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

Argo Cyber Systems

Compliance Analyst

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

Argo Cyber Systems is a Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Why Join Argo As part of Argo Cyber Systems, you will serve at the forefront of national cyber defense-protecting ...

Argo Cyber Systems

Security Control Assessor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Argo Cyber Systems is a Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Why Join Argo As part of Argo Cyber Systems, you will serve at the forefront of national cyber defense-protecting ...

Apply Early

Argo Cyber Systems

Compliance Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Argo Cyber Systems is a Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Why Join Argo As part of Argo Cyber Systems, you will serve at the forefront of national cyber defense-protecting ...

Apply Early

Argo Cyber Systems

A&A Analyst

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

Argo Cyber Systems is a Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Why Join Argo As part of Argo Cyber Systems, you will serve at the forefront of national cyber defense-protecting ...

Argo Cyber Systems

POA&M/Vulnerability Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Argo Cyber Systems is a Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Why Join Argo As part of Argo Cyber Systems, you will serve at the forefront of national cyber defense-protecting ...

Apply Early

Argo Cyber Systems

A&A Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Argo Cyber Systems is a Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Why Join Argo As part of Argo Cyber Systems, you will serve at the forefront of national cyber defense-protecting ...

Apply Early

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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
Senior Research Scientist - Cyber Network Security

Senior Research Scientist - Cyber Network Security

Peraton

College Park, MD • On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Peraton rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 207 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities
Peraton Labs is seeking a poly cleared Senior Research Scientist to support cleared research and development efforts for a Maryland-based customer. This role will focus on the research, design, development, and demonstration of advanced network security prototypes across classified and unclassified environments.
This position is ideal for a hands-on researcher or senior engineer who can combine software development, networking, automation, virtualization, and cyber systems knowledge to rapidly build mission-focused prototypes. Within this role you will work in a dynamic R&D environment, collaborate directly with government leadership and technical stakeholders, and help shape next-generation research efforts in cyber network defense, secure networking, experimentation platforms, and emerging network technologies.
This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD.
Key responsibilities may include
  • Research, design, develop, and demonstrate network security prototypes for government research customers
  • Develop software, scripts, tools, documentation, and test environments to demonstrate new cyber and networking capabilities
  • Build prototypes involving high-speed networks, wireless networks, cloud infrastructure, containers, virtualized environments, and network function virtualization
  • Design and integrate large-scale experimentation environments using technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, Ansible, OpenStack, Vagrant, or similar tools
  • Support research involving network protocols, traffic analysis, network monitoring, data collection, cyber defense, secure-by-design networking, and cyber operations
  • Apply software development skills in languages such as Python, Go, Java, C/C++, or similar
  • Work with government leadership and technical stakeholders to shape research direction, explain technical approaches, and identify new prototype opportunities
  • Collaborate with government, Peraton Labs, and contractor teams to integrate research prototypes into larger experimentation platforms
  • Analyze, troubleshoot, and refine prototypes in fast-moving R&D environments
  • Document technical designs, prototype capabilities, test results, and research findings for customer briefings and technical reports

*This position may be eligible for an increased sign-on bonus. Eligibility, bonus amount, and applicable terms and conditions will be discussed during the recruiting process*
#MDFSP
#PLABS26
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 12+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, 10+ years of experience with a Master's degree, or 8+ years of experience with a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field. In lieu of a Bachelors, an additional 4 years of experience is required for a total of 16+ years relevant experience.
  • Strong hands-on experience in software development, network security research, cyber systems engineering, or advanced network prototyping
  • Programming experience in one or more languages such as Python, Go, Java, C/C++, or similar
  • Experience with Linux-based development
  • Understanding of network protocols, network devices, routing, switching, firewalls, packet analysis, and network troubleshooting
  • Experience with virtualization, containers, or cloud-native infrastructure such as Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant, OpenStack or similar tools
  • Experience with automation or configuration management tools such as Ansible, Helm, Puppet, Terraform, or similar
  • Ability to rapidly learn new technologies, prototype solutions, redirect research as needed, and apply new technical concepts to mission problems
  • Ability to clearly document and communicate technical concepts, research outcomes, and prototype demonstrations to government customers and stakeholders
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced classified R&D environment
  • US Citizenship is a requirement for this position
  • This position requires an active/current TS/SCI w/ Polygraph

Desired Additional Qualifications
  • Experience working directly with IC or DoD research customers, government PMs, and multi-contractor technical teams
  • Experience serving as a technical lead, task lead, principal investigator, or senior technical contributor on government R&D programs
  • Experience with cyber network defense, secure networking, network security research, cyber operations, or cyber experimentation platforms
  • Experience with high-speed networking, wireless networking, software-defined networking, network function virtualization, or cloud-native network functions
  • Experience building large-scale testbeds, cyber ranges, experimentation environments, or prototype evaluation platforms
  • Experience with CI/CD and team development workflows using tools such as GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Git, Jira, or similar tools
  • Experience with network/system monitoring and data collections tools such as Zeek, Suricata, Wireshark, tcpdump, Prometheus, Grafana, ELK/OpenSearch, or similar tools
  • Experience with reverse engineering or malware analysis tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, Redare2, or similar
  • Experience with embedded systems development, Linux kernal development, device driver development, or low-level systems programming
  • Familiarity with RF, wireless security, SDR, 5G/LTE, tactical networks, or constrained/edge environments
  • Familiarity with AI/ML, neural networks, anomaly detection, traffic classification, or applying machine learning to cyber/network security problems
  • Experience contributing to proposals, whitepapers, technical reports, customer briefings, or publications
  • Strong curiosity, adaptability, and desire to acquire new technical skills in support of emerging mission needs

Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$176,000 - $282,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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