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$32.2K

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$215.7K

How much do cyber network defender jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber network defender in Massachusetts is $133,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,800.00 and $163,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cyber Network Defender job?

A Cyber Network Defender is responsible for protecting military and government networks from cyber threats. They monitor network activity, analyze security risks, and respond to cyber incidents to prevent breaches. Their duties include threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and implementing defensive measures to strengthen network security. This role requires knowledge of cybersecurity tools, protocols, and incident response procedures. Typically, Cyber Network Defenders work in military or government settings to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of critical systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cyber Network Defender position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cyber Network Defender, you need a strong understanding of network security principles, threat analysis, and incident response, often backed by a degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience with intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), firewalls, SIEM tools, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, or CISSP are highly valued. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with IT teams and conveying security risks clearly. These abilities are critical to proactively safeguard organizational networks, rapidly respond to threats, and maintain robust cybersecurity defenses.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Cyber Network Defender?

As a Cyber Network Defender, your daily responsibilities often involve monitoring network activity, analyzing security logs, and investigating potential threats or vulnerabilities. You may perform regular system audits, update security protocols, and respond to real-time incidents to prevent or mitigate cyberattacks. Collaboration is common, as you will frequently work alongside systems administrators, IT staff, and other security professionals to ensure the organization's digital assets are protected. Staying current with emerging threats and updating defense strategies is also an important part of the role.
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Cyber Network Defender jobs near you
Cyber Systems Analyst, Operational Technology Focus

Cyber Systems Analyst, Operational Technology Focus

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description


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Cyber Systems Analyst, Operational Technology Focus
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Date: Apr 7, 2026


Location:
Lexington, MA, US


Company:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Come and help defend the nation in cyberspace! In the Cyber Operations & Analysis Technology Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, we research challenging technical problems in cyber security, develop new technologies, and prototype first-of-a-kind systems. We have particular focus on enabling human operators and improving operational systems, orienting our work toward strong practical impact.

We work across a variety of cutting-edge national-security applications:

  • Quantifying risk posed by adversary cyber threats to key national security missions
  • Enhancing the cyber security and resilience of critical infrastructure and other operational technology
  • Protecting and defending U.S. weapon systems in cyber contested environments
  • Helping the nation's cyber operators do their jobs better, faster, and at greater scale
  • Creating game-changing capabilities for defensive cyberspace operations

As an interdisciplinary group, we innovate by drawing insights from computer science, software engineering, data engineering, data science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, electrical engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, and allied technical fields. We collaborate with research partners across MIT, offering frequent opportunities to team and learn in new areas. If you want a career in R&D with the opportunity to have real impact on important problems, join us!

Job Description:

As a Cyber Systems Analyst, you will apply your expertise in cyber security and Operational Technology to defining how the nation will increase the cyber resilience of some of its most critical and vulnerable systems. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Analyzing OT systems and systems that use OT, informed by both the missions they support and potential threats, to discover and communicate cyber risk to mission.
  • Applying systems-level thinking to understand mission impacts and threats to systems that intersect with OT, or go beyond OT.
  • Diving deep with real data and systems.
  • Proposing novel solutions to enhance cyber resilience and defensibility, and prototyping solution concepts as appropriate.
  • Collaborating with a dynamic team to rapidly acquire new skills and apply them to emerging application areas, expanding your technical capabilities and expertise.
  • Contributing to project leadership, technical execution, and knowledge sharing through publications, presentations, and other community engagement activities.
  • Participating in a culture of continuous learning and growth, with opportunities to advance as a researcher and technical expert.

Education and Technical Experience to be considered for this role:
  • A degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related technical field and work experience.
    • PhD degree, with experience preferred in applying skills beyond a pure research environment.
    • Master's degree with at least 5 years of relevant technical experience.
    • Bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of relevant technical experience.

  • Experience with Operational Technology, which can include embedded systems, ICS/SCADA, Facility-Related Control Systems (FRCS) and/or weapon systems.
  • Experience with standard OT protocols and technology stacks (e.g., modbus, DNP3).
  • Cyber security experience.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including technical communication for non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on difficult, open-ended problems in cyber security and operations with interdisciplinary technical teams.
  • Motivation to identify underlying technical problems and investigate solutions proactively.


Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Is desired but not required, with research experience especially valued.

  • Proficiency in Python, C/C++, Java, or similar.
  • Mathematical or statistical modeling and problem-solving.
  • Participation in Capture-the-Flag or similar events, especially if they have an OT focus.
  • Critical U.S. government systems and/or cyber operations.


General Requirements for this Position:
  • Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret-level DoD security clearance.
  • Must be within commutable distance of Lexington, Massachusetts.
  • This is a technical staff position conducting R&D in cyber security. Applicants looking for IT or Information Systems Security roles should look for other opportunities in those roles available at Lincoln Laboratory.

Recent Graduate Hiring Range:$145,200-$170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage ofother voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 42074


Nearest Major Market: Boston
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Cyber Security, Embedded, Security Clearance, Systems Analyst, Computer Science, Security, Technology, Government

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