Cyber Range Engineer

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Position Overview

We are looking for Cyber Range Engineers for the Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE) who will be subject matter experts for cyber range development and validation to support a variety of offensive cyber operations (OCO) and defensive cyber operations (DCO) trainings for the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT). The ability to thrive within high pressure situations and drive relevant teams to take the right actions are a must.

Most positions are full-time on-site in Pensacola, FL. Possible alternate work locations of Hanover, MD or Orlando, FL. Remote work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Build and configure cyber range content (virtual machines, virtual networks, accounts/roles, tooling, and exercise injects) to meet training objectives.
• Implement and operate offensive and defensive training content, including red cell tools, defensive sensors, and supporting applications, under established design guidance.
• Provide support during execution windows, including environment readiness checks, user access support, troubleshooting, and rapid issue resolution.
• Configure and maintain Windows and Linux hosts used in training environments, including patching, baseline configuration, and restoration of lab state as required.
• Deliver virtual infrastructure and network support (VMware, routing/switching constructs, DNS, TCP/IP), including diagnosing connectivity and performance issues across range enclaves.
• Coordinate with content developers, training staff, and stakeholders to capture requirements, track tasks, and communicate status, risks, and impacts.
• Develop and update technical documentation (build notes, runbooks, diagrams, and after-action inputs) to support repeatable event delivery and knowledge transfer.
• Identify repeat issues and contribute to continuous improvement by recommending and implementing process, automation, or standard configuration updates.

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as information technology, computer science, systems or software engineering from an accredited college or university. Six years of relevant experience can be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
• 8+ years of combined experience with Computer Network Operations (CNO)/ Computer Network Exploitation (CNE)/ Computer Network Defense (CND) platforms, cyber training, validation exercises, and working with cyber protection teams (CPTs), including planning, coordinating, and execution.
• A graduate of CDA, HAC, NAC, NT, CTEC, CTIAC, COPC, or equivalent service cyber school.
• Hands-on expertise in both Windows and Linux operating system environments.
• Experience working with VMware and supporting systems within virtualized environments.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot network connectivity, performance, and configuration issues involving DNS, routing, and TCP/IP.
• Intermediate knowledge of defensive and offensive cyber tools and techniques.
• Must be a self-starter in a fast-paced environment and able to work with a range of personnel holding a diverse set of skills at differing levels of experience.
• Effective written and oral communication with multiple levels of leadership involving both business and technical sides of the business.
• Able to prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
• Current DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II or Level III certification.
• Relevant networking engineering certification such as JNCP, CCNA, Palo Alto, CCNA Cyber Ops, or other.
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate), VMware VCP-Cloud, and similar certifications.
• Certifications in RedHat / Linux / VMware / Windows (install, configure, maintain and administer).

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• Experience supporting cyber training to military personnel in a classroom setting.
• Experience using SIEMs, intrusion detection systems, or threat intelligence platforms.
• Experience using scripting or automation tools to streamline cybersecurity operations or environment setup.
• Experience with PCTE.

Special Requirements/Security Clearance

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and a TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to pass a CI polygraph if requested by the customer. Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.

Occasional travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The above is intended to describe the general contents of and requirements for the performance of this job.

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. has been, and is fully committed to equal employment opportunity. Equal Employment Opportunity will remain a fundamental principle, where we seek to recruit the very best candidates. CESI actively seeks to recruit and does not discriminate in employment without regard to gender, race, color, religious creed, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability and/or protected veteran status.

Benefits Overview

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise. Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.