Vulnerability Scanning Administrator (Cybersecurity Technical Staff 2) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Vulnerability Scanning Administrator (Cybersecurity Technical Staff 2)

What You Will Do

The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has a meaningful impact on our country and the world. The Innovative Customer Experience (ICE) Division is seeking a skilled Vulnerability Scanning Specialist to help manage and optimize scanning across a large, diverse network. In this role, you will troubleshoot network and agent based scanning issues, implement enhancements to improve our scanning and analysis capabilities, and collaborate closely with team members to maintain a scalable and secure infrastructure. You will also provide technical guidance to the team, CSIRT, and NSOC. Responsibilities include performing enterprise wide vulnerability scans using tools like Nessus and Tenable Security Center, ensuring full coverage across multiple platforms and architectures, and delivering Tier 3 support for complex scanning issues.

ICE division consists of more than 350 talented Cybersecurity Technical Staff, Solution Architects, and Computer Systems Professionals employees who provide the varied Laboratory organizations with Information Technology experts who design, build, and support their mission-driven technical needs, on the unclassified and classified networks through several different service touchpoints. In addition, optimize the use of information technology, ensure seamless delivery and operation of IT services by monitoring system performance, applying configuration management practices, creating processes and standards for selection and implementation.

The successful candidate will be supporting scanning using a Tenable based application, an in-house developed enterprise solution that tracks and documents systems on the network no matter how they are connected, performs vulnerability scans on the systems if possible, and blocks hosts from the network based on a complex set of compliance and vulnerability checks. This system is extremely complex with many other enterprise service interdependencies. The successful candidate will be self-driven, analytical, creative, and patient. They will enjoy working with others, whether their own team, customers, or subject matter experts from other organizations.

Their primary job functions will consist of the following:

  • Diagnose and resolve issues with network vulnerability scanning tools, with primary focus on Tenable applications
  • Partner with network operators and engineers to identify and resolve host discovery tool challenges
  • Collaborate with development teams to conduct release testing, debug issues, and enhance the Tenable based application
  • Integrate Tenable based system with external services and data sources through cross-functional team collaboration
  • Support vulnerability analysts in investigating false positives and conducting risk assessments
  • Facilitate network audits for security compliance teams
  • Provide incident response support for host quarantine solutions and scanning-related inquiries
  • Deliver technical assistance and guidance to system owners and administrators
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive application documentation for end users and technical staff
  • Research, evaluate, and recommend new vulnerability scanning and host discovery solutions
  • Design and maintain monitoring systems for automated data ingestion and processing workflows

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Experience maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting any industry vulnerability scanning/management tool.
  • Experience with enterprise level vulnerability management, including configuring scanning, reviewing scan results, reviewing vulnerabilities, troubleshooting false positives/negatives when requested by system admins, and proposing remediation strategies when patching is not available for remediation.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members.
  • Strong documentation skills.

Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a technical field and a minimum of 5 years' related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. At this level post graduate work may be expected.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience administering Tenable Security Center for enterprise-wide vulnerability scanning and assessments.
  • Proficiency in configuring scan policies, managing scan zones, generating compliance reports, and integrating vulnerability data.
  • Experience performed credentialed vulnerability scanning with Nessus Agents.
  • Strong understanding of fundamental networking concepts.
  • Experience with administering Windows and *NIX in an enterprise environment.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Work Schedule: This position may require 24/7 coverage, which could involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 Year.

Note to Applicants: Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid maternity and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position:
Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.