Jobloria
Host Based Systems Analyst
Base-One Inc
Location : Vienna, VA, 22180
Job Type : Contractor
Date Posted : 2 December 2025
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Responsibilities:
· Assisting Federal leads with overseeing and leading forensic teams at onsite engagements by coordinating data collection/acquisition operations
· Providing technical assistance on data collection techniques and forensic investigative techniques to appropriate personnel when necessary
· Writing in-depth reports, supports with peer reviews and provides quality assurance reviews for junior personnel
· Supporting forensic analysis and mentoring/providing guidance to others on data collection, analysis and reporting in support of onsite engagements.
· Assisting with leading and coordinating forensic teams in preliminary investigation
· Planning, coordinating and directing the inventory, examination and comprehensive technical analysis of computer systems and digital artifacts.
· Distilling analytic findings into executive summaries and in-depth technical reports
· Serving as technical forensics liaison to stakeholders and explaining investigation details to include forensic methodologies and protocols
· Tracking and documenting on-site incident response activities and providing updates to leadership throughout the engagement
· Traveling to incident response locations in the United States, Territories & Possessions
· Evaluating, extracting and analyzing suspected malicious code
Required Skills:
oU.S. Citizenship
oMust have an active TS/SCI clearance
oMust be able to obtain DHS Suitability
o 8+ years of directly relevant experience in cyber forensic investigations using leading edge technologies and industry standard forensic tools
o Ability to create forensically sound duplicates of computer systems (forensic images)
o Able to write cyber investigative reports documenting digital forensics findings
o Experience with the analysis and characterization of cyber attacks
o Experience with proper digital asset collection and preservation procedures and chain of custody protocols
o Skilled in identifying different classes of attacks and attack stages
o Knowledge of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities
o Knowledgeable in proactive analysis of systems and networks, to include creating trust levels of critical resources
o Must be able to work collaboratively across physical locations.
Desired Skills:
· Experience with or knowledge of two or more of the following tools:
· EnCase
· SIFT
· X-Ways
· Volatility
· WireShark
· Sleuth Kit/ Autopsy
· Magnet Axiom Cyber
· Snort
· Splunk or other SIEM Tools (ArcSight, LogRythm, Elastic, Etc.)
· Other EDR Tools (Crowdstrike, MDE, Trellix, Etc)
· Proficiency with conducting all-source research.
Required Education:
BS Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering or related degree; or HS Diploma and 10+ years of host or digital forensics experience
Desired Certifications:
GCFA, GCFE, EnCE, CCE, CFCE, CISSP
Freqently Asked Questions
Professionals in Vienna, VA often coordinate closely with federal leads during on-site investigations, ensuring data acquisition aligns with strict forensic standards. This role demands precise execution of digital evidence gathering, critical for maintaining chain of custody and supporting cyber forensic conclusions.
Host Based Systems Analysts can progress towards senior cybersecurity roles, digital forensics leadership, or specialized incident response positions. Building expertise in advanced forensic tools and obtaining certifications like GCFA or CISSP can significantly enhance growth opportunities.
Unlike broader systems analyst roles, this position specializes in cyber forensic investigations, requiring mastery in forensic imaging, malware analysis, and incident response. Familiarity with tools like EnCase, Volatility, and Wireshark is essential to analyze and secure host-based systems effectively.
Base-One Inc emphasizes collaboration across distributed forensic teams, demanding adaptability to dynamic incident response scenarios. Analysts must balance rigorous technical investigations with clear communication to stakeholders, ensuring findings are accurately conveyed during high-pressure engagements.
At Base-One Inc, these analysts serve as pivotal liaisons between forensic teams and federal agencies, overseeing data collection and technical reporting. Their expertise supports mission-critical investigations, often requiring travel across U.S. territories to respond swiftly to cyber incidents.
Salary for Host Based Systems Analysts in Vienna typically ranges between $95,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience and clearance levels. Given the specialized nature of cyber forensic work and active TS/SCI clearance requirements, compensation often reflects these high-demand skills.
Vienna's proximity to federal agencies creates a competitive market for cleared cyber forensic professionals. Candidates with active TS/SCI clearances and extensive hands-on forensic experience tend to stand out, benefiting from steady demand in government-focused incident response roles.
Certifications such as GCFA, GCFE, CISSP, and CFCE carry strong weight in Northern Virginia's cybersecurity landscape. They demonstrate proficiency in forensic methodologies and information security, aligning well with the rigorous standards expected by local federal employers and contractors.
Physical presence is often essential due to on-site forensic engagements requiring hands-on data collection and team leadership. Base-One Inc's assignments frequently involve travel within the U.S., underscoring the importance of being able to operate effectively in diverse incident response environments.
This role uniquely blends deep cyber forensic investigation with leadership in incident response, focusing on creating forensically sound system images and analyzing malicious code. Unlike typical systems analysts, the position demands extensive clearance and a thorough grasp of digital artifact examination.
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