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Cyber Defense Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VTG

Cyber Defense Project Integrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$170K - $205K/yr

Overview VTG is looking for a Cyber Defense Project Integrators in multiple locations. (Note ... Document processes, standard operating procedures, and other artifacts supporting cybersecurity ...

VTG

Cyber Defense Project Integrator

Chantilly, VA

$170K - $205K/yr

Overview VTG is looking for a Cyber Defense Project Integrators in multiple locations. (Note ... Document processes, standard operating procedures, and other artifacts supporting cybersecurity ...

VTG

Cyber Defense Project Integrator

Aurora, CO

$170K - $205K/yr

Overview VTG is looking for a Cyber Defense Project Integrators in multiple locations. (Note ... Document processes, standard operating procedures, and other artifacts supporting cybersecurity ...

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$34K

$112.9K

$176K

How much do cyber defense operator jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defense operator in the United States is $112,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cyber Defense Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cyber Defense Operator, you need expertise in network security, threat analysis, and incident response, often supported by a degree in cybersecurity or computer science and relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and malware analysis platforms is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital for detecting, mitigating, and communicating about cyber threats to protect organizational assets.

What are some common challenges a Cyber Defense Operator faces when responding to security incidents?

Cyber Defense Operators often navigate challenges such as rapidly evolving threats, incomplete or ambiguous data, and the need to coordinate with multiple teams under time pressure. Responding effectively requires balancing thorough investigation with swift action to contain threats and minimize damage. Clear communication with IT, management, and sometimes external stakeholders is essential, as is the ability to adapt to new attack vectors and technologies. Continual learning and staying updated on the latest threat intelligence are key to success in this dynamic environment.

What are Cyber Defense Operators?

Cyber Defense Operators are professionals responsible for protecting an organization’s digital infrastructure from cyber threats, such as hacking, malware, and unauthorized access. They monitor network activity, investigate security incidents, and implement measures to prevent cyberattacks. These specialists use various tools and techniques to detect vulnerabilities and respond quickly to security breaches, ensuring the safety and integrity of sensitive information. Cyber Defense Operators often work as part of a larger cybersecurity team and are essential for maintaining robust information security in today’s digital world.

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

AspectCyber Defense OperatorCyber Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP (preferred)CompTIA Security+, CISSP, GIAC certifications
Work EnvironmentOperational security teams, SOCs, incident response centersSecurity teams, risk management departments, consulting firms
Primary FocusMonitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber threats in real-timeAnalyzing security data, assessing vulnerabilities, developing security policies

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Cyber Defense Operator primarily handles real-time threat detection and incident response, working within security operations centers. In contrast, a Cyber Security Analyst often focuses on analyzing security data, assessing risks, and developing security strategies. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their day-to-day responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Cyber Defense Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Cyber Defense Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cyber Defense Operator jobs are:
Cyber Defense Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Defense Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,871 per year, or $54.3 per hour.
Cyber Network Defense Analysts (CNDA)

Cyber Network Defense Analysts (CNDA)

