Position Function:
Performs as the Mississippi Cyber Initiative (MCI) Ecosystem Cyber Range Simulation Specialist providing instructional support for the Mississippi Cyber Initiative Ecosystem headquartered at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Harrison County Campus. In this role, the individual has responsibility for the interactivity between the simulated cyber training arenas that replicate networks, systems, tools, and applications with the Learning Management Platform (LMS). The position requires working directly with the Cyber Range Engineer ensuring the system(s) are configured to support the needs of the cyber training events; including and not limited to the planning, design, configuration/operations, analysis, development, implementation, quality assurance, and management of the cyber training learning environments. Develops cybersecurity scenarios with conceptual network designs integrating them to the MCI LMS ecosystem(s). Assist with event testing, attack\scenario configuration, and documentation of the cyber range environment(s). Requires knowledge of virtual machines and their associated Operating Systems as part of managing the conceptual network ecosystem. Familiarization in installing, configuring, testing routing, and switching devices, network operating systems security appliances\software, network services, domain\mail services, and workstation operating services (windows and Linux).
Salary Grade: 15
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
April 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Work closely with the Cyber Range Engineer with exercise planning and administration of the MCI ecosystem’s operations between the LMS and the emulated network environments.
2. Assist the MCI Cyber Range LMS integration, system management and configuration, operation, testing, and support of the MCI cyber range ecosystem(s).
3. Capable of translating requirements from the customers and ecosystem team into actionable information that can become and executable cyber event(s) -- defining goals, scope, schedule and managing details of the MCI ecosystem.
4. Expertly able to develop cyber threat intelligence-based scenarios and background documentation (“State of the World”) to integrate into cyber ecosystem training environments.
5. Expertly able to track all activities associated with a cyber event planning, preparation, execution, and supplying leadership updates on any areas of concern through detailed event schedules, tasks, and milestones.
6. Ability to learn and assists ecosystem users in effective use of applications within the cyber ecosystem (i.e., Linux, Kali, Parrot, Windows OS’s ).
Supervisory Responsibility
May be responsible for training, assisting, or assigning tasks to others. May provide input to performance reviews of other employees.
The above essential duties are representative of major duties of positions in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field, Computer Science, cybersecurity or a related science in engineering or scientific field of study from an accredited college or university.
Experience (yrs.): 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Curriculum development, project management position in a cybersecurity-oriented organization.
Substitution allowed: Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience:
LMS managed service environments and cyber related training and exercises
Cyber Range Capabilities and Management Applications:
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)/Intrusion Protection Systems (IPS, Vyatta/VyOS, Exchange 2012/2016/2020, IIS, open source, etc.)
Operating Systems: Microsoft Server, Windows, Linux/Unix
Linux: Ubuntu and or Red Hat6
Networking: Routing, Switching, DNS, Active Directory, VPNs, VLANs, SANs, PKI
Virtualization: Kernel Virtual Manager (KVM), and other Virtual platforms
Security Appliances/VMs: Firewalls, , Vulnerability Scanners, Proxy, SIEM
Network vulnerabilities, network attack vectors, attack signatures, and technical mitigation
Relevant Cyber Security Certifications (i.e., CompTIA, Network+, Security+, BASH)
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
Active, Reserve, or National Guard military service with network or cyber experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Versed in utilizing and managing a Learning Management Systems (ex: Moodle, Canvas).
2. Capable of translating cyber intelligence information into actionable business intelligence and recommendations, enterprise management level understanding of IT programs and cybersecurity
3. Excellent understanding of cybersecurity, networks, threat intelligence, and cyber operations (defensive and offensive).
4. Knowledge of the network architecture, interrelationships, operating modes, configuration, topology, and protocols of a network environment.
5. Ability to gather facts and use effective analytical and evaluative methods to assess information, plan the sequence of actions necessary in a simulated training environment making sound decisions supporting a variety of virtual network problems.
6. Ability to perform with little supervision taking directions from the cyber engineer and working assigned work from beginning to completion.
7. Ability to maintain an up-to-date awareness of technological advances and predict how management can meet future requirements.
8. Interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate orally, in writing and foster a cooperative work environment.
9. Experience with networking, cyber intelligence and/or instruction a plus
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Requires lifting of IT and network devices and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply with link: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Screening Date:
March 25, 2024, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
