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Cyber Defense Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Cyber Analyst - MID

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

Perform cyber analysis in support of intelligence, operational, and defensive cyberspace missions ... Contractor-provided training and certification upkeep (unless Government-directed) * Ability to ...

Pae

Cyber Analyst - MID

Fort George G Meade, MD · Hybrid

$70K - $105K/yr

Perform cyber analysis in support of intelligence, operational, and defensive cyberspace missions ... Contractor-provided training and certification upkeep (unless Government-directed) * Ability to ...

Analygence

Exploitation Analyst

Norfolk, VA · On-site

... sector, and defense contractors on cyber capabilities and tools to meet the test requirements. Responsibilities: * HQ Tasks: * Serve as a OPTEVFOR 01D Exploitation Analyst supporting cyber ...

Analygence

Exploitation Analyst

Norfolk, VA

... sector, and defense contractors on cyber capabilities and tools to meet the test requirements. Responsibilities: * HQ Tasks: * Serve as a OPTEVFOR 01D Exploitation Analyst supporting cyber ...

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Cyber Defense Contractor information

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$151K

How much do cyber defense contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defense contractor in the United States is $107,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $126,500.00 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.
More about Cyber Defense Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Cyber Defense Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Cyber Defense Contractor job openings:
What states have the most Cyber Defense Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Cyber Defense Contractor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cyber Defense Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cyber Defense Contractor jobs are:
Cyber Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Defense Contractor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,522 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Computer Network Defense Analysts 1-4 (CNDA)

Computer Network Defense Analysts 1-4 (CNDA)

Amentum

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Amentum is seeking Computer Network Defense Analysts 1-4 (CNDA) to use information collected from a variety sources (e.g., intrusion detection systems, firewalls, network traffic logs, and host system logs) to identify potential vulnerabilities, respond to cyber events that occur, and defend against events that might occur.
Essential Duties:
  • Help develop mitigations to strengthen network defenses and protect against attacks on network infrastructure devices or systems. Work may span the gamut of data transport possibilities, such as traditional wired networks, wireless transport (including Wi-Fi and cellular), collaborative platforms such as video teleconferencing, and the hardware and software that support it all.
  • Develop increasing expertise in networking protocols and architectures, cloud security, Internet of Things protocols, and advanced network security.
  • Work with government, military, and contractor personnel to develop shared understandings of intelligence needs, mission relevance, and areas of expertise.
  • Apply analytical thinking t to form hypotheses, critically assess and choose analysis techniques, then query, merge, enrich, evaluate, and pivot within data to attain and share insights.
  • Distill, document, contextualize and share your findings with teammates, stakeholders, and intelligence consumers.

Computer Network Defense Analyst (CNDA 1)
Minimum Requirements:
  • Must be a U.S citizen.
  • Must possess a current Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility and a polygraph.
  • Degree in a technical field (e.g., Telecommunications, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, IT, or Information Systems, Networking and Telecommunications, etc.). 18 semester hours of military training/ coursework in networking, computer science, or cyber topics is equivalent to an Associates degree.
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, and/or systems engineering.
  • Additionally, must have experience in network or system administration.
  • Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis Course), Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT), Network Warfare Bridge Course (NWBC)/Intermediate Network Warfare Training (INWT), Cyber Defense Operations will be considered toward relevant experience requirement.

Computer Network Defense Analyst (CNDA 2)
Minimum Requirements:
  • Must be a U.S citizen.
  • Must possess a current Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility and a polygraph.
  • Degree in a technical field (e.g., Telecommunications, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, IT, or Information Systems, Networking and Telecommunications, etc.). 18 semester hours of military training/ coursework in networking, computer science, or cyber topics is equivalent to an Associates degree.
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, and/or systems engineering.
  • Additionally, must have experience in network or system administration.
  • Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis Course), Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT), Network Warfare Bridge Course (NWBC)/Intermediate Network Warfare Training (INWT), Cyber Defense Operations will be considered toward relevant experience requirement.

Computer Network Defense Analyst (CNDA 3)
Minimum Requirements:
  • Must be a U.S citizen.
  • Must possess a current Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility and a polygraph.
  • Degree in a technical field (e.g., Telecommunications, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, IT, or Information Systems, Networking and Telecommunications, etc.). 18 semester hours of military training/ coursework in networking, computer science, or cyber topics is equivalent to an Associates degree.
  • Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, and/or systems engineering.
  • Additionally, must have experience in network or system administration.
  • Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis Course), Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT), Network Warfare Bridge Course (NWBC)/Intermediate Network Warfare Training (INWT), Cyber Defense Operations will be considered toward relevant experience requirement.

Computer Network Defense Analyst (CNDA 4)
Minimum Requirements:
  • Must be a U.S citizen.
  • Must possess a current Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility and a polygraph.
  • Degree in a technical field (e.g., Telecommunications, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, IT, or Information Systems, Networking and Telecommunications, etc.). 18 semester hours of military training/ coursework in networking, computer science, or cyber topics is equivalent to an Associates degree.
  • Minimum 11 years of relevant experience in computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, and/or systems engineering.
  • Additionally, must have experience in network or system administration.
  • Completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis Course), Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT), Network Warfare Bridge Course (NWBC)/Intermediate Network Warfare Training (INWT), Cyber Defense Operations will be considered toward relevant experience requirement.

Compensation
The annual starting salary rate for this position is between $100,000-$ 175,000 annually depending on the level. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills,
education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
Benefits
Amentum offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility
requirements: medical dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long term and short term disability insurance, 15 days of paid time off, paid sick and safe time,
and parental leave offered as well.
#FFX
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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