cybersecurity analyst

systems analyst

cybersecurity engineer

analyst

cybersecurity specialist

COLSA

My chief functions are the design, installation, operation, repair, and maintenance Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), CCTV, and Access Control Systems (ACS). This includes the site design and installation of control panels, detection and access devices, secure conduit, wire pulling, connectorization, and wiring of all devices to control panels. Following installation, I performed the installing of all software licenses, programming of the systems for each application, setup of badging stations for end users including magnetic swipe or proximity card readers. As an end function I was responsible for establishing the transmission of alarm systems to regional dispatch receivers, including Radionics D6600, SIS, and LAN networks using Patton equipment, 3224 Concentrator with 3201R Modems with the D6680-E120 network adapters. 
 
I also provided the Installation of Land Mobile Radios (LMR) in Emergency Response vehicle communications equipment, which included the frequency programming of the portable radios. This included fire, police, ambulance, etc vehicles located at bases throughout CNRSW. Bases

Typical day's for me at COLSA's HMT/MDA-TC Lab include user support system maintenance, customer interaction, and security procedures. I have learned quite a bit about the security process and some advanced computer skills that will help me throughout my career. My management is always helpful and receptive, and provide a safe, and easy going workplace. My coworkers are excelent people that I enjoy spending time with and enjoy working with. The hardest part of the job would be the ability to switch pace, because of our requirement to follow certain security procedures, the pace of our work is fast, until the next procedural point that we are required to wait for outside approval. The most enjoyable part of the job is the atmosphere. I am always encouraged to learn and work through any challenges, and continue down a path to reach my own personal goals.

Management puts their employees first. Excellent pay, benefits, and extracurricular activities. Company likes to share its profits with their employees, almost to a fault (the owner focuses on the happiness of his employees. Very rare). You can talk to management and they will listen, take action if necessary and make every effort to work with you and your assigned duties. Can't say enough good things about COLSA. If you get an opportunity to work for them you best jump at the opportunity. Only reason I am looking is that I am a retired federal employee that works because I like to and that work right now is preferred  to be in San Diego. Otherwise I wouldn't think twice about leaving the company. I am hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that COLSA obtains a position in SD that fits my experience.

I worked for Colsa as a manager in a cybersecurity role for approximately two years.  While the company has many hardworking, dedicated, and very experienced employees, the management team is only out for themselves.  Employees are treated like "numbers" and management simply gives lip service to any employee concerns.  They are only concerned with keeping butts in seats and not much else.  As a manager I was frequently told to appease my team and promise future raises that never materialized or were only barely cost of living increases.  They ask and ask and ask from the employee (even during COVID-19) but deliver very little in return.  Even though I left on good terms and had rave reviews from my team and government customer, I would not be willing to rejoin Colsa in the future.

My job to plan the future network and communications for an enhanced mission on Eglin AFB was challenging, rewarding, but came to an end after about 18 months.  Working with USAF civilians who have their grounded mindsets was the biggest challenge, in that they were not acceptable to change.  Almost a year later, after getting senior leadership involved, they came around to realize that their infrastructure needed significant upgrade in order to support the mission.  The requirements had to be developed, but once completed, the planning project started to gel.  Of course, there was some competition within the organization of some wanting my job, but that is good.  I enjoyed the camaraderie of my team. 

The leadership at Colsa located in the Eglin area is the worst. They are not willing to change the way they approach issues and adapt to new ideas and concepts. Colsa has very old-school ways of doing things. Please keep in mind that they only hire friends, not individuals that are qualified for the job. They have a huge problem retaining good people and they are not diverse at all. 

If you are someone coming straight out of college or your a problem solver who likes to think outside the box, this is not the place for you. I highly recommend you do not work for Colsa. You’re better off getting a government job through pathways, or working for a small company like beast code, the pay is similar, but the benefit are way better. One of the perks about the government is all the training you need is free, and you can negotiate student loan repayment.

Company HQ: generous and of a great assistance to their employees anytime an employee needs some help.

Company reps on site: previous reps were ill managed, corrupt, and selfish. Faild to properly represent the company to its clients in many occasions and didn't follow company regulations when an employee screws up. Favoritism played a huge rule in creating a hostile work environment among employees and threaten and retaliate if an employee tries to reach out to corporate. Understand that many of the old reps have left and current reps are fresh, untouched, and have no ties to previous reps. Hopefully this helps company's reputation to be repaired.

I loved working for Colsa. I worked on a services contract for the DoD where I worked with government and military personnel day-to-day, so in that situation a lot of your experience will depend on what contract you were on or what squadron you worked with, but nevertheless Colsa was great. Whenever I had to deal with the local "corporate" they were helpful, my direct boss and his deputy were both awesome as well. There was a good work-life balance and the compensation was great. It was actually the first time I really felt that I was paid fairly for my work, and from what I've heard, bonuses (which were pretty small) increased significantly in the last few years. I only left because I was moving across the country. There were unfortunately no remote options at the time, although some of the work was classified so that's pretty typical. 

Worked with COLSA for four years and really enjoy being employed by them. The contract will end in the next 60 days. I received great annual evaluation from my Program Manager. Would like to continue employment if the oppurtunity is available. They company make you feel part of the team and respect your input during meetings.

This is my first job as a scheduler and have learned quite a bit.  Based on my knowledge of Microsoft Project I  gained from taking a course prior to being hired, as well as instruction from the Senior Schedulers on our team, I have become very proficient in my job duties.  I enjoy working with my team daily.   I'd say the hardest part of this job is obtaining accurate information from the Engineers in a timely manner. I value the "family" atmosphere they instill here.  When needed I am allowed to work remotely. When I had to be out for a family emergency for an extended amount of time, my supervisor requested donation leave to take care of my family while I was out. I feel blessed to have such wonderful people to work with.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Cybersecurity analyst 4 salaries reported	$132,000 per year
Systems analyst 3 salaries reported	$83,667 per year
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Analyst 2 salaries reported	$62,250 per year
Cybersecurity specialist 4 salaries reported	$136,250 per year

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