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Cyber Security Research Assistant Jobs in Springfield, VA

gTANGIBLE

Cybersecurity Policy Lead

Washington, DC

Secret Duties and Responsibilities The Cybersecurity Policy Lead will oversee research on cybersecurity policies, address inquiries, and assist TSA in updating relevant policies and procedures to ...

VivSoft

Cybersecurity SME

Springfield, VA · On-site

... Assist in the identification, development, and testing of automated cybersecurity capabilities. • ... large R&D programs. Company : Innovating the Public Sector with Cutting-Edge Technologies At ...

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Cyber Security Research Assistant information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$47K

$97.3K

$151.5K

How much do cyber security research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber security research assistant in Springfield, VA is $97,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,000.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Cyber Security Research Assistant do?

A Cyber Security Research Assistant supports research projects focused on identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cybersecurity threats. They assist senior researchers by collecting data, reviewing security vulnerabilities, and testing security protocols in controlled environments. Their responsibilities may also include writing reports, preparing presentations, and staying updated on the latest cyber threats and defense technologies. This role is vital for advancing the understanding of digital security and helps improve the effectiveness of cybersecurity practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cyber Security Research Assistant?

To thrive as a Cyber Security Research Assistant, you need a solid understanding of information security principles, programming languages (such as Python or C++), and typically a relevant degree or coursework in computer science or cybersecurity. Familiarity with security tools (e.g., Wireshark, Metasploit), vulnerability scanning systems, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ can be highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate threat analysis, clear reporting of findings, and valuable contributions to research projects in a constantly evolving cyber threat landscape.

What are some typical challenges faced by Cyber Security Research Assistants in their day-to-day work?

Cyber Security Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as staying updated with the rapidly evolving threat landscape and managing large volumes of technical information. They may also need to balance multiple projects, such as analyzing new malware samples, assisting with penetration tests, and preparing reports for senior researchers. Collaborating with team members from diverse technical backgrounds, as well as clearly communicating findings to non-technical stakeholders, can also be demanding. Developing strong organizational and communication skills helps address these challenges and contributes to success in the role.

How do you become a cyber security research assistant?

To become a cyber security research assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field. Gaining skills in programming, network security, and familiarity with security tools is important, and some roles may require knowledge of research methodologies or relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. Practical experience through internships or research projects can also improve job prospects.

What job categories do people searching Cyber Security Research Assistant jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cyber Security Research Assistant jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Cyber Security Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Cyber Security Research Assistant job openings:

Cyber Security Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Security Research Assistant job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,319 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

OT R&D Cybersecurity Engineer (Remote)

Zantech

Fort Belvoir, VA • Remote

Full-time

PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Are you looking for your next challenge? Are you ready to work with a performance-based small company? At Zantech, we are a dynamic Woman Owned Small Business focused on providing complex, mission-focused solutions with a proven track record of outstanding customer performance and high employee satisfaction. We would love to talk with you regarding the next step in your career. Come join our team!

Zantech is looking for a talented OT R&D Cybersecurity Engineer to contribute to the success of our upcoming Cyber Security Vulnerability Management project for a Remote role based out of one of the 7 DLA primary locations.

Personnel must periodically support meetings at HQ DLA (Fort Belvoir, VA) or other Washington, DC metropolitan area locations. Personnel must reside within 100 miles one-way and within a 2-hour commute of a dually-approved SIPRNet-accredited workspace within one of 7 DLA primary locations:  DLA HQ in Fort Belvoir, Virginia; DLA Aviation in Richmond, Virginia; DLA Disposition Services in Battle Creek, Michigan; DLA Distribution in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania; DLA Land and Maritime in Columbus, Ohio; Huntsville, Alabama; and DLA Troop Support in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The OT R&D Cybersecurity Engineer will play a crucial role in providing:

  • Cybersecurity Web/App Vulnerability Management branch (ISSE support), R&D-focused
  • R&D Information Assurance Engineering Support (JETS IDIQ Task Area 6 Cybersecurity Engineering Support)

The OT R&D Cybersecurity Engineer performs a variety of routine project tasks applied to specialized cybersecurity problems supporting DLA R&D efforts. Tasks involve integration of electronic processes or methodologies to resolve total system problems, or technology problems as they relate to cybersecurity requirements. Analyzes information security requirements and applies analytical and systematic approaches to resolve problems of workflow, organization, and planning. Provides security engineering support for the planning, design, development, testing, demonstration, and integration of information systems.

