Eric Cunningham

Technical Professional | Cybersecurity Engineer | Military Veteran | Top-Secret Clearance | SCI | CI Polygraph | DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification

Seasoned Systems Administrator Cybersecurity Professional with over 25 years of diverse expertise fortifying information systems across sectors. Proficient in troubleshooting network, TACLANE, FASTLANE, and crypto issues, ensuring exceptional customer service and resolving complex problems. As an Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) and Communication Security (COMSEC) Specialist, I specialize in System Accreditation, Certification, and Compliance, utilizing Telos Xacta, ACAS Scans, STIGs, and other tools to ensure robust protection. My focus includes creating, completing, and adhering to Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs) for system improvement and compliance. Adept in advanced server installation and configuration techniques, I ensure stringent data protection against unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. Recognized for proactive problem-solving, initiative, and adaptability across all management levels while maintaining strict confidentiality. Eager to contribute expertise within a cybersecurity-focused organization committed to innovation and excellence.

Senior Space Systems/Software Engineer, IT T4 ||  June 2020 - May 2023

Designed, developed, and rigorously tested applications software and systems, incorporating logical and mathematical solutions with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity to support space missions.

• Conducted engineering analyses, software/hardware/network development, integration, testing, and maintenance to seamlessly merge hardware and software products into NRO IT environments and independent networks.
• Troubleshot intricate computer engineering and communication issues for ULA, SpaceX, and commercial mission launches, swiftly identifying and resolving complexities.
• Managed customer-reported problems via ServiceNow, ensuring efficient tracking and resolution.
• Spearheaded the establishment and execution of computer engineering requisites for various small, mid-scale, and large-scale U.S. Space Command initiatives.

Space Systems/Software Engineer, Level III || Feb 2020 - June 2020

Provided hardware, operating systems, software, and procedural support for NRO systems at both local and satellite locations, contributing to the overall cybersecurity posture of these systems.

• Safeguarded the continuous operation of mission-critical launch communication systems by proactively updating, testing, maintaining, and providing comprehensive support.
• Provided extensive hardware, operating systems, software, and procedural support for NRO systems across various local and satellite locations.
• Oversaw system health using HelpNow, concurrently managing the SCCM environment for both unclassified and Top-Secret level information systems.
• Managed user, group, and computer accounts within Active Directory, ensuring seamless support for Space X and mission launches, handling member and asset accounts proficiently.

Systems/Network Security Specialist. || June 2018 - Feb 2020

Led 15 Professional Services projects, overseeing hardware/software installations, training, and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for the $17.6B National Reconnaissance Office mission, emphasizing cybersecurity measures.

• Spearheaded technical guidance for 34 NRO projects, directing Integrated Product Teams (IPT) to effectively tackle Information Assurance (IA) concerns with meticulously verified and implemented solutions for 400+ systems from Windows OS systems.
• Resolved 2.2K customer requests, tracked incident statuses via ServiceNow and Remedy, maintaining a secure network uptime rate of 98% by addressing enterprise-wide issues and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity protocols.
• Directed the development and maintenance of eMASS-driven Risk Management Framework (RMF) packages, orchestrating hardware, software, and system configuration changes. Collaborated closely with ISSM, Authorization Official, and USAF/NRO stakeholders, successfully guiding 483 cross-domain products through TSABI/SABI processes.

Vulnerability Management | Technical Advisor || July 2017 - June 2018

• Led 400 hours of meticulous security assessments and STIG evaluations, successfully resolving 29K network security vulnerabilities. 
• Devised comprehensive Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) through proficient use of Xacta, showcasing a proactive stance in cybersecurity management and ensuring a consistently secure network environment.
• Conveyed inputs and advice on the strategic direction of cybersecurity services and security compliance; securing the data of 8.2K end-users and the $66B space mission.
• Orchestrated network expansion; staging 3 servers loaded with Windows Server 2012 for the $20M National Space Defense Center initiative.
• Facilitated sanitization of a $20.5M secure enclave; remediating 115K cyber threats on 70 servers securing file system integrity.
• Composed inputs and advised personnel, as the subject matter expert (SME); leading the mapping of security tests to 800-53 controls.

Section Lead, Network Operations Center | Cyber Security Specialist || Feb 2016 - July 2017

• Mentored 25 member staff providing Information Technology security support services (e.g., ACAS scans, DISA STIGs, and Vulnerability Management), IAW AFI 33-200 Air Force Cybersecurity Program Management.
• Established guidance and clarification; guaranteeing Certification & Accreditation (C&A) compliance of 15 legacy and 32 new systems, IAW DoDI 8510.01, RMF for DoD Information Technology standards.
• Authored eMASS RMF Packages with Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M); mitigating 1.8K system level findings.
• Pioneered issuances of 302 CAC hardware tokens, as a DoD CIO approved credential service provider; enabling secure access to SIPRNET, IAW DoDI 8520.02, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Public Key (PK) Enabling.
• Identified 502 vulnerabilities in space systems during the systems complete life cycle; developing risk management strategies, IAW DoDI 8500.01 Cybersecurity, mitigating those vulnerabilities.

Section Chief, Regional Information Technology Center | Lead COMSEC Manager || Jan 2014 - Feb 2016

• Supervised 22 persons guiding Operations, Information Assurance, and Crypto Logics for the Strategic Pacific Theater, National Security and Global Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) initiatives.
• Coordinated 5 Quick Response Teams (QRT), aiding 168 geographically separated units (GSUs) in 11 countries, assuring fault isolation and resolution for diverse Intelligence Community (IC) requirements.
• Directed quality assurance inspections; performed operational tests and evaluations of information systems and 152 cryptographic devices to include KG-175A/Ds, KG-250s, KIK-20s, and KIV-7s.
• Guided technicians in the implementation of 29 network security policies on 49 Windows 2008R2 and 2012 servers; eliminated 2.4K cyber vulnerabilities and hardened a $21M TS network.
• Overhauled local security programs for 180 local customers (e.g., COMSEC, COMPUSEC, and INFOSEC), IAW NSA/CSS policies; fortifying command and control (C2) and security of a $600M intelligence systems.

School:  Colorado Technical University

Degree:  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Engineering

Grade:  4.0 GPA

Graduation:  16 May 2022

Accolades:  Summa cum Laude