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Cyber Defense Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Defense Operations Manager

Fairmont, WV ยท On-site

$103.70K - $140.10K/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 ...

In the Cyber Operations & Analysis Technology Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, we research ... Creating game-changing capabilities for defensive cyberspace operations As an interdisciplinary ...

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Cyber Defense Operations information

See salary details

$20.5K

$56.2K

$136K

How much do cyber defense operations jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 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.

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.

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 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 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.

More about Cyber Defense Operations jobs
Infographic showing various Cyber Defense Operations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 48% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 48% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,226 per year, or $27 per hour.

CybersecuritySME - Cyber Defense Operations

RSEKURE

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME) โ€“ Cyber Defense Operations

Department: Information Security / Cyber Operations

Reports To: RSekure Program Manager

Location: Chantilly, VA

Schedule: Monday โ€“ Friday

Hours: Full-time, 40-hours/week

Clearance Req: TS/SCI โ€“ Full-Scope Polygraph

FLSA Status: Salaried, exempt

Position Summary

RSekure is seeking a highly skilled Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join our Cyber Defense Operations team in Chantilly, VA. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of offensive and defensive cybersecurity expertise, demonstrating proficiency in understanding, conducting, and defending against sophisticated cyber threats. This role requires hands-on experience in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and incident response, and will contribute significantly to our organization's cyber resilience and security posture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Threat Detection & Monitoring: Design, implement, and optimize security monitoring solutions to detect advanced persistent threats (APTs), malware, and other cyberattacks.
  • Incident Response & Management: Lead and participate in cyber incident response activities, including investigation, containment, eradication, and recovery. Develop and refine incident response playbooks and procedures.
  • Vulnerability Management & Penetration Testing: Conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments and penetration tests (e.g., network, web application, cloud, API) to identify and prioritize security weaknesses. Simulate real-world attack scenarios to evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls.
  • Security Architecture & Engineering: Provide expert guidance on secure system design and implementation. Recommend and implement security controls, tools, and technologies to enhance defensive capabilities.
  • Threat Intelligence: Stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques. Integrate threat intelligence into defensive strategies and proactive measures.
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Support: Collaborate with and provide mentorship to SOC analysts, enhancing their capabilities in threat hunting, analysis, and response.
  • Policy & Procedure Development: Contribute to the development and refinement of cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures.
  • Training & Awareness: Educate internal teams on cybersecurity best practices, emerging threats, and secure coding principles. Lay groundwork and grow Cybersecurity practice.
  • Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of security incidents, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies.
  • Enter the actual time worked, once complete, at the end of the day, or no later than 10:00 a.m. the following workday, and submit timesheets at the end of each pay period.
  • Monitor RSekure email on a regular basis, at least 2 times per week, and respond accordingly.
  • Complete required compliance training as assigned.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Critical Skills

  • Demonstrated experience with common offensive security tools and methodologies (e.g., Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, Cobalt Strike).
  • Strong understanding of network protocols, operation systems (Windows, Linux), and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Experience with security information and event management (SIEM) systems (e.g., Splunk, QRadar, Elastic Stack).
  • Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Bash) for automation and analysis.
  • Familiarity with various attack vectors, exploitation techniques, and defensive countermeasures.

Education and Work Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in either offensive (e.g., penetration testing, red teaming, ethical hacking) or defensive (e.g., security operations, incident response, threat hunting) cyber operations.

Desired Certifications and Licenses

  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • GIAC Certifications (e.g., GCIH, GCFA, GPEN, GWAPT, GSEC)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Black Hat Certified Pentester (BCPen)
  • ComptTIA CySA+, PenTest+
  • (ISC)2 CISSP, CSSLP

Special Requirements

  • TS/SCI clearance with a Full-Scope polygraph.

Work Environment

Employee will be working indoors in an office environment with other people. Typical indoor and computer related noise level, and typical office, paper, and equipment related dust. Exposure to video display terminals occurs on a regular basis.

Physical Demands

To successfully perform the essential functions of the job, the employee needs to be able to sit at a workstation for extended periods; use hand(s) to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear; see to read printed materials and computer screens; mobility to work in a typical office setting. The ability to stand, walk, squat, bend, kneel, stoop, and climb will be required for this position. Ability to work on desktop or laptop computer for extended periods of time reading, reviewing/analyzing information, and may be required to provide recommendations, summaries and/or reports in written format. Must be able to effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing. Employee must be able to lift and/or move moderate amounts of weight, typically up to 30 pounds. Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

ADA: RSekure will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EEO/AA: RSekure does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or the provision of services and is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position and will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential job functions are subject to modification. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

Company Overview

RSekure employees work alongside their civilian and military counterparts in the federal government to find creative, innovative solutions to today's problems. Our teams are committed to excellence and dedicated to our clients' missions. We believe in hiring bright people and empowering them to do their best work from day one. Bring your skills and share our vision! Learn more about us at www.rsekure.com

Why Join Us

  • Opportunity to work on challenging projects and make a significant impact.
  • Professional development opportunities and career growth prospects.
  • Group Term Life Insurance, LTD, and STD benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance Plans
  • 401k and Retirement Options
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

RSekure prides itself on its tradition of service, responsiveness and team work ethic. We don't just hire employees; we develop partnerships with our staff based around their personal career and educational goals. RSekure encourages professional development through our company-paid educational programs and training.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro