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Cyber Defense Contractor Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Nwis

Cyber Network Defense Analyst II

Sterling, VA · On-site

Nightwing, as a prime contractor to DHS, performs HIRT investigations to develop a preliminary ... cyber defense staff to validate network alerts - Document and escalate incidents (including event ...

Nwis

Cyber Network Defense Analyst III

Sterling, VA · On-site

Nightwing, as a prime contractor to DHS, performs HIRT investigations to develop a preliminary ... cyber defense staff to validate network alerts - Document and escalate incidents (including event ...

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All JobsCyber Defense Contractor JobsCyber Defense Contractor Jobs in Reston, VA

Cyber Defense Contractor information

See Reston, VA salary details

$46.3K

$111.9K

$157.1K

How much do cyber defense contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defense contractor in Reston, VA is $111,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $131,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 does a cybersecurity contractor do?

A cybersecurity contractor is responsible for protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats by implementing security measures, conducting vulnerability assessments, and responding to security incidents. They often use tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, and may hold certifications such as CISSP or CEH. Their work typically involves analyzing security risks and developing strategies to prevent cyber attacks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cyber Defense Contractor, and why are they important?

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 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.

Can you make $200,000 in cyber security?

Cyber Defense Contractors and cybersecurity professionals can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, certifications like CISSP or CISM, and experience in high-demand areas such as threat analysis or security architecture. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise, with senior roles and specialized skills commanding higher pay.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Cyber Defense Contractors and senior cybersecurity professionals with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or consulting roles. Achieving this level often requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic responsibilities, along with working in environments that value cybersecurity at a high level.

How much does a cyber defense operator make?

A cyber defense operator typically earns between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications like CISSP or CEH can earn higher salaries, especially in government or defense sectors.
What job categories do people searching Cyber Defense Contractor jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Cyber Defense Contractor jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Cyber Defense Contractor jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Cyber Defense Contractor job openings:
Cyber Defense Contractor jobs near you

Cyber Network Defense Analyst III

Nightwing

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
The DHS's Hunt and Incident Response Team (HIRT) secures the Nation's cyber and communications infrastructure. HIRT provides DHS's front-line response for cyber incidents and proactively hunting for malicious cyber activity. Nightwing, as a prime contractor to DHS, performs HIRT investigations to develop a preliminary diagnosis of the severity of breaches. Nightwing provides HIRT remote and onsite advanced technical assistance, proactive hunting, Teir 2 and Teir 3 incident response, and immediate investigation and resolution using host-based, cloud-based and network-based cybersecurity analysis capabilities. Team personnel provide front line response for digital forensics/incident response (DFIR) at Teir 2 and Teir 3 levels along with proactively hunting for malicious cyber activity. We are seeking Cyber Threat Hunters to support this critical customer mission. Responsibilities:
- Correlate forensic findings to network events in support of developing an intrusion narrative
- Collect and document system state information (e.g. running processes, network connections) prior to imaging, as required
- Perform forensic triage of an incident to include determining scope, urgency and potential impact
- Track and document forensic analysis from initial participation through resolution
- Coordinate with Government staff and customer personnel to validate/investigate alerts or additional preliminary findings
- Conduct analysis of forensic images, and available evidence in support of forensic write-ups for inclusion in reports and written products
- Assist to document and publishing Computer Network Defense (CND) guidance and reports pertaining to incident findings
Characterize and analyze network traffic to identify anomalous activity and potential threats to network resources
- Coordinate with enterprise-wide cyber defense staff to validate network alerts
- Document and escalate incidents (including event's history, status, and potential impact for further action) that may cause ongoing and immediate impact to the environment
- Perform event correlation using information gathered from a variety of sources within the enterprise to gain situational awareness and determine the effectiveness of an observed attack
- Provide daily summary reports of network/host events and activity relevant to cyber defense practices
- Receive and analyze network & host alerts from various sources within the enterprise and determine possible causes of alerts
- Provide timely detection, identification, and alerting of possible attacks/intrusions, anomalous activities, and misuse activities and distinguish these incidents and events from benign activities
- Use cyber defense tools for continual monitoring and analysis of system activity to identify malicious activity
- Analyze identified malicious activity to determine weaknesses exploited, exploitation methods, effects on system and information
- Identify and analyze anomalies in network traffic using metadata
- Identify applications and operating systems of a network device based on network traffic
- Identify network mapping and operating system (OS) fingerprinting/other baselining activities
- Assist in the construction of signatures which can be implemented on cyber defense network tools in response to new or observed threats within the network environment or enclave
Required Skills/Clearances:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
- 5+ years of direct relevant experience in cyber defense analysis using leading edge technologies and industry standard cyber defense tools-
- Ability to create forensically sound duplicates of evidence (forensic images)- Ability to author cyber investigative reports documenting digital forensics findings- Proficiency with analysis and characterization of cyber attacks- Skilled in identifying different classes of attacks and attack stages- Understanding of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities- Understanding of proactive analysis of systems and networks
- Able to work collaboratively across physical locations
- Action-oriented and have a proactive approach to problem solving
- Proficiency with common operating systems (e,g, Linux/Unix, Windows) - Experience implementing incident handling methodologies
Desired Skills:
-Understanding of SaaS, PaaS and IaaS in the Cloud Environment
Proficiency with One ormore of these EDR Tools; CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Cortex, MS MDE, or Trellix
Proficiency with two or more of the following tools:--- Host forensics software (EnCase, FTK, X-Ways, Sleuth Kit/Autopsy)--- SIFT--- Volatility
--- KAPE--- WireShark--- Splunk
--- Elastic- Proficiency conducting all-source research.
Required Education:
BS Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 7-9 years of network/host investigations experience. Desired Certifications: (One or More)
GCFE, GCFA, GCLD, GCPS, GCPN, GWEB, GIRD, GREM, GNFA, GCIH, GCIA, GSEC,
Kubernetes Security Specialist, Microsoft 365 Certifications, Microsoft Azure Certifications, AWS Certifications, SANS Cloud Courses (SEC541, SEC584, SEC588) and Certifications GSEC (SANS401), Network+, Security+, CEH
Arlington, VA
Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation's most mission impactful initiatives.
When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world's most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.
At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.
At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

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