Title: Systems Engineer (Cyber) Location: Arlington & Alexandria, VA Compensation Range: $150 -$180K *Clearance: *Active TS/SCI needed to apply *
Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation’s toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don’t look any further than Cornerstone Defense.
Benefits Overview: Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *
Position Description: The Systems Engineer (Cyber) provides technical analysis, capability integration support, and program coordination for senior cyber leadership across ASW Cyber, the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor (DPCA), and U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). In this role, you will evaluate emerging technologies, support cyber capability development and acquisition activities, engage directly with industry and academia, and help align new solutions with Department-level cyber requirements. Operating between the Pentagon and the Mark Center, you will serve as a trusted technical advisor shaping future cyber capabilities and strengthening collaboration across government and industry.
Core Tasks:
Provide technical and analytical support to USCYBERCOM capability development and acquisition processes, including the Capabilities Integration and Development System (CCIDS) and the Command Acquisition Executive (CAE).
Evaluate emerging technologies, conduct capability analyses, and map potential solutions to Principal Cyber Advisor (PCA) and Department requirements to support senior decision-making.
Assess capability documentation such as Initial Capability Documents (ICDs), Capability Needs Statements (CNS), and related artifacts to support acquisition planning and investment prioritization.
Support development, staffing, coordination, and approval of industry engagement activities advancing ASW Cyber and USCYBERCOM capability development initiatives.
Engage with industry, academia, FFRDCs, and other organizations to identify emerging technologies supporting Department cyber mission needs.
Plan, coordinate, and support logistics for quarterly Industry Days, technology exchanges, workshops, and other events fostering public-private collaboration and cybersecurity innovation.
Prepare executive correspondence, read-aheads, briefing materials, meeting requests, and summary reports supporting senior leader engagements and decision forums.
Develop and maintain knowledge management tools, tracking mechanisms, and collaboration resources to monitor capability development, industry engagements, and emerging technology partnerships.
Monitor conferences, technology forums, trade shows, and industry events; recommend participation and partnership opportunities aligned with Department cyber priorities.
Coordinate with cross-functional mission partners to integrate capability development activities, support acquisition planning, and provide technical advice enabling informed decisions regarding future cyber capabilities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 12 years of experience, or Master’s degree in STEM with 10 years of professional experience.
5 years of experience as a U.S. Government civilian or military member.
Minimum 5 years of experience engaging government and private-sector stakeholders to identify, evaluate, and advance emerging technology solutions supporting warfighter and cyber capability needs.
Experience supporting or building USG–industry coalitions for collaboration, information sharing, and emerging technology development.
Demonstrated experience maintaining partnerships among government organizations, industry, academia, and external stakeholders.
Familiarity with DoW–private sector partnership models supporting emerging technology and cyber capability advancement.
Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation’s toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don’t look any further than Cornerstone Defense.
Benefits Overview: Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *
Position Description: The Cyber Policy & Strategy Analyst supports the Office of the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor (ODPCA) by providing high‑level strategic analysis, policy expertise, and technical guidance for cyber workforce readiness, DCO capability development, and enterprise‑wide cyber operations initiatives. In this role, you will analyze complex cyber mission areas, shape Department‑level strategies and policies, evaluate readiness across Cyber Operations Forces, and advise senior leadership on mission‑critical decisions. Working between the Pentagon and Mark Center, you serve as a trusted advisor helping the Department of War strengthen its cyber posture, operational readiness, and long‑term strategic direction.
Core Tasks:
Inform OPCA leadership on cyberspace operations resourcing and support development, review, and execution of USCYBERCOM’s contributions to the PPBE process, including POM and Budget Estimate Submission activities.
Conduct strategic analysis to inform development, implementation, and refinement of cyber workforce, readiness, and operational policies across the Department of War.
Support ODPCA leadership by assessing cyber force readiness, mission requirements, workforce priorities, and execution of Department‑wide cyber initiatives.
Evaluate the effectiveness, compliance, and performance of COF programs against statutory, policy, and operational standards; provide recommendations to senior leaders.
Apply readiness standards, force requirements, mission essential tasks, and relevant metrics to determine joint force preparedness across assigned cyber warfighting mission areas.
