Defensive Cyber Ops Lead at Nightwing in Sterling, VA

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. We are seeking an exceptional Defensive Cyber Operations Lead to manage daily cyber defense tasking and operational tempo, serving as the primary liaison between contractor personnel and mission counterparts to ensure seamless coordination and mission alignment. This role requires a proven senior-level technical authority who can match personnel skills and certifications to operational requirements and mission priorities while managing complex, large-scale operations supporting critical national security missions. Nightwing delivers end-to-end secure IT services leveraging deep experience in Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO), Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), Cyber Vulnerability Assessments (CVAs), and systems integration. As Defensive Cyber Operations Lead, you will translate operational requirements into actionable defensive cyber missions, lead threat detection and response operations, and ensure our cyber defense capabilities remain operationally effective in dynamic threat environments. You will be responsible for maintaining operational readiness of cyber defense teams operating within accredited environments, ensuring compliance with DoD Information Assurance (IA) requirements, and supporting defensive cyber operations across systems with Authority to Operate (ATO). This includes leading threat hunting activities, incident response operations, and continuous monitoring that meet operational security standards and mission requirements. This is a high-visibility, operationally critical leadership position requiring an individual who can lead cyber defense teams supporting programs with 50+ FTEs, navigate 24/7/365 operational environments in mission settings, and drive organizational success through operational excellence, mission-focused leadership, and tactical proficiency. You will be accountable for the operational readiness and defensive posture of teams supporting critical Intelligence Community operations. Key Responsibilities Defensive Cyber Operations Leadership Serve as the senior operational authority for all defensive cyber operations activities across the program portfolio valued at $50M+ annually Manage daily cyber defense tasking and operational battle rhythm supporting 24/7/365 Intelligence Community operations Serve as primary liaison between contractor personnel and military counterparts ensuring seamless coordination and mission alignment Lead threat detection, incident response, and threat hunting operations across enterprise-scale networks Oversee cyber defense missions including intrusion detection, malware analysis, and network defense operations Direct Security Operations Center (SOC) activities ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities Drive tactical and operational decisions during cyber incidents and defensive operations Personnel & Readiness Management Match personnel skills and certifications to operational requirements and mission priorities across 50+ cyber operators Maintain comprehensive skills matrix of cyber tasking staff tracking certifications, specializations, and operational readiness levels Ensure team maintains readiness to support dynamic threat environments and surge requirements with minimal notice Coordinate personnel scheduling and duty assignments across multiple operational shifts and mission sets Conduct operational readiness assessments and capability gap analysis Support technical hiring, training,