BCMC

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Computer Network Defense Analyst uses information collected from a variety of sources to monitor network activity and analyze it for evidence of suspicious behavior. Monitoring and analysis are performed to identify and report events that occur, or might occur, within the network, in order to protect information, information systems, and networks from threats. CNDAs review data collected to analyze cyber events, and the network environment, to find trends, patterns or anomaly correlations that indicate more serious attacks or future threats. The CNDAs will recommend proactive measures to contain the incident. These proactive measurers include, but are not limited to, identification of intruder local changes/suspect interactions, isolation, in-depth digital media analysis, consultation with law enforcement or counterintelligence organizations, development of signatures to detect this malicious behavior and development and deployment of eradication tools.
Responsibilities:
The majority of the CNDA's time (75%) will be spent executing the following tasks:
• Characterize and analyze network traffic to identify anomalous activity and potential threats to network resources
• Coordinate with enterprise-wide cyber defense staff to validate network alerts
• Document and escalate incidents (including event's history, status, and potential impact for further action) that may cause ongoing and immediate impact to the environment
• Perform cyber defense trend analysis and reporting
• Perform event correlation using information gathered from a variety of sources within the enterprise to gain situational awareness and determine the effectiveness of an observed attack
• Provide daily summary reports of network events and activity relevant to cyber defense practices
• Receive and analyze network alerts from various sources within the enterprise and determine possible causes of alerts
• Provide timely detection, identification, and alerting of possible attacks/intrusions, anomalous activities, and misuse activities and distinguish these incidents and events from benign activities
• Use cyber defense tools for continual monitoring and analysis of system activity to identify malicious activity
• Analyze identified malicious activity to determine weaknesses exploited, exploitation methods, effects on system and information
• Determine tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for intrusion sets
• Examine network topologies to understand data flows through the network
• Identify and analyze anomalies in network traffic using metadata
• Conduct research, analysis, and correlation across a wide variety of all source data sets (indications and warnings)
• Validate intrusion detection system (IDS) alerts against network traffic using packet analysis tools
• Identify applications and operating systems of a network device based on network traffic
• Reconstruct a malicious attack or activity based off network traffic
• Identify network mapping and operating system (OS) fingerprinting activities
• Assist in the construction of signatures which can be implemented on cyber defense network tools in response to new or observed threats within the network environment or enclave
• Notify designated managers, cyber incident responders, and cybersecurity service provider team members of suspected cyber incidents and articulate the event's history, status, and potential impact for further action in accordance with the organization's cyber incident response plan
Approximately 25% of the CNDA's time will be spent executing the following tasks:
• Prepare and update manuals, instructions, and operating procedures
• Evaluate established methods and procedures and prepare recommendations for changes in methods and practices where appropriate
• Plan and carry out difficult and complex assignments and develop new methods, approaches, and procedures
• Conduct analyses and recommend resolution of complex issues affecting the specialty area
• Ensure optimal use of commercially available products
• Prepare and present reports
• Evaluate the effectiveness of installed systems and services
Required Skills/Clearances:
• U.S. Citizenship
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
• 5+ years of direct relevant experience in cyber defense analysis using leading edge technologies and industry standard cyber defense tools- Experience successfully developing and deploying signatures
• Experience detecting host and network-based intrusions via intrusion detection technologies (e.g., Snort)
• Experience implementing incident handling methodologies
• Experience implementing protocol analyzers
• Experience collecting data from a variety of cyber defense resources
• Experience reading and interpreting signatures (e.g. snort)
• Experience performing packet-level analysis
• Experience conducting trend analysis
Desired Skills:
• GSEC (SANS401), Arcsight (or other SEIM solution), Network+, Security+ and Python programming experience would be ideal.
• Strong math and science background.
• Experience with Carnegie Mellon SiLK tool suite.
Required Education: BS Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 7-9 years of network investigations experience.
Desired Certifications/Education: • One or more of the following professional certifications: GNFA, GCIH, GCIA, GSEC, CASP+, CySA+, PaLMS, FedVTE
Our Company Overview:
Business Computers Management Consulting Group, LLC (BCMC) is a small business specializing in Information Technology (IT), Cybersecurity, Information Assurance (IA), SOA, Big Data Management, Program Management, and more for Federal, State, and Local agencies. We possess highly skilled engineers, providing innovative solutions backed by strong past performances. We are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2013, 20000:2018, and CMMI L3 certified and registered promising highest quality and services o all of our clients.
Benefits
Extremely competitive salary
95% employer paid for employee medical, dental, & vison coverages
100% employer paid for employee life, STD & LTD disability coverages
401k with company match and profit sharing
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for dependent & health care
11 standard holidays & 3 weeks of annual leave
ESS-3350
Host Based Systems Analyst - II - HBA02

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