Conduct detailed analysis supporting USCYBERCOM’s Joint Cyber Training and Joint Force Coordinator responsibilities, including readiness reporting and mission requirement validation.
Provide analytical and executive‑level support to ODPCA oversight of USCYBERCOM’s cyber force design, force structure, command and control initiatives, and readiness activities.
Support policy development for the defense of critical infrastructure, operational technology, control systems, and information systems across the Department.
Provide technical and strategic support for Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), including evaluation of policies, strategies, operational concepts, personnel requirements, and organizational structures.
Conduct comprehensive analysis across technical and operational cyber domains, generating actionable recommendations that shape senior‑level decisions and strategic direction.
Develop executive‑level briefings, assessments, and recommendations communicating readiness findings, policy implications, and strategic guidance to senior DoW and cyber leadership.
Serve as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert supporting enterprise cyber mission objectives, workforce readiness planning, and Department‑level strategy development.
Qualifications
Master’s degree with fifteen (15) years of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree with eighteen (18) years of relevant experience in public policy, national security, STEM, or related field.
Minimum ten (10) years supporting Department‑level cyber strategic planning, policy development, and cyberspace operations.
Graduate of a formal DoW/Joint cyber planning course (JCPC, JPME, or advanced warfighting schools such as SAMS, SAASS, SAW, JAWS).
Experience supporting DCDC, USCYBERCOM, DoW CIO, or Service Cyber Component headquarters.
Expert‑level experience developing or reviewing DoW/DoD‑level policy documents, directives, instructions, and high‑level guidance.
Ability to interpret and apply Title 10 authorities and DoW 8500/8140 cybersecurity and workforce policies.
Deep understanding of DODIN operations, DCO, cyber C2 models, and translating strategic guidance into operational constructs.
Expert‑level understanding of maneuver warfare doctrine, campaign planning, and cyberspace operations within the Joint Planning Process (JPP).
Proven ability to conduct complex strategic analysis, develop actionable recommendations, and advise senior leaders.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to provide technical support and strategic guidance in policy, strategy, and cyber operations.
Preferred:
Alignment with Defense Cyber Workforce Framework roles:
Primary: 752 – Cyber Policy and Strategy Planner
Secondary: 332 – Cyber Operations Planner
Location:Arlington, Virginia
Type:Contract
Job#4035
Title: Cyber Budget Analyst Location: Arlington & Alexandria, VA Compensation Range: $110 -$140K *Clearance: *Active TS/SCI needed to apply *
Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation’s toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don’t look any further than Cornerstone Defense.
Benefits Overview: Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *
Position Description: The Cyber Budget Analyst supports the Office of the Principal Cyber Advisor (OPCA) by providing analytical, fiscal, and programmatic expertise that informs cyber resource planning and investment decisions across the Department of Defense. Operating between the Pentagon and Mark Center, this role plays a critical part in shaping USCYBERCOM’s POM submissions, analyzing Program Element (PE) funding, supporting PPBE activities, and producing executive-level guidance that ensures cyber capabilities are properly resourced to meet operational and strategic priorities.
Core Tasks:
Inform OPCA leadership on cyberspace operations resourcing and support development, review, and execution of USCYBERCOM’s contributions to the PPBE process, including POM and Budget Estimate Submission activities.
Conduct detailed analysis of Program Element (PE)-level funding, Cyber POM submissions, budget requests, and fiscal requirements to ensure alignment with strategic cyber priorities and mission needs.
Support annual Program and Budget Review (PBR) activities, resource certification processes, and development of Cyberspace Operations Programming Guidance (COPG), fiscal guidance, and executive decision materials.
Analyze and integrate financial, programmatic, and operational data using SNAP‑IT, ADVANA, Budget Justification Books, and related DoD resource management tools.
Provide technical and analytical assessments of cyber investment strategies, identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities for improved mission performance.
Develop executive‑level briefings, reports, analyses, and recommendations for OPCA leadership, translating complex budget and program information into clear, decision-ready products.
Collaborate across Combatant Commands, Military Services, OSD, and stakeholder organizations to synchronize cyber requirements with planning, programming, budgeting, and acquisition activities.
Provide strategic guidance to senior leaders on cyberspace operations funding, capability development, and long‑range resource planning.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any discipline.
