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.

Cole Engineering Services Inc (CESI) is seeking a highly motivated Deputy Cyber Range Operations Lead to support our high-performing team working on the Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE), the DoD’s pre-eminent cyber training and operations platforms.

The Deputy Cyber Range Operations Lead will support the technical leadership and day-to-day operations of cyber training software products, with an emphasis on deployment, system performance, availability, and application security. This role serves as the second-in-command, assisting the Cyber Range Operations Lead in providing technical guidance, coordinating engineering activities, and ensuring operational continuity across cyber range systems.

This is a full-time on-site position located in Annapolis Junction, MD.

• Support the development and evolution of cyber range designs within complex virtualized environments.
• Work closely with the Cyber Range Operations Lead and PCTE Operations Group (OG) teams to ensure new cyber training capabilities and enhancements meet deployment objectives and architectural standards.
• Assist in defining, collecting, and tracking performance metrics across cyber training ranges.
• Support the implementation and integration of complex hardware and software applications across the PCTE training enterprise.
• Evaluate and provide input on the feasibility of integrating new technologies within PCTE systems.
• Assist in leading cyber range engineer teams in diagnosing and resolving system issues, defects, and performance challenges.
• Serve as acting lead when required to ensure continuity of operations and technical oversight. 

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline such as electrical engineering, computer science, information technology, systems engineering, or software engineering from an accredited college or university, or 6+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 8 years of systems engineering or related experience with progressively increasing technical responsibility.
• IAT Level II certification in accordance with DoD Directive 8570.
• Demonstrated experience and working knowledge of offensive and defensive cyberspace operations, cyber range design, or cyberspace training environments.
• Strong communication skills with experience supporting technical leadership and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience contributing to system or software architecture designs and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with architecture trade studies and performance analysis efforts.
• Experience collecting and analyzing system performance data to support operational improvements.
• Knowledge of hosted application deployment, system testing, and basic load balancing concepts.

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

Salary Minimum: $145,000, Salary Maximum: $185,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, CESI also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, CESI provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

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.