identify attacker TTPs
Conducts deep threat analysis on software packages and applications
Optimizes and maintains deception platforms
Incident Response & Analysis
Investigates security incidents from initial detection through containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned
Documents incidents thoroughly, including root cause analysis, timelines, and recommendations
Coordinates response activities with internal teams and, when needed, external partners
Security Operations
Operates and optimizes security tools
Automate repetitive tasks and workflows using tools and/or scripting (Python, PowerShell, etc.)
Supports vulnerability management processes: scanning, prioritization, remediation tracking, and validation
Evaluates new security technologies and recommends improvements to existing tools and processes
Threat Intelligence & Collaboration
Consumes, automates, analyzes, and applies internal and external threat intelligence to enhance detections, hunting, and defenses
Collaborates with IT, GRC, engineering, and other teams on security projects, risk assessments, and awareness efforts
Participates in threat emulation, purple team exercises, or control testing to validate and strengthen defenses
Process Improvement & Compliance
Maintains, updates, and contributes to incident response playbooks, runbooks, and standard operating procedures
Assists with NIST 800-171 compliance and regulatory requirements through evidence collection, control testing, and assessment support
Identifies gaps in security processes and proposes enhancements to improve efficiency, detection accuracy, and decrease MTTD/MTTR
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity or a related field with 10+ years, or a Master's degree with 8+ years, of professional experience in cybersecurity operations, threat detection, incident response, or related technical security roles
Must possess CISSP or equivalent DoDD 8570 certification
Proven experience with event triage and monitoring tools
Proficient in log analysis, event correlation, and identifying IOCs
Experience using Sandboxing and other threat and malware analysis tools
Proven ability to lead and mentor junior-level analysts
Understanding of NIST 800-171 and CMMC requirements or strong understanding of security and compliance concepts related to another framework (RMF, CSF)
Willing to respond to incidents outside of regular business hours, as needed
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively
Ability to work well under pressure
Currently possess the CMMC Certified Professional (CCP) certification or can obtain certification within 6 months of employment
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong understanding of networking architecture
Knowledge of cloud security concepts, DevSecOps practices, or adversary emulation frameworks
Prior experience mentoring team members or leading small cybersecurity projects
Experience in enterprise environments, cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS
Proficiency in scripting/automation and query languages (SQL, SPL, FQL, KQL)
Salary Range $117,000 - $175,000
This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.
Why Join SDL? SDL offers competitive salaries and
a comprehensive benefits package . Visit our
Benefits Page
to learn more about what we offer.
SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA's vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense's aim to protect our Nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you've heard of, and others that you haven't. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.
The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days. However, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Date Posted: February 2, 2026
The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a skilled Information Security Analyst with 10+ years of hands-on cybersecurity experience to join our dynamic security operations team. This role spans mid-level to senior responsibilities, focusing on threat detection, incident response, security tool management, and contributing to the enhancement of our overall security posture. The position involves a mix of high-level operational execution, independent analysis, and contributions to process improvements.
The ideal candidate brings practical experience in enterprise security environments, strong analytical skills, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect National security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of War. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
Key Responsibilities:
Threat Prevention & Monitoring
Monitors security alerts from SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS, email filter, endpoint tools, and other platforms
Performs triage, investigation, and escalation
Develops, tunes, and maintains detection rules, signatures, queries, and behavioral analytics
Conducts proactive threat hunting for IOCs to identify attacker TTPs
Conducts deep threat analysis on software packages and applications
Optimizes and maintains deception platforms
Incident Response & Analysis
Investigates security incidents from initial detection through containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned
Documents incidents thoroughly, including root cause analysis, timelines, and recommendations
Coordinates response activities with internal teams and, when needed, external partners
Security Operations
Operates and optimizes security tools
Automate repetitive tasks and workflows using tools and/or scripting (Python, PowerShell, etc.)
Supports vulnerability management processes: scanning, prioritization, remediation tracking, and validation
Evaluates new security technologies and recommends improvements to existing tools and processes
Threat Intelligence & Collaboration
Consumes, automates, analyzes, and applies internal and external threat intelligence to enhance detections, hunting, and defenses
Collaborates with IT, GRC, engineering, and other teams on security projects, risk assessments, and awareness efforts
Participates in threat emulation, purple team exercises, or control testing to validate and strengthen defenses
Process Improvement & Compliance
Maintains, updates, and contributes to incident response playbooks, runbooks, and standard operating procedures
Assists with NIST 800-171 compliance and regulatory requirements through evidence collection, control testing, and assessment support
Identifies gaps in security processes and proposes enhancements to improve efficiency, detection accuracy, and decrease MTTD/MTTR
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity or a related field with 10+ years, or a Master's degree with 8+ years, of professional experience in cybersecurity operations, threat detection, incident response, or related technical security roles
Must possess CISSP or equivalent DoDD 8570 certification
Proven experience with event triage and monitoring tools
Proficient in log analysis, event correlation, and identifying IOCs
Experience using Sandboxing and other threat and malware analysis tools
Proven ability to lead and mentor junior-level analysts
Understanding of NIST 800-171 and CMMC requirements or strong understanding of security and compliance concepts related to another framework (RMF, CSF)
Willing to respond to incidents outside of regular business hours, as needed
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively
Ability to work well under pressure
Currently possess the CMMC Certified Professional (CCP) certification or can obtain certification within 6 months of employment
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong understanding of networking architecture
Knowledge of cloud security concepts, DevSecOps practices, or adversary emulation frameworks
Prior experience mentoring team members or leading small cybersecurity projects
Experience in enterprise environments, cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS
Proficiency in scripting/automation and query languages (SQL, SPL, FQL, KQL)
Salary Range $117,000 - $175,000
This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.
Why Join SDL? SDL offers competitive salaries and
a comprehensive benefits package . Visit our
Benefits Page
to learn more about what we offer.
SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA's vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense's aim to protect our Nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you've heard of, and others that you haven't. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.
The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days. However, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr