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Cyber Defense Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ManTech

Cyber Defense Operations Manager

Fairmont, WV

$109K - $182K/yr

The Cyber Defense Operations Manager is responsible for orchestrating the SOC response to major threats, providing technical leadership to analysts, scheduling staff for 24x7 operations, and ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Cyber Defense Analyst

Lehi, UT · On-site

$36.62 - $45.77/hr

Cyber Defense Analyst Full-time Lehi, UT You'll be joining Adobe on a contract opportunity ... You will collaborate with a global 24x7 defensive operations team and coordinate with CSIRT members ...

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Cyber Defense Operations information

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$20.5K

$56.2K

$136K

How much do cyber defense operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defense operations in the United States is $56,226.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $86,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Cyber Defense Operations professionals can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles such as security managers or chief information security officers. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, specialized skills, and working in large organizations or consulting firms. Entry-level roles typically offer lower compensation, and reaching such high earnings requires significant expertise and responsibility.

What is the difference between Cyber Defense Operations vs Cyber Security Analyst?

AspectCyber Defense OperationsCyber Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentSecurity operations centers, incident response teamsRisk assessment, vulnerability analysis, monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, large corporations, defense contractorsIT firms, financial institutions, healthcare providers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Cyber Defense Operations and Cyber Security Analysts both focus on protecting information systems, often sharing certifications and working in similar environments. However, Cyber Defense Operations typically involve active monitoring, incident response, and managing security tools, while Cyber Security Analysts focus more on analyzing vulnerabilities, assessing risks, and developing security strategies. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or role within cybersecurity teams.

What are Cyber Defense Operations?

Cyber Defense Operations refer to the processes and activities carried out by organizations to protect their digital assets from cyber threats. This includes monitoring networks for suspicious activity, responding to security incidents, implementing protective measures, and continuously improving security posture. The goal of cyber defense operations is to detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks in real-time, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Cyber Defense Operations, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in Cyber Defense Operations often face the challenge of rapidly evolving threats and the need to stay ahead of sophisticated cyber attackers. Managing high volumes of security alerts, prioritizing incidents, and maintaining effective communication across IT and security teams can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, continuous learning, leveraging automation tools, and fostering a collaborative environment with clear incident response protocols are essential. Regular training, strong teamwork, and proactive threat intelligence integration help ensure effective defense and career growth.

What do cyber defense operations do?

Cyber defense operations involve monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security threats to protect computer systems and networks. Professionals in this field use tools like intrusion detection systems and firewalls, often working in 24/7 environments to prevent cyberattacks and ensure data security.

Is SOC an entry level job?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst role can be entry level, especially for positions labeled as SOC analyst or SOC technician, which often require basic knowledge of cybersecurity tools and monitoring. However, more advanced SOC roles typically require prior experience, certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, and familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Entry-level positions focus on monitoring security alerts and supporting incident response activities.

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 high-demand environments with security tools and monitoring responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Cyber Defense Operations, and why are they important?

To excel in Cyber Defense Operations, you need a strong grasp of network security, threat analysis, and incident response, typically supported by a degree in cybersecurity or information technology. Familiarity with tools such as SIEM platforms, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and certifications like CISSP or CEH is highly valued. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for detecting and responding to cyber threats. These competencies are essential for safeguarding organizational assets and ensuring rapid, coordinated responses to evolving cybersecurity risks.
More about Cyber Defense Operations jobs
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Cyber Defense Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Defense Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,226 per year, or $27 per hour.

Senior Manager, Cyber Defense Operations

AspenView Technology Partners

Remote

$113K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
AspenView Technology Partners is passionate about transforming how organizations approach technology. They are seeking a Senior Manager for Cyber Defense Operations to lead their cyber defense capability, focusing on identifying and recovering from cyber threats while managing various sub-capabilities like Incident Response and Threat Management.
Responsibilities:
• Own enterprise cyber defense strategy across detection, threat management, IR, vulnerability, patching, and reporting.
• Lead and mature the SOC by driving 24/7 Endpoint Detection, Logging & Monitoring (SIEM) coverage, and detection engineering.
• Define SOC KPIs, MTTD/MTTR targets, and the Reporting & Continuous Improvement framework for the function.
• Operationalize threat intelligence into detection use cases, hunting, and proactive defense.
• Own the Incident Response capability, including crisis management, major incident leadership, and executive communications.
• Build strategic MSSP and ISAC partnerships, representing the organization in threat intelligence sharing communities.
• Govern Vulnerability Remediation and Patch & Configuration Management through SLA accountability and risk-based prioritization.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 12+ years in cybersecurity
• 5+ years leading SOC or cyber defense operations at an enterprise scale
• CISSP or CISM certification
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex threat scenarios and defense posture to executive and board audiences
• Proven leader in building and scaling high-performing SOC teams and driving measurable improvement in MTTD/MTTR
Preferred:
• GCIA
• GCIH
• GCFE
Company:
AspenView Technology Partners offers data engineering, AI, business intelligence and robotic process automation services. Founded in 2024, the company is headquartered in Denver, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.

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