1

Cyber Operations Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cyber Operations information

See Reston, VA salary details

$21.3K

$58.5K

$141.5K

How much do cyber operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber operations in Reston, VA is $58,495.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,200.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Cyber Operations, you need a strong background in cybersecurity principles, network defense, and threat analysis, often supported by a degree in computer science or information security. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems, and certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+ is highly valued. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for quickly responding to threats and collaborating with teams. These competencies are crucial for safeguarding organizational assets, minimizing risks, and maintaining operational continuity in an evolving cyber threat landscape.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in Cyber Operations, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Professionals in Cyber Operations often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving cyber threats, high-pressure incident response situations, and the need to stay current with industry tools and protocols. New team members can prepare by developing strong foundational knowledge in network security, practicing real-world scenarios in cyber ranges, and staying updated on the latest threat intelligence. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with IT, legal, and executive teams are crucial, as cyber operations often require coordinated responses across departments.

Is a cyber operations degree worth it?

A cyber operations degree provides foundational knowledge in cybersecurity, network defense, and threat analysis, which are valuable for entry-level and advanced roles in the field. Many employers also value certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, and practical skills with tools such as intrusion detection systems, making the degree a useful but not always mandatory credential. Overall, it can enhance job prospects and earning potential in cybersecurity roles.

Can I make $200 a year in cyber security?

Cyber Operations professionals typically earn significantly more than $200 annually, with entry-level salaries often starting around $50,000 and increasing with experience, certifications, and skills. Earning $200 per year would be highly unusual and not reflective of industry standards in cybersecurity roles.

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

Cyber operations professionals can potentially earn $500,000 annually, especially at senior levels or in specialized roles such as security architects or chief information security officers, often with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Achieving this income typically requires a combination of technical expertise, strategic skills, and sometimes working in high-demand industries or consulting roles.

What are Cyber Operations?

Cyber operations refer to the activities and processes involved in protecting, defending, and attacking information systems and networks in cyberspace. Professionals in this field work to safeguard data, monitor for threats, respond to cyber incidents, and sometimes conduct offensive operations to disrupt adversaries' digital capabilities. These operations can be performed by military, government, or private sector organizations to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of digital assets. Cyber operations require expertise in cybersecurity, digital forensics, network defense, and sometimes ethical hacking.

What do cyber operations do?

Cyber operations professionals are responsible for defending computer networks and systems from cyber threats, conducting offensive and defensive cybersecurity activities, and analyzing security vulnerabilities. They use tools like intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and encryption, often working in security teams or military environments to protect critical information infrastructure.
What are popular job titles related to Cyber Operations jobs in Reston, VA? For Cyber Operations jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cyber Operations jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Cyber Operations jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Cyber Operations jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Cyber Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Cyber Operations job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,495 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) Analyst

Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) Analyst

Dark Wolf Solutions

Herndon, VA

$100K - $145K/yr

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Dark Wolf Solutions is looking for a Defensive Cyber Operations Analyst who will perform continuous system monitoring to identify malicious cyber-attacks while supporting the containment, and remediation of IT threats. Additionally, this position will monitor networks and applications to identify a possible cyber-attack or intrusion and help coordinate and report on the cyber incident responses.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Vulnerability Management actions to include providing recommendations. Implement mitigations.
  • Active monitoring of Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) systems
  • Conduct intrusion analysis and correlation of unauthorized activities; provide and implement recommendations to improve customer mitigation processes
  • Perform threat insight processes to provide analysis to support mitigation and remediation activities
  • Analyze cyber incidents, correlate incident details, and formulate and implement response actions with guidance from leadership
  • Participate in Root Cause Analysis process and documentation capturing efforts taken to mitigate unauthorized actions
  • Participate in the development of DCO tactics, techniques, and procedures
  • Participate in the development of DCO concept of operations, processes, and procedures
  • Identify security discrepancies and report and respond to security incidents
  • Provide research and analysis in support of expanding programs and areas of responsibility
  • Draft documentation for briefings, reports, and informational analyses
  • Assist in the development of local Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)
  • Participate in customer exercises (after duty hours may be required)
  • Adhere to defined policies, master plans and schedules
  • Perform all other duties as required, consistent with the goals, objectives, and responsibilities of the department

Required Qualifications:

  • 4+ years of relevant experience
  • 2+ years of experience with a SIEM Tool (LogRhythm, Splunk)
  • 2+ years of experience with employment of DoD cybersecurity requirements, policies, and procedures to include assessment and authorization activities
  • Experience within a vSOC, SOC, or CSSP responding to cyber incidents
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
  • US Citizenship and an active Secret security clearance required

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience performing cybersecurity activities in support of software and system requirements, design, development, testing, and sustainment
  • Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8140 (formerly DoDD 8570) IAT CSSP Certification must be obtained prior to hire (CEH, CCNA Security, GCIH, CySA+ or Equivalent)
  • Experience with HBSS, ACAS, SCAP Compliance Checker (SCC), DISA STIGs
  • Working knowledge of NIST 800-53 Security and Privacy Controls
  • Experience with RHEL
  • Experience in performing post-incident computer forensics without destruction of critical data
  • Ability to provide guidance on DoD Cyber regulations and requirements to engineering and software development staff

The salary range for this position is estimated to be between $100,000.00 - $145,000.00, commensurate on experience and technical skillset.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

We are strictly looking for direct, full-time W2 employees. We do not engage with third-party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 independent contractors for this role.