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Cyber Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summit Human Capital

Cyber Threat Hunter

Haymarket, VA · On-site

... for defending some of the federal government's most critical networks. Qualifications : Required ... cyber threat hunting, cyber analysis, blue team, or purple team operations • Experience ...

GRIMM

Cyber Engineer - Senior - TS/SCI

Triangle, VA · On-site

... self-defending networks; developing and defending effects-based capabilities; and reverse ... Cyber Engineer - Senior We're searching for Cyber Engineer - Senior to support the client ...

GRIMM

Cyber Engineer - Senior - TS/SCI

Triangle, VA · On-site

... self-defending networks; developing and defending effects-based capabilities; and reverse ... Cyber Engineer - Senior We're searching for Cyber Engineer - Senior to support the client ...

DTCC

Insider Threat Associate Director

Tampa, FL · On-site

You leverage your expertise in adversary tradecraft, telemetry analysis, and detection engineering, while developing and empowering investigators to operate as high-performing cyber defenders. You ...

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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 Jul 17, 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 are Cyber Defenders?

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:
What job categories do people searching Cyber Defender jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cyber Defender jobs are:
Cyber Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Defender job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,871 per year, or $54.3 per hour.
Cyber Systems Analyst, Operational Technology Focus

Cyber Systems Analyst, Operational Technology Focus

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Come and help defend the nation in cyberspace! In the Cyber Operations & Analysis Technology Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, we research challenging technical problems in cyber security, develop new technologies, and prototype first-of-a-kind systems. We have particular focus on enabling human operators and improving operational systems, orienting our work toward strong practical impact.
We work across a variety of cutting-edge national-security applications:
  • Quantifying risk posed by adversary cyber threats to key national security missions
  • Enhancing the cyber security and resilience of critical infrastructure and other operational technology
  • Protecting and defending U.S. weapon systems in cyber contested environments
  • Helping the nation's cyber operators do their jobs better, faster, and at greater scale
  • Creating game-changing capabilities for defensive cyberspace operations

As an interdisciplinary group, we innovate by drawing insights from computer science, software engineering, data engineering, data science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, electrical engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, and allied technical fields. We collaborate with research partners across MIT, offering frequent opportunities to team and learn in new areas. If you want a career in R&D with the opportunity to have real impact on important problems, join us!
Job Description:
As a Cyber Systems Analyst, you will apply your expertise in cyber security and Operational Technology to defining how the nation will increase the cyber resilience of some of its most critical and vulnerable systems. Your responsibilities will include:
  • Analyzing OT systems and systems that use OT, informed by both the missions they support and potential threats, to discover and communicate cyber risk to mission.
  • Applying systems-level thinking to understand mission impacts and threats to systems that intersect with OT, or go beyond OT.
  • Diving deep with real data and systems.
  • Proposing novel solutions to enhance cyber resilience and defensibility, and prototyping solution concepts as appropriate.
  • Collaborating with a dynamic team to rapidly acquire new skills and apply them to emerging application areas, expanding your technical capabilities and expertise.
  • Contributing to project leadership, technical execution, and knowledge sharing through publications, presentations, and other community engagement activities.
  • Participating in a culture of continuous learning and growth, with opportunities to advance as a researcher and technical expert.

Education and Technical Experience to be considered for this role:
  • A degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related technical field and work experience.
    • PhD degree, with experience preferred in applying skills beyond a pure research environment.
    • Master's degree with at least 5 years of relevant technical experience.
    • Bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of relevant technical experience.
  • Experience with Operational Technology, which can include embedded systems, ICS/SCADA, Facility-Related Control Systems (FRCS) and/or weapon systems.
  • Experience with standard OT protocols and technology stacks (e.g., modbus, DNP3).
  • Cyber security experience.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical communication for non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on difficult, open-ended problems in cyber security and operations with interdisciplinary technical teams.
  • Motivation to identify underlying technical problems and investigate solutions proactively.

Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Is desired but not required, with research experience especially valued.
  • Proficiency in Python, C/C++, Java, or similar.
  • Mathematical or statistical modeling and problem-solving.
  • Participation in Capture-the-Flag or similar events, especially if they have an OT focus.
  • Critical U.S. government systems and/or cyber operations.

General Requirements for this Position:
  • Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret-level DoD security clearance.
  • Must be within commutable distance of Lexington, Massachusetts.
  • This is a technical staff position conducting R&D in cyber security. Applicants looking for IT or Information Systems Security roles should look for other opportunities in those roles available at Lincoln Laboratory.

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000
Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID: 42074

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