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Cyber Defense Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Core4ce

IL · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

... and defensive cyber operations within a DoD or federal environment. You will serve as a key ... Serve as the primary contractor lead for cyber operations-related activities and deliverables

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Cyber Defense Contractor information

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$44.5K

$107.5K

$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.
Senior Defense Technologist - Cyber

Senior Defense Technologist - Cyber

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Mclean, VA • On-site

$185K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

MTSI is seeking a Senior Defense Technologist - Cyber supporting the Mission Engineering and Integration Activity (MEIA), you will lead the conception, planning, and implementation of advanced technologies to establish the foundation of the new MEIA digital platform. Day-to-day, you will tackle unique and complex technical problems to architect a secure digital engineering ecosystem. You will conduct advanced research studies that combine your operational expertise with novel technology approaches, directly bolstering the development of MEIA's digital systems and supporting the integration of cutting-edge defense capabilities.
How you will contribute to our National Security and Defense mission:
By architecting and securing the MEIA digital platform, you will provide the critical infrastructure necessary to integrate advanced cyber, non-kinetic, and mission engineering capabilities across the Department of Defense. Your work ensures that complex, system-of-systems challenges are met with resilient, cutting-edge technology, directly advancing our national security and maintaining joint warfighting superiority. This position is located in the National Capital Region.
You'll be a great fit for this role if:
You understand how infrastructure and data flows support mission engineering.
You thrive collaborating with military, government, and contractor teams.
You have deep, demonstrated experience in developing and implementing advanced technologies for major defense programs.
You are comfortable tackling unique, controversial, or highly complex problems.
  • You are passionate about conceptualizing and building scalable digital engineering ecosystems and platforms from the ground up.

Responsibilities:
  • Your essential job functions may include but not be limited to:
  • Bolster the development and implementation of advanced technologies and systems to support the new MEIA digital platform architecture.
  • Support warfare specialties by ensuring the MEIA digital ecosystem is highly secure and technologically advanced.
  • Address and solve unique or controversial technical systems problems that have an important effect on major DoW programs and mission capabilities.
  • Conceive, plan, and conduct research studies combining operational mission engineering expertise with novel technology approaches.
  • Guide the technical transition of legacy mission areas into the unified, secure MEIA digital platform environment.

Qualifications Required:
  • Minimum 15 years of experience with emphasis on:
  • Planning, developing, and executing technical projects of an R&D nature
  • Bolstering the development and implementation of advanced cyber technologies and systems
  • Conceiving, planning, and conducting research to assess military effectiveness and engineering viability
  • Working within the DoW (Joint Staff, Services, Combatant/Functional Commands) and the Intelligence Community to advance capability development and increase investment in the most viable capabilities
  • Experience designing, integrating, or securing digital engineering platforms, cloud-based architectures, or system-of-systems networks
  • Familiarity with advanced mission engineering activities

Education:
  • Master's degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or related technical discipline (required)
  • Doctoral/Terminal degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or related technical discipline (preferred)

Even better if you have these desired skills:
  • Experience transitioning efforts across the lifecycle.
  • Military Service Staff/Headquarters, Joint Staff, or similar level analytical experience.
  • Strong systems engineering grounding, especially in decomposition, requirements development, and architecture modeling.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across technical and operational communities to align processes and architectures.
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills in integrated government-contractor teams.

Clearance Requirements:
An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance (with SCI and SAP/CAP eligibility) is required.
The pay range for this position is $185,000/year to $230,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. This posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled.
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