Cyber Security Engineer – DHS Counter‑Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C‑UAS) Program

Overview

The Cyber Security Engineer strengthens the cyber defense posture of the DHS C‑UAS Program by planning, developing, and implementing advanced security solutions that protect mission systems, networks, and data against hacking, malware, ransomware, insider threats, and other cyberattacks. The role secures C‑UAS detection platforms, analytics systems, communication pathways, and command‑and‑control technologies used across DHS operational environments.

Role Impact

This role hardens DHS C‑UAS systems against cyberattack, protecting mission availability and the integrity of detection, tracking, and assessment capabilities that safeguard critical infrastructure and public safety.

Locations: Annapolis, Maryland. Hybrid 3 days a week required in office.

Salary Range: $182,000 - $192,000

Key Responsibilities

Plan, design, and implement modern security solutions to defend C‑UAS systems and networks against hacking, malware, ransomware, insider threats, and advanced cybercrime techniques.
Implement hardened configurations, secure architectures, and layered controls aligned with DHS cybersecurity engineering capabilities.
Oversee monitoring of mission networks, sensor fusion systems, detection servers, and communication pathways for anomalies and cyber‑threat indicators.
Anticipate security breaches through proactive analysis, threat‑hunting, and behavior‑based monitoring.
Install, configure, and maintain security tools including firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM platforms, EDR solutions, and encryption programs.
Develop cybersecurity plans, controls, and baselines for C‑UAS programs.
Ensure proper security controls to protect mission‑critical data, operator systems, C‑UAS sensor outputs, and DHS infrastructure.
Implement encryption and secure communication protocols to protect C‑UAS telemetry and detection data.
Investigate cyber incidents affecting C‑UAS systems—determine root cause, attack path, and impact; document full incident lifecycle.
Support cyber forensics and legal evidence standards; coordinate secure recovery operations.
Conduct penetration tests targeting networks, operating systems, cloud services, RF‑connected components, and C‑UAS interfaces.
Identify vulnerabilities and recommend remediation strategies and hardening measures.
Manage intrusion‑detection systems, audit tools, scanning platforms, and monitoring systems across the C‑UAS enterprise.
Ensure detection technologies comply with DHS S&T test‑bed and operational guidance.
Develop secure architectures to defend C‑UAS systems against advanced persistent threats (APTs) and nation‑state actors.
Integrate NIST and Zero Trust principles into C‑UAS system designs.
Maintain compliance with DHS, NIST, CISA, FAA, and federal cybersecurity regulations.
Document security plans, incident reports, penetration test results, and configuration standards.
Track emerging threats, UAS/C‑UAS cyber risks, and DHS/CISA guidance; integrate new defenses and best practices into the cybersecurity roadmap.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be a U.S citizen with a valid secret security clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, preferred.
8+ years of cybersecurity engineering, network defense experience, and incident response.
Experience in reviewing and/or developing information assurance/cyber security documentation (processes, procedures, risk assessments, reports, policies, etc…) related to Federal or State programs.
Experience securing UAS/C‑UAS systems, RF systems, or IoT/OT environments.
Proficiency with security technologies (e.g., firewalls, EDR/SIEM, IDS/IPS, encryption, PKI, SOC tools).
Experience with vulnerability assessments, penetration tests, and threat modeling.
Certifications such as CISSP, CEH, GCIH, GCIA, GPEN, CASP+, CySA+.

Preferred Qualifications

DHS, DoD, IC, or critical‑infrastructure cyber operations experience.

Compensation- Salary

At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience. Additional incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full time, exempt position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance:

Must be eligible to work in the US.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity