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Cyber Defense Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NewGen

Cyber Network Defense Analyst II

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

They are seeking Cyber Network Defense Analysts (CNDA) to support this critical customer mission ... Identify applications and operating systems of a network device based on network traffic

Kyndryl

Director, Cyber Defense

Dallas, TX

$109K - $148K/yr

The Role The Director, Cyber Defense, leads Kyndryl's operational defense mission across a globally ... than operating in isolation from it. * Strong command of incident response methodologies and ...

New

Kyndryl

Director, Cyber Defense

Concord, NC

$103K - $139K/yr

The Role The Director, Cyber Defense, leads Kyndryl's operational defense mission across a globally ... than operating in isolation from it. * Strong command of incident response methodologies and ...

New

Kyndryl

Director, Cyber Defense

Atlanta, GA

$106K - $144K/yr

The Role The Director, Cyber Defense, leads Kyndryl's operational defense mission across a globally ... than operating in isolation from it. * Strong command of incident response methodologies and ...

New

Kyndryl

Director, Cyber Defense

Los Angeles, CA

$119K - $161K/yr

The Role The Director, Cyber Defense, leads Kyndryl's operational defense mission across a globally ... than operating in isolation from it. * Strong command of incident response methodologies and ...

New

Kyndryl

Director, Cyber Defense

New York, NY

$121K - $164K/yr

The Role The Director, Cyber Defense, leads Kyndryl's operational defense mission across a globally ... than operating in isolation from it. * Strong command of incident response methodologies and ...

New

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All JobsCyber Defense Operator Jobs

Cyber Defense Operator information

See salary details

$34K

$112.9K

$176K

How much do cyber defense operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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.

How much does a cyber defense operator make?

A cyber defense operator's salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or security clearances can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of security tools, network protocols, and threat mitigation strategies.

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

Cyber Defense Operators typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with top-tier cybersecurity professionals such as senior analysts or managers sometimes reaching higher six-figure incomes. Achieving a $500,000 annual salary generally requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, specialized skills, and leadership roles in large organizations or consulting firms.

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.

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 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 does a cyber defense operator do?

A cyber defense operator monitors computer networks for security threats, analyzes potential vulnerabilities, and responds to cyber incidents to protect organizational data and systems. They often use security tools like intrusion detection systems and may hold certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. Their work typically involves continuous monitoring, threat analysis, and implementing security measures to prevent cyber attacks.

Is SOC an entry-level job?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst or operator is often considered an entry-level cybersecurity role, especially for those with foundational knowledge of network security, monitoring tools, and incident response. However, some positions may require prior experience or certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA, and advancement typically involves gaining hands-on experience and additional certifications.

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,871 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Cyber Network Defense Analyst II

NewGen

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Our Partner provides remote and onsite advanced technical assistance, proactive hunting, rapid onsite incident response, and immediate investigation and resolution using host-based, network-based and cloud-based cybersecurity analysis capabilities. Team personnel provide front line response for digital forensics/incident response (DFIR) and proactively hunting for malicious cyber activity.They are seeking Cyber Network Defense Analysts (CNDA) to support this critical customer mission.
The CDNA 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.
Responsibilities
  • 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
  • Identify and analyze anomalies in network traffic using metadata
  • 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
Requirements
  • US Citizenship
  • Active TS/SCI Clearance
  • Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
  • BS Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 4+ years of network investigations experience
  • 2+ 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
  • Python programming experience
  • Strong math and science background
  • Experience with Carnegie Mellon SiLK tool suite
  • GSEC (SANS401), Arcsight (or other SEIM solution), Network+, Security+
  • One or more of the following professional certifications:
    • GNFA
    • GCIH
    • GCIA
    • GSEC
    • CASP+
    • CySA+
    • PaLMS
    • FedVTE

About Us
For more than 20 years, NewGen Technologies has solved our clients' toughest IT challenges with integrity, security, and outstanding service by delivering both technology and talent. We have helped secure borders, have used artificial intelligence (AI) to fight terror, aided the identification of criminals, and have helped to prevent crime through the introduction of biometrics. Our team of Highly Cleared Specialists have hard-to-find skills and expertise in a wide spectrum of technologies to provide solutions that transform business processes and solve problems of national significance. #CJ

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