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Certified Network Defense Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DESE Research, Inc. seeks a Network Defense Analyst to join an exciting and growing team focused on ... One of the following active certifications (or ability to obtain within two months of hire)

$150 - $160/hr

EC-Council Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) * EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) * GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification (GMON) * GIAC Security Expert (GSE) * ISC2 Certified Cloud ...

Security Architect

$66.50 - $86/hr

EC-Council Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) * EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) * GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification (GMON) * GIAC Security Expert (GSE) * ISC2 Certified Cloud ...

Security Architect

$66.50 - $86/hr

EC-Council Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) * EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) * GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification (GMON) * GIAC Security Expert (GSE) * ISC2 Certified Cloud ...

This initiative leverages advanced technologies and integrates critical defense systems to optimize ... network architecture design, feasibility, and cost studies. Monitor network performance ...

Senior Network Engineer

Kittery, ME ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

This initiative leverages advanced technologies and integrates critical defense systems to optimize ... Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ REQUIRED ...

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How much do certified network defense architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified network defense architect in the United States is $71.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.26 and $83.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Certified Network Defense Architect?

A Certified Network Defense Architect is a cybersecurity professional who specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure network infrastructures. They are trained to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and develop strategies to protect networks against cyber threats. Their role involves creating robust network architectures, configuring security controls, and staying updated on the latest security threats and defense technologies. This certification demonstrates advanced knowledge of network defense mechanisms and best practices, making them valuable assets in organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Network Defense Architect?

To thrive as a Certified Network Defense Architect, you need deep expertise in network security, risk assessment, and a strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, often backed by certifications such as CNDA, CISSP, or CEH. Familiarity with intrusion detection systems, firewalls, security information and event management (SIEM) tools, and various network protocols is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are critical soft skills that enable professionals to design secure networks and convey complex security concepts to stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are vital to proactively protect organizations against cyber threats and ensure robust network defense strategies.

What are some common challenges faced by Certified Network Defense Architects in maintaining secure network infrastructures?

Certified Network Defense Architects often face challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving cyber threats, integrating new security technologies with legacy systems, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. They must also balance security requirements with business needs, which can require effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Additionally, architects may need to coordinate incident response efforts and regularly update network defenses to address vulnerabilities.

What is the difference between Certified Network Defense Architect vs Network Security Engineer?

AspectCertified Network Defense ArchitectNetwork Security Engineer
CertificationsCCNA Security, CISSP, Cisco CyberOpsCISSP, CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA Security
Work EnvironmentDesigning and planning network security architecturesImplementing and maintaining security measures
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in enterprise and government sectors for strategic security planningCommonly employed in IT departments for security operations

The Certified Network Defense Architect focuses on designing comprehensive security architectures, while the Network Security Engineer implements and manages these security measures. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Are network defense architects in demand?

Network defense architects are in high demand due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats. Organizations seek professionals with skills in security architecture, firewalls, intrusion detection, and certifications like CISSP or CISA to protect their networks, making this a growing and stable career field.
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Infographic showing various Certified Network Defense Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,680 per year, or $72 per hour.

Computer Network Defense Analyst

Belay Technologies

Annapolis, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Belay Technologies has been voted Baltimore Business Journal's (BBJ) Best Places to Work 2019, runner up in 2020 and a finalist in 2021!
Belay Technologies is seeking multiple Computer Network Defense Analysts (CNDAs) to support a critical mission within the Intelligence Community (IC). In this role, the CNDAs leverage data collected from various sources to identify and analyze vulnerabilities, detect potential or active threats, and report events. They play a key role in safeguarding computer network systems by identifying, mapping and defending against intrustions and cyber threats.
Responsibilities:
  • Use information collected from a variety of sources (e.g., intrusion detection systems, firewalls, network traffic logs, and host system logs) to identify potential vulnerabilities, respond to cyber events that occur, and defend against events that might occur.
  • Help develop mitigations to strengthen network defenses and protect against attacks on network infrastructure devices or systems.
  • Support a wide range of data transport possibilities, such as traditional wired networks, wireless transport (including Wi-Fi and cellular), collaborative platforms such as video teleconferencing, and the hardware and software that enable it all.
  • Advance your career as you develop increasing expertise in networking protocols and architectures, cloud security, Internet of Things protocols, and advanced network security.
  • Be part of a team, working together with government, military, and contractor personnel to develop shared understandings of intelligence needs, mission relevance, and areas of expertise.
  • Apply your innate curiosity and analytical talent to form hypotheses, critically assess and choose analysis techniques, then query, merge, enrich, evaluate, and pivot within data to attain and share insights.

There are multiple levels available for the Computer Network Defense Analyst:
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 1
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 2
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 3
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 4

Years' Experience by Degree Type:
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 1
    • Technical Bachelor Degree with 2 years of experience.
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 2
    • Technical Bachelor Degree with 5 years of experience.
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 3
    • Technical Bachelor Degree with 8 years of experience.
  • Computer Network Defense Analyst Level 4
    • Technical Bachelor Degree with 11 years of experience.

*Other degrees may be considered relevant if programs contain a concentration of courses in the following foundational CS areas: algorithms, computer architecture (not network architecture), programming methodologies and languages, data structures, logic and computation, and advanced mathematics (for example, calculus, discrete mathematics).
Certifications:
  • 18 semester hours of military training/ coursework in networking, computer science, or cyber topics is equivalent to an Associate's degree (applicable to Level 1 - Level 4).

Experience Requirements:
Relevant experience must be in computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, and/or systems engineering. Additionally, must have experience in network or system administration. If not credited toward education requirements, completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis Course), Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT), Network Warfare Bridge Course (NWBC)/Intermediate Network Warfare Training (INWT), Cyber Defense Operations will be considered towards relevant experience requirement (i.e., 20-24 week courses will count as 6 months of experience, 10-14 weeks will count as 3 months of experience). Positions require a TS/SCI with polygraph.
Perks and Benefits:
  • 8 weeks paid leave - 4 weeks of personal leave, 3 Yay! days, take off on your birthday, 11 paid holidays, and optional leave up to 6 days through Belay's volunteer program
  • 10% matching in 401(k) contributions vested on day one
  • $5,000 annual training/tuition
  • Student Loan Repayment Program
  • 100% company funded HSA
  • Rich medical coverage (100% coinsurance)
  • Dental coverage including orthodontia
  • Up to $420,000 in life insurance, premiums 100% company funded
  • Amazon Prime, gym reimbursement, monthly lunches, games and prizes
  • Pet adoption program, generous referral bonus program, fun events, and more!

At Belay, we are committed to creating an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally. We believe in transparency and fairness in compensation. Several factors influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, education, specific skills and competencies and certifications. Belay offers a competitive total compensation package that includes benefits and perks, a flexible work-life balance, and career development. Salary Range: $115,000.00 to $240,000.00
Belay Technologies is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business located in Columbia, Maryland (Baltimore/Washington area). Belay Technologies specializes in systems automation and full stack development. Belay Technologies provides leading technology and engineering solutions to the DoD, as well as state-of-the-art commercial products. We hire software engineers, web designers, test engineers, systems engineers, systems administrators, database engineers and other tech services. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.