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Cyber Defense Contractor Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

Vice President of Cybersecurity

Detroit, MI · Hybrid

$148K - $186K/yr

... cyber risks to executive, customer, and non-technical audiences * Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or equivalent * Experience supporting government contracting, defense, or regulated ...

Cyber Defense Contractor information

See Rochester Hills, MI salary details

$41K

$99K

$139K

How much do cyber defense contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defense contractor in Rochester Hills, MI is $98,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $116,400.00 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 cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Cyber Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Cyber Defense Contractor job openings:

Vice President of Cybersecurity

Detroit, MI • Hybrid

Eccalon LLC
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

$148K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

This position is located onsite in Detroit, MI.

Job Description

The Vice President of Cybersecurity serves as Eccalon’s senior-most cybersecurity executive, functioning as the organization’s CISO-equivalent leader. This role is responsible for defining and executing enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy; overseeing governance, risk, and compliance; and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organizational and customer systems. The VP acts as a trusted strategic advisor to executive leadership, customers, and external stakeholders, ensuring cybersecurity capabilities align with business objectives, government contracting requirements, regulatory mandates, and the evolving cyber threat landscape.

Responsibilities

  • Enterprise Cybersecurity Leadership
    • Define, execute, and continuously evolve the company enterprise cybersecurity vision and strategy
    • Serve as the organization’s ultimate authority on cybersecurity risk, posture, and resilience
    • Advise executive leadership and the board on cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, investment priorities, and risk tolerance
    • Establish governance frameworks, enterprise security policies, and operational standards
  • Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
    • Lead cybersecurity compliance efforts for government and regulated environments, including NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, CMMC, and related federal frameworks
    • Ensure continuous audit readiness and contractual compliance across programs
    • Oversee enterprise risk management, vulnerability assessments, and continuous monitoring
    • Partner with legal, compliance, and program leadership to manage cyber risk and regulatory exposure
  • Security Architecture & Operations
    • Oversee secure architecture across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments
    • Champion zero-trust, secure-by-design, and defense-in-depth principles
    • Lead executive-level incident response, cyber crisis management, and post-incident analysis
    • Ensure cybersecurity is embedded across product, infrastructure, and program lifecycles
  • Government Contracting & Cyber Advisory
    • Provide cybersecurity leadership for government contracts and mission-critical programs
    • Advise customers and internal stakeholders on cyber compliance, risk mitigation, and readiness
    • Support business development by contributing cybersecurity strategy and language to proposals and technical responses
    • Represent Eccalon as a senior cybersecurity authority with customers, partners, regulators, and oversight bodies
  • Leadership & Capability Development
    • Lead, mentor, and scale cybersecurity, GRC, and cyber advisory teams
    • Establish performance metrics, professional development pathways, and succession planning
    • Manage cybersecurity vendors, assessors, and strategic partners
    • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous security improvement

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
  • 10+ years of progressive cybersecurity leadership experience, including CISO or CISO-adjacent roles
  • Demonstrated success leading enterprise cybersecurity, governance, and risk programs
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex cyber risks to executive, customer, and non-technical audiences
  • Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or equivalent
  • Experience supporting government contracting, defense, or regulated industries

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Business Administration, or a related discipline
  • Prior service as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or senior government cyber leader
  • Experience engaging regulatory bodies, assessors, or oversight organizations

Eccalon logo

About Eccalon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a cross-functional collective of innovative minds that leverages technology to tackle the most challenging problems of this generation for clients, the nation, and the world. Eccalon fosters creativity, curiosity, and imagination across all departments and divisions to pioneer new ideas, products, and services. We advance innovation.​

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

2017