Minimum 5 years of experience supporting DoD PPBE processes, fiscal planning, or budget execution.
Experience supporting USCYBERCOM or Joint/Service POM development and BES formulation.
Demonstrated expertise in Program Objective Memorandum (POM) formulation, Program Element (PE) management, and defense resource planning.
Experience supporting Component or Military Department POM development at the CCMD, four‑star HQ, or Secretariat level.
Strong understanding of DoD resource planning and fiscal management processes.
Proven ability to analyze complex budget, program, and fiscal data and produce strategic recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, government officials, and cross‑functional stakeholders.
Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with experience developing executive-level documentation.
Ability to provide analytical and technical guidance on fiscal planning, programming, and resource
Title: Cyber Acquisition Lead Location: Arlington & Alexandria, VA Compensation Range: $170 -$200K *Clearance: *Active TS/SCI needed to apply *
Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation’s toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don’t look any further than Cornerstone Defense.
Benefits Overview: Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *
Position Description: The Cyber Acquisition Lead serves as a strategic advisor to senior Department of Defense cyber leadership within the Office of the Principal Cyber Advisor (OPCA). In this role, you will guide planning, programming, budgeting, and acquisition activities supporting cyberspace operations across the Department. This position plays a critical role in shaping cyber investment strategies, analyzing Program Element (PE) funding, supporting POM and PBR activities, and ensuring cyber capability requirements translate into well‑resourced, mission‑aligned programs. Operating between the Pentagon and Mark Center, you will influence enterprise‑wide decisions that drive the future of DoD cyber forces, readiness, and modernization.
Core Tasks:
Provide SETA technical advisory support to government teams designing, developing, evaluating, and integrating AI‑enabled applications, tools, and workflows.
Serve as a trusted advisor within the Office of the Principal Cyber Advisor (OPCA), supporting senior DoD cyber leadership with strategic planning, programming, budgeting, and cyber resource decision-making.
Support development, integration, and execution of the PPBE process, including Program Objective Memorandum (POM) development, Program and Budget Review (PBR) activities, fiscal analysis, and preparation of budget certification materials.
Analyze Program Element (PE)-level funding, budget submissions, investment proposals, and resource allocations to ensure alignment with Department cyber strategy and operational needs.
Provide technical and analytical assessments of cyber programs, funding initiatives, acquisition proposals, risk areas, and opportunities to strengthen mission effectiveness.
Develop executive‑level briefings, reports, recommendations, and decision products that translate complex fiscal, acquisition, and cyber operational information into clear guidance for senior leaders.
Apply knowledge of JCIDS, the Defense Acquisition System (DAS), Joint Force Requirements Process (JFRP), and cyber acquisition pathways (SWAP, OTA) to ensure cyber capability requirements translate into funded, executable programs.
Utilize DoD resource management tools such as SNAP‑IT, ADVANA, Budget Justification Books, and related systems to conduct detailed program and budget analysis.
Coordinate across Military Departments, Combatant Commands, OSD offices, and other stakeholders to synchronize cyber policy, capability development, acquisition activities, and enterprise resource planning.
Support OPCA oversight and advocacy responsibilities for cyber forces and cyberspace activities, ensuring resources are prioritized to meet mission readiness and strategic objectives.
Contribute to enterprise‑level decision processes that shape future DoD cyber capability investments, force structure, and strategic resourcing priorities.
Develop operational guidance, documentation, and strategic communications that support cyber governance, resource planning, and senior leadership decision-making.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in any field.
Minimum 10 years of experience in DoD strategic planning, programming, and PPBE execution related to cyberspace operations.
Experience in Service or Joint programming, including POM development and PE‑level fiscal management.
Knowledge of legacy Defense Acquisition System (DAS) or the modern Joint Force Requirements Process (JFRP).
Expertise in Software Acquisition Pathway (SWAP), OTA, or other cyber acquisition processes and contract vehicles.
Experience supporting CAPE PBR activities for Cyber or C4IP programs, including developing strategic review memos, issue papers, and participating in CAPE teams.
Ability to interface effectively with senior leaders and communicate complex fiscal, acquisition, and cyber operational matters.
Demonstrated strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proven ability to provide technical analysis and advisory support.
