Interview preparation plan: Cyber Security Specialist at Savannah River Mission Completion

Practice questions (20)

1. Tell me about a time you led a team through a crisis.
2. Describe a situation where you convinced someone of an idea.
3. Tell me about a conflict with a colleague/manager and how you resolved it.
4. Tell me about a project where you collaborated with other teams.
5. Describe a difficult decision you had to make quickly.
6. Tell me about when you had to adapt to a major change.
7. Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned.
8. Tell me about a time you had to influence senior management.
9. Describe a time when you had to work under pressure.
10. Tell me about a time when you received constructive criticism.
11. Describe a time you had to mentor someone.
12. Tell me about a time you had to balance multiple priorities.
13. Describe a situation where you had to deal with an unhappy stakeholder.
14. Tell me about a time you had to present complex information.
15. Describe a situation where you had to learn something quickly.
16. Tell me about a time you had to make a decision without complete information.
17. Describe a time you demonstrated resilience.
18. Tell me about a time you had to implement feedback.
19. Tell me about a time you successfully built a relationship.
20. What is the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?

Questions to ask the interviewer (8)

• What are the key values that drive Savannah River Mission Completion?
• What are the primary challenges currently facing the cyber security team?
• How does Savannah River Mission Completion measure success in the cyber security department?
• Can you describe the team dynamics within the cyber security department?
• What opportunities for professional growth are available within the company?
• How does the company keep pace with evolving cyber security threats?
• What is the leadership style of the cyber security team lead?
• How does Savannah River Mission Completion approach innovation in cyber security?

Study topics (7)

• System Security Configuration Evaluation

  Study techniques for assessing and auditing security configurations of IT systems, including tools like Nessus, SCAP, and CIS benchmarks. Focus on DOE-specific hardening guidelines for nuclear facilities. This is essential as the role directly involves evaluating system security configurations at Savannah River Mission Completion.

• Cybersecurity Data Analysis and Threat Hunting

  Review methods for analyzing security logs, network traffic, and anomaly detection using SIEM tools like Splunk or ELK Stack, and scripting in Python for automation. Understand indicators of compromise (IoCs) relevant to advanced persistent threats (APTs). Critical for performing data analysis in a high-security DOE environment like SRS.

• Cyber User Awareness Program Development

  Learn to design, implement, and measure effectiveness of security awareness training programs, phishing simulations, and compliance metrics. Include DOE-specific training requirements under NERC CIP and cyber hygiene standards. Vital for supporting user awareness initiatives in the role.

• DOE Cybersecurity Regulations and DOE Orders

  Master DOE Order 472.2 (Personnel Security), cybersecurity clauses in contracts like H.68, and NIST SP 800-53 controls tailored to DOE sites. Study Privacy Act systems of records (e.g., DOE-43, DOE-51) and CPARS evaluation criteria. Indispensable due to SRS's DOE oversight and security clearance mandates.

• Savannah River Site General Employee Training (GET)

  Prepare for SRS-specific GET content, including site security protocols, substance abuse policies, and access control procedures. Review background check, drug testing, and U.S. citizenship requirements per DOE Order 472.2. Required for all hires and demonstrates readiness for site-specific compliance.

• Incident Response and Nuclear Facility Cyber Protocols

  Study IR frameworks like NIST 800-61, with emphasis on SCADA/ICS security (e.g., Purdue Model, IEC 62443) for nuclear environments. Practice tabletop exercises for ransomware and insider threats. Key for handling incidents in SRS's critical infrastructure.

• Risk Management and Contractor Assurance

  Examine risk assessment methodologies (e.g., FAIR), vulnerability management, and subcontractor oversight per DOE CPARS and H.68 clauses. Focus on organizational conflict of interest (OCI) mitigation. Important for assurance roles at SRMC.