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Cyber Security Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Saalex

$135K - $180K/yr

Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test ... This role focuses on cybersecurity engineering, system hardening, and integration of secure ...

Saalex

$135K - $180K/yr

Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test ... This role focuses on cybersecurity engineering, system hardening, and integration of secure ...

Saalex

$95K - $160K/yr

Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test ... This role focuses on cybersecurity engineering, system hardening, and integration of secure ...

Saalex

$85K - $145K/yr

Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test ... This role focuses on cybersecurity engineering, system hardening, and integration of secure ...

Saalex

$85K - $145K/yr

Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test ... This role focuses on cybersecurity engineering, system hardening, and integration of secure ...

Saalex

$95K - $160K/yr

Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test ... This role focuses on cybersecurity engineering, system hardening, and integration of secure ...

ECS

Cybersecurity Engineer - Senior

Fairfax, VA · On-site

... engineering solutions. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in integrating security controls within enterprise architecture, ensuring compliance with RMF, NIST, DoD, and Army cybersecurity ...

TMC Technologies

Cybersecurity Engineer

King George, VA · On-site

Engineering support for technical implementation of cybersecurity solutions in conjunction with the Navy tactical configuration development and associated tactical applications, applying principles ...

Leidos

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Minimum of 8 years of experience in cybersecurity engineering or related field. * At least one of the following foundational qualification pathways consistent with DoD 8140 requirements: * Current ...

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All JobsCyber Security Engineering JobsCyber Security Engineering Jobs in Virginia

Cyber Security Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$40.2K

$121.8K

$178.5K

How much do cyber security engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber security engineering in Virginia is $121,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,100.00 and $140,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is cyber security engineering?

Cyber security engineering is a specialized field focused on designing, implementing, and maintaining systems and solutions to protect computer networks and data from cyber threats. Cyber security engineers assess vulnerabilities, develop secure network solutions, and respond to incidents to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information. They work with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption protocols, and other technologies to safeguard an organization's digital assets. This role is essential in preventing data breaches, cyber attacks, and other security incidents.

What can a cybersecurity engineer do?

A cybersecurity engineer designs, implements, and maintains security systems to protect an organization’s networks, systems, and data from cyber threats. They analyze vulnerabilities, develop security protocols, and use tools like firewalls and intrusion detection systems to prevent, detect, and respond to security incidents. Certifications such as CISSP or CEH and knowledge of scripting languages are often important in this role.

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

Cyber security engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in areas like penetration testing or security architecture can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in senior or executive roles. Achieving this level often requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and working in high-demand industries or organizations. Such salaries are typically associated with senior positions, consulting, or roles in large corporations or high-cost regions.

What is the difference between Cyber Security Engineering vs Network Security Specialist?

AspectCyber Security EngineeringNetwork Security Specialist
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA Security, CISSP
Work EnvironmentDesigning security systems, developing security protocols, implementing security solutionsMonitoring networks, configuring firewalls, analyzing network traffic
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, financial institutions, government agenciesIT departments, cybersecurity firms, enterprise organizations

Cyber Security Engineers focus on designing and implementing security solutions, while Network Security Specialists primarily monitor and protect network infrastructure. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same industries, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

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

To thrive as a Cyber Security Engineer, you need a solid understanding of network security, risk assessment, encryption, and security protocols, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), SIEM platforms, and certifications like CISSP or CEH is highly valued. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for identifying vulnerabilities and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualifications are vital to proactively protect organizational data and assets from evolving cyber threats.

What are some common challenges faced by Cyber Security Engineers when implementing security solutions within an organization?

Cyber Security Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing stringent security requirements with business needs, managing rapidly evolving threat landscapes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Integrating new security tools into existing infrastructure without disrupting operations can be complex, and effective collaboration with IT, development, and management teams is essential. Additionally, staying updated on the latest vulnerabilities and best practices requires continuous learning and adaptability.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior cybersecurity engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as CISSP or CISA), and expertise in areas like threat intelligence or security architecture, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High-level roles in large organizations or specialized consulting often offer such compensation, particularly with bonuses and stock options included.

Can we do engineering in cyber security?

Cyber security engineering is a specialized field focused on designing and implementing security systems to protect digital assets. It involves skills in network security, cryptography, and security tools, often requiring certifications like CISSP or CEH. Professionals in this role develop secure architectures and respond to security threats within organizations.
What are popular job titles related to Cyber Security Engineering jobs in Virginia? For Cyber Security Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cyber Security Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Cyber Security Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cyber Security Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Cyber Security Engineering job openings:
Cyber Security Engineering jobs near you

Cybersecurity Engineering

Ares Operations LLC

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Over the last 20 years, Ares' success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values - Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy - and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry.

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Vice President, Cybersecurity Engineering

JOB FAMILY: Cybersecurity Engineering

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Principal, Head of Cybersecurity Engineering
Direct Reports: None

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT

We are seeking a Vice President, Cybersecurity Engineer to serve as a senior technical leader across enterprise security platforms and controls. This role owns the technical direction, deployment, and operational integration of core security controls across identity, endpoint, email, cloud, and SaaS environments.

In this role, you will act as the connective tissue between security controls engineering, security operations, and platform engineering. You will lead design decisions, drive roadmap execution, and ensure that security platforms (such as Microsoft Defender, identity controls, CSPM, and autonomous response tooling) are implemented in a scalable, supportable, and riskinformed way. You will partner closely with Cybersecurity Platform Engineering, Incident Response, Technology & Engineering, and business stakeholders to translate risk into durable engineering solutions. This is a handson senior individual contributor role requiring deep technical judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to influence outcomes across teams without formal authority.

We value diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and we are committed to building a team where everyone feels they belong. We especially encourage candidates from underrepresented communities in cybersecurity and technology to apply. Our interview process focuses on problem-solving ability, practical skills, and collaborative mindset.

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES

Enterprise Security Platforms & Controls

  • Serve as technical owner and subjectmatter expert for core security platforms including endpoint, identity, email, SaaS, and cloud security tooling.
  • Lead design, rollout, and tuning of security controls across Microsoft Defender, identity protection, CSPM, and threat detection platforms.
  • Ensure controls are engineered for reliability, operational supportability, accessibility, and measurable risk reduction.

Autonomous Response & Detection Enablement

  • Drive evaluation and implementation of autonomous and semiautonomous response capabilities across security platforms (e.g., account actions, email remediation, IOC blocking).
  • Partner with Security Operations to balance response speed, safety, and 24x7 support considerations, with attention to reducing alert fatigue and cognitive load.

Identity, Endpoint & Email Security Leadership

  • Lead technical direction for passwordless, identity protection, endpoint detection, and email security initiatives.
  • Coordinate roadmap alignment and deepdive reviews with platform owners and vendors.

Cloud & SaaS Security Enablement

  • Partner with cloud and platform engineering teams to integrate CSPM, workload protection, and SaaS security controls into production environments.
  • Validate configurations against internal standards and external benchmarks (e.g., CIS), and document decisions for shared understanding.

CrossFunctional Collaboration & Governance

  • Act as a trusted technical advisor to Cybersecurity Engineering leadership, IT, and business stakeholders.
  • Develop reference architectures for security and business enablement.
  • Participate in change management, risk discussions, and control reviews to ensure security outcomes align with business priorities.
  • Produce clear, accessible documentation, debriefs, and guidance to enable shared ownership across teams.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

  • Identify control gaps, operational pain points, and automation opportunities; drive improvements through engineering and process changes.
  • Partner with Cybersecurity Platform Engineering to ensure telemetry, logging, and integrations meet detection and response needs.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None. This role provides technical leadership, mentorship, and influence across multiple teams.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Technical & Professional Experience

  • Significant experience in cybersecurity engineering (typically 8-10+ years), with handson experience in security platforms, controls engineering, or security operations enablement.
  • Demonstrated ownership of enterprise security tools such as EDR, identity protection, email security, CSPM, or SOAR platforms.
  • Experience designing and operationalizing automated or autonomous security controls.
  • Strong understanding of cloud security concepts (Azure preferred) and SaaS security models.

Collaboration & Influence

  • Proven ability to lead crossteam initiatives and influence outcomes without direct authority.
  • Clear communicator who can translate technical risk into actionable engineering and operational decisions using a variety of communication styles.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with the Microsoft Defender ecosystem, identity protection, and email security platforms.
  • Familiarity with CSPM tools (e.g., Wiz) and cloud security posture management approaches.
  • Experience partnering closely with SOC, IR, and platform engineering teams.
EDUCATION
  • Bachelor's degree, relevant technical training, or equivalent handson experience. We welcome candidates with nontraditional educational paths.
  • Professional certifications (e.g., CISSP) are valued but not required.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and operational rigor.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities in a complex, regulated environment.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment while maintaining healthy work practices.
  • Proven track record of developing and maintaining structured processes that support efficiency, scalability, and rapid business growth.
  • Systems thinking is key: understanding end-to-end workflows and how decisions impact teams and users.
  • Inclusive, collaborative working style that values diverse perspectives, accessibility, and clear communication.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and improving security outcomes through engineering.
WHY JOIN US

You will step into a role with immediate impact-owning and advancing the security platforms and controls that protect the organization every day. You will influence enterprisewide security posture, shape how automation and response are safely deployed, and partner with deeply skilled engineering and security teams to build resilient, scalable defenses.

We are committed to equitable hiring. Candidates may qualify through a combination of education, training, lived experience, or self-directed learning. If you're excited about the role but don't meet every listed requirement, we encourage you to apply.

Reporting Relationships

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

$240,000 - $270,000

The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.

Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more.

There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.

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