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Cyber Defense Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software ...

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software ...

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software ...

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software ...

Cyber Defense IAM

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$165K - $190K/yr

Overview VTG is looking for a Cyber Defense IAMs in multiple locations. (Note: position is ... At least 5 years of IT or cyber management operations experience is required. Do you have what it ...

Cyber Defense Analyst Salary Range: $105,000 to $120,000 per year Ops Tech Alliance (OTA) is ... Operations professionals with over 100 years of combined experience and was formed with a singular ...

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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.

Cyber Incident Responder and Threat Hunter

Guardianlife

New York, NY โ€ข Hybrid

$95.17K - $156.36K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Cyber Incident Responder and Threat Hunter

Position Overview
Do you want to be part of a collaborative problem-solving cybersecurity team? Guardian is seeking a Cyber Incident Responder who demonstrates curiosity, tenacity, follow-through, and an analytical mindset to join the Cyber Incident Response and Threat Services team.

This role supports Guardian's cyber incident response and threat hunting operations, contributing to investigations, proactive detection, and operational improvements. The candidate will work closely with DFIR leadership and Cyber Defense Operations to identify threats, contain incidents, and improve detection capabilities. The successful candidate must live by Guardian's success factors of acting with accountability, leading with the customer at the center, committing to collaborate, communicating with transparency, and connecting with empathy and compassion.

You Have

  • 2-7 years of cybersecurity experience, including cyber defense, incident response, and digital forensics
  • Knowledge of data loss prevention, endpoint protection, digital forensics (Windows and Linux), and cloud, network, web, database, and data security
  • Familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK, NIST CSF, and threat intelligence workflows
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to analyze complex data and identify actionable insights
  • Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate at all levels of the organization and collaborate across multiple teams
  • Experience supporting investigations and containment efforts in regulated environments
  • Proficient in leveraging AI-driven tools and techniques to enhance cyber incident response, threat hunting, and defensive strategy.
  • Possess an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or related field, or equivalent industry certifications
  • Willingness to participate in a 24x7 on-call support rotation

You Will

  • Execute Guardian's cyber incident response strategy, acting swiftly to identify, contain, and eradicate security incidents
  • Conduct thorough investigations of security events and coordinate recovery efforts with other teams to restore normal operations
  • Create detailed reports on incident response activities, findings, and recommendations, and maintain accurate records of investigations and outcomes
  • Respond to data loss prevention events to prevent unauthorized access and exfiltration of sensitive data
  • Proactively search for cyber threats within the network using advanced techniques; identify patterns, anomalies, and potential indicators of compromise
  • Perform forensic analysis on compromised systems and collect evidence in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Stay informed on current and emerging cyber threats that may impact the organization
  • Preform regular threat hunts to contribute to our proactive defense program
  • Identify use cases for detection engineering to strengthen Guardian's security posture
  • Collaborate across multiple teams and business units.
  • Strategically use AI-powered solutions to improve detection, investigation efficiency, and overall cyber resilience.
  • Provide Tier 2 support for the Cyber Defense Operations Team, working closely to identify and respond to potential threats

Location and Travel
Three days a week at a Guardian office in Holmdel, NJ or New York, NY.

Salary Range:

$95,170.00 - $156,355.00

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Our Promise

At Guardian, you'll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.

Inspire Well-Being

As part of Guardian's Purpose - to inspire well-being - we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits.Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MyHR@glic.com. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.

Visa Sponsorship

Guardian is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant. you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship.

Notice Regarding Guardian's Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

As part of Guardian's job application process, Guardian may use artificial intelligence tools ("AI Tools") to automate the sorting and filtering of information provided by applicants as part of its preliminary screening. This preliminary screening may be used to help identify applicant materials and resumes relative to their indication that the applicant meets the requirements for the specific job for which they are applying, as specified in the listing posted on Guardian's jobs website (Careers at Guardian at https://www.guardianlife.com/careers). At Guardian, we do not use AI Tools to substantially assist or replace human judgment or discretionary decision making in our hiring process. All hiring decisions will be made by Guardian colleagues.

Please be aware that if you apply for a specific position with Guardian, you will have the choice of opting out of Guardian's use of AI Tools during the job application process. If you would like to request an alternative process that does not utilize AI Tools or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, within ten business days of your position application, you must email your request to MyHR@glic.com, making sure to provide your name and job requisition identification number. Guardian will retain your applicant materials and resume and all information therefrom in accordance with Guardian's document retention policy, a copy of which you may request via MyHR@glic.com.

Additionally, at applicable times, Guardian will make public the most recent bias audit results for such AI tools, which may be found here.

Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.