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Cyber Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Cyber Operations Planner in the Colorado Springs, CO area. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions: * Overlays top priority USSF missions and assets cyber terrain requiring ...

Cyber Planner

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are looking for a Cyber Operations Planner in the Colorado Springs, CO area. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions: * Overlays top priority USSF missions and assets cyber terrain requiring ...

Cyber Planner

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are looking for a Cyber Operations Planner in the Colorado Springs, CO area. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions: * Overlays top priority USSF missions and assets cyber terrain requiring ...

Cyber Workforce & Readiness Oversight Evaluation * Overseeing the performance of cyber workforce and COF programs to ensure implementation meets statutory and regulatory compliance. * Assess joint ...

Cyber Subcategory: Cybersecurity Ops Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential ...

Posted today

Cyber Subcategory: Cybersecurity Ops Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential ...

Posted today

Cyber Subcategory: Cybersecurity Ops Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential ...

Posted today

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Cyber Defender information

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$34K

$112.9K

$176K

How much do cyber defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defender in the United States is $112,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cyber defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cyber Defender, you need a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, network security, and threat analysis, often backed by a degree in information security or a related field. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help Cyber Defenders respond to threats and collaborate with teams. These abilities are crucial for protecting organizational assets and ensuring robust defense against evolving cyber threats.

How does a cyber defender typically collaborate with other departments to enhance organizational security?

Cyber Defenders regularly work with IT, risk management, and compliance teams to identify and address vulnerabilities across systems. They participate in cross-functional meetings to share threat intelligence, coordinate response plans, and ensure security policies are consistently applied. This collaborative approach helps to quickly detect and respond to incidents, while also promoting a culture of cybersecurity awareness throughout the organization.

What is a cyber defender?

Cyber Defenders are professionals who protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and unauthorized access. They monitor security systems, investigate suspicious activities, and respond to incidents to prevent data breaches or damage. Their work involves implementing security measures, conducting vulnerability assessments, and staying updated on the latest cyber threats. Cyber Defenders play a critical role in ensuring the safety and integrity of digital assets for organizations.

What is the difference between Cyber Defender vs Cyber Security Analyst?

AspectCyber DefenderCyber Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP (preferred)CompTIA Security+, CISSP, GIAC certifications
Work EnvironmentSecurity operations centers, incident response teamsSecurity teams, risk assessment, monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageIT security firms, government agencies, large corporationsCorporate IT departments, consulting firms, government

Both roles focus on protecting information systems, but Cyber Defenders primarily respond to active threats and incidents, while Cyber Security Analysts analyze security data to prevent future attacks. The roles often overlap, with certifications and work environments closely aligned, making them key positions in cybersecurity teams.

More about Cyber Defender jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cyber Defender jobs? The most popular types of Cyber Defender jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cyber Defender job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,871 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview

Nisga'a CIOPS delivers cleared professionals to support civilian and DoD customers worldwide across intelligence support, cyber/defensive cyber operations, IT O&M, infrastructure modernization, training, and logistics.

Summary:

We are looking for a Cyber Operations Planner in the Colorado Springs, CO area.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

  • Overlays top priority USSF missions and assets cyber terrain requiring analysis
  • Provides an orientation to accomplish the requirements
  • Works with designated government entities to establish required site and personnel access for the traveling personnel.
  • Develops cyberspace plans, strategy and policy to support and align with organizational cyberspace missions and initiative
  • Establishing a detailed Execution Plan for each USSF location to include SME contact information, expected visitation length, assets being analyzed, SME contact information, and types of information being collected
  • Analyzes a wide range of mission related cyberspace network activities to ensure mission success tailored to command, control, operational processes, and dependent space mission systems.
  • Develops mission thread data to support USSF mission owners, cyber security personnel, defensive cyber operators and program offices in assessing acceptable risks to missions caused by cybersecurity deficiencies in systems and programs.
  • Provides mission analysis support to USSF MRT-C teams to analyze USSF Mission Systems to determine cyberspace dependencies, security risks, mission vulnerabilities, and defense plan measures for each mission system.
Qualifications

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

  • Must be able to understand and differentiate between critical and non-critical systems and networks, and capabilities that allow organizations to defend better, react faster, coordinate rapidly, prioritize efforts, and respond smarter to security events, increased risks, and/or operational directives.
  • Must have knowledge on how to perform assessments of systems and networks within a network or enclave and identify where those systems/networks deviate from acceptable configurations, enclave policy, or local policy.
  • Must be able to measure the effectiveness of defense-in-depth architecture against known vulnerabilities.
  • Must have knowledge and experience to support military planning tasks.
  • Must have extensive knowledge of Mission Assurance disciplines to include risk management, mission mapping, vulnerability assessments, and defensive cyber capabilities.
  • Must have a detailed understanding of mission analysis techniques, FMA-C methodologies, and mission dependencies.
  • Must have the ability to solve complex problems involving a wide variety of information systems.
  • Must be familiar with the purpose and use of the Mission Assurance Database Support System (MADSS) and other similar database repositories.
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
  • Good time management, prioritization, and multitasking abilities.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with colleagues.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must have 4 years of experience performing mission analysis, information security technologies, and USSF mission capabilities.
  • Must have CISSP OR Security+ and meet one of the following qualifications: GICSP or GCED or PenTest+ or GSEC OR a B.S. degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, or Computer Science, from an ABET accredited or Center for Academic Excellence designated institution.
  • TS/SCI Required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with the Functional Mission Analysis - Cyber (FMA-C)
  • Experience with Space Force capabilities and related assets
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university

#CJ

Pay and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 annually. 

At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME