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Cyber Defense Contractor Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Cyber Defense Contractor information

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$41.5K

$100.2K

$140.7K

How much do cyber defense contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defense contractor in Arizona is $100,198.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,300.00 and $117,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cyber defense contractor?

A Cyber Defense Contractor is a professional or organization hired to protect a company's or government agency's digital infrastructure from cyber threats. Their responsibilities include assessing vulnerabilities, implementing cybersecurity measures, monitoring networks for suspicious activity, and responding to cyberattacks. These contractors often work on a project or contract basis for public or private sector clients, and may specialize in areas like network security, incident response, or risk assessment. Due to the sensitive nature of their work, they often require security clearances and must stay updated on the latest threats and technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cyber defense contractor?

To thrive as a Cyber Defense Contractor, you need in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity principles, risk assessment, and incident response, usually supported by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity and relevant industry certifications like CISSP or CEH. Expertise in tools such as SIEM platforms, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability scanners is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for proactively protecting critical assets, swiftly managing threats, and ensuring clear coordination within security teams.

What are some common challenges faced by cyber defense contractors when working with multiple clients?

Cyber Defense Contractors often juggle the unique security requirements and protocols of different clients, which can be challenging when each organization uses distinct technologies and risk management approaches. Navigating varied compliance standards, staying current with evolving threats, and ensuring clear communication between internal and client teams are also key hurdles. Adaptability, strong organizational skills, and a proactive approach to learning are essential to successfully manage these challenges and deliver effective security solutions.

What is the difference between Cyber Defense Contractor vs Cyber Security Analyst?

AspectCyber Defense ContractorCyber Security Analyst
CredentialsCertifications like CISSP, CEH, Security+Certifications like Security+, CISSP, GIAC
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often on-site or remote for clientsFull-time, in-house or remote within organizations
Employer & IndustryConsulting firms, government agencies, private companiesCorporations, government agencies, financial institutions
Search & Comparison IntentContract roles, cybersecurity consultingSecurity monitoring, incident response

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Cyber Defense Contractor typically works on short-term projects providing specialized defense services for clients, whereas a Cyber Security Analyst is a full-time employee responsible for ongoing security monitoring and incident response within an organization.

How to become a cyber defense contractor?

To become a cyber defense contractor, individuals typically need a strong background in cybersecurity, often demonstrated through relevant certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+. Gaining experience in network security, threat analysis, and incident response is essential, along with understanding government or industry-specific security standards. Many contractors also obtain security clearances and develop skills in security tools and protocols to meet client requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Cyber Defense Contractor jobs in Arizona?

For Cyber Defense Contractor jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cyber Defense Contractor jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Cyber Defense Contractor jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Cyber Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Cyber Defense Contractor job openings:

Cyber Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Defense Contractor job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,198 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Chief Architect- Space Communication Systems

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

114th of 246 rated software companies

Job description

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, plus a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree in Engineering, plus a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience.

Clearance Requirements:

Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance is preferred at time of hire. Candidates must be able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance within a reasonable amount of time from date of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.


Ready to be a leader with the company that is committed to pushing the limits of truly advanced technologies? At General Dynamics Mission Systems, we create the products and services that help our service members, intelligence analysts and first responders keep our nation safe. The work we do is so advanced, it’s often classified. If you want to put your talent in the spotlight, it’s waiting for you right now, right here.
We apply advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, AR/VR, Cloud Native and Quantum Physics to solve our customers’ missions in cyber, RF, undersea, interstellar and everything in between.

The Chief Architect, Communications Systems is a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff (DMTS) who serves as a senior technical authority and customer facing technical interface for communications systems architecture. This role drives the strategic design and evolution of complex  communications solutions — spanning, satellite, wideband, and mission-critical network architectures — while directly engaging customers to shape requirements, present technical solutions, and build long-term relationships. The Chief Architect leads cross-functional engineering teams, identifies emerging technologies, and influences both internal strategy and external business development to advance the company's position in the communications domain.

Preferred experience includes: tactical communications systems, SATCOM (military/commercial), software-defined radio (SDR), spectrum operations, networks, and/or customer-facing technical leadership roles.

Key Responsibilities:


Customer Engagement & Technical Leadership
• Serve as the primary technical representative to customers, program offices, and government stakeholders for communications systems architectures.
• Lead customer-facing technical reviews, architecture briefings, and requirements discussions, translating complex technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with customer technical leads, contracting officers, and program managers.
• Represent the company at industry forums, conferences, and working groups relevant to communications systems .
• Anticipate customer needs and proactively propose architectural solutions aligned with mission objectives and GDMS strategic developments.
Architecture & Engineering
• Define and own end-to-end communications system architectures encompassing RF/waveform design, spectrum management, link budgets, network topology, interface control, and protocol stacks.
• Apply advanced systems engineering principles to develop architectures that balance performance, cost, schedule, and risk across the full communications system lifecycle.
• Lead architecture trade studies and analysis of alternatives (AoA) for communications technologies focusing on satellite communications, including Tracking, Telemetry and Control (TT&C), inter Satellite Data links and hi rate Mission Data links exploiting software-defined radio (SDR) technologies, with On-orbit re-programmability/reconfigurability, and other emerging wideband/MIMO solutions.
• Oversee design and development processes for communications products, ensuring compliance with Space Environments, reliability and Mission life, while driving Designs for manufacturability and reduction of manufacturing costs.• Utilize modeling, simulation, and formal trade study tools to optimize system performance and validate architectural decisions.
Risk, Strategy & Innovation
• Actively identify and communicate high-level technical risks, risk trade space, and mitigation strategies to program leadership and customers.
• Conduct research to identify leading-edge and breakaway communications technologies and assess their implications for the company's strategic direction.
• Research and report significant shifts in the communications technology landscape — including spectrum policy, contested/degraded environments, and next-generation waveforms — and their business impact.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI/ML for continuous improvement, optimization, and innovation within communications systems.
Business Development & Proposals
• Lead quick response communications systems proposals, identifying cross-business unit strengths and technical gaps, and providing teaming recommendations to maximize win probability.
• Contribute to shaping major market opportunities in communications, including new program identification and strategic capture planning.
• Drive the development of new business opportunities that can lead to new Lines of Business (LOB) or Division creation.
• Influence the development of technical opportunities leading to new business through position papers, white papers, and technology demonstrations.
• Direct technical and teaming strategies across business units and divisions to respond to customer requirements.
Community & Mentor-ship
• Establish technology and process direction for the communications systems technical community.
• Mentor and guide less experienced engineers on advanced communications engineering principles, architecture methods, and customer engagement practices.
• Anticipate needs and concerns of the technical community and drive resolutions.
• Take immediate and decisive action on technical and performance issues, leveraging influence to author trade studies and position papers as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Deep expertise in communications systems architecture: RF systems, waveform design, spectrum management, satellite communications, networks, and link analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to engage directly with customers and government stakeholders as a trusted technical authority.
• Identifies and applies AI/ML opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation in communications systems.
• Advanced understanding of systems engineering principles, architecture frameworks (DoDAF, TOGAF), and model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills — able to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects and major proposals across distributed teams.• Proficiency in requirements management tools, modeling and simulation environments, and formal trade study methodologies.
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate emerging technologies and their operational impact.
• Tremendous influence within the technical and customer communities.
• Ability to anticipate, identify, and resolve high-level technical and performance issues decisively.

As the Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, you’ll apply advanced principles of engineering and management to solve complex problems in the development of technology. As a leader, you’ll oversee and manage design and development processes as they relate to the engineering of products utilizing principles and technology of physics, mathematics, engineering, and related physical sciences. It’s engineering that sets the standard for the world. Are you ready?

What you’ll experience:
  • Technologies that aren’t just top-notch, they’re often top-secret
  • A team of bold thinkers committed to exploring what’s next
  • Opportunities to gain new knowledge - as it’s discovered
What you bring to the table:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field and is required plus a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree in engineering or a related technical field plus a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills
  • Recognized as an expert in your field
  • Ability to ability to anticipate technology, process, and skill needs
What sets you apart:
  • Easily and effectively communicate technical topics to a diverse audience
  • Ability to create an environment where the impact of technology on the business is clearly recognized
  • Exceptional aptitude for applying or developing highly advanced technologies, principles, theories and concepts
  • Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Our Commitment to You:

  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
This position is Onsite at any of the locations listed. Relocation assistance available to these locations, preferred location is Scottsdale.

#CJ1


This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
USD $219,876.00 - USD $243,925.00 /Yr.

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!


Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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