Impact: Supports DLA's Information Technology R&D program, including programs and projects under the Defense Industrial Base Manufacturing and Small Business Innovation Research initiatives, reducing the time, effort, and total cost of acquisition for R&D projects as they migrate toward production DoD systems.

Responsibilities include, but will not be limited to:

  • Provide analysis of emerging DLA R&D Information Systems, R&D OT, and R&D IT Infrastructure to assess compliance with DLA, DoD, and Federal IA policy, in support of reducing time, effort, and cost for R&D-to-production transitions
  • Review existing and draft/proposed policy and changes against system design documentation and identify areas of non-compliance on NIPRNet and SIPRNet
  • Assist with or conduct Security Test and Evaluation and IA/cybersecurity assessment reviews
  • Review proposed and draft DoD policies and assess impact on DLA Cloud, OT, IT, and IA/cybersecurity architecture
  • Develop and document standards and guides for IA/cybersecurity solutions, including compliance, system security design, and assessments for R&D Cloud, R&D OT, and R&D IT
  • Conduct and document Risk Assessments for R&D projects supporting unclassified and classified systems, identifying probability of occurrence, resulting impact, and mitigating safeguards
  • Provide weekly status updates on all open assignments, tickets, and projects
  • Maintain regular, dually-approved access to an authorized SIPRNet location as needed to compile and compose risk assessment data tied to R&D efforts

Required Experience or Knowledge of the following technologies/functions:

  • Ten (10) years of relevant IT experience, plus five (5) years of relevant Operational Technology (OT) experience. Per Amendment 0001, this experience requirement applies identically to both the Cybersecurity Engineer and R&D Cybersecurity Engineer labor categories, and OT experience may run concurrently with IT experience.
  • Skills Required:
    • Analyzing emerging DLA R&D Information Systems, R&D OT, and R&D IT Infrastructure for compliance with DLA, DoD, and Federal Information Assurance policy
    • Reviewing existing and draft/proposed policy against system design documentation to identify areas of non-compliance, on both NIPRNet and SIPRNet
    • Assisting with or conducting Security Test and Evaluation and IA/cybersecurity assessment reviews
    • Assessing the impact of proposed DoD policy changes on DLA Cloud, OT, IT, and IA/cybersecurity architecture
    • Developing and documenting standards and guides for IA/cybersecurity solutions across R&D Cloud, R&D OT, and R&D IT
    • Conducting and documenting Risk Assessments for R&D projects supporting unclassified and classified systems
    • Familiarity with modern security solutions such as blockchain or related cryptographic research is relevant given current and anticipated R&D technology under this task

Required Education/Certifications:

  • Education Required: Not specified
  • Education Preferred: Not specified
  • Certifications Required:
    • DoD 8570/8140 Baseline Certification: IAT Level III and IASAE Level III (IASAE III certification may be obtained within 6 months)
      • WS Certified Security - Specialty (AWS CS Specialty)
      • Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (MC: Azure SEA), Exam AZ-500
      • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (MC: Azure SAE), Exam AZ-305
      • GIAC Defensible Security Architecture (GDSA)
      • GIAC Security Operations Manager (GSOM)
      • CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate (Exam 200-301)
      • CCNP (current, unified track)
      • Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
      • Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS)
      • ISC2 CCSP Certified Cloud Security Professional
    • Computing Environment (CE) certification: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or Expert, Cisco Certified Network Administrator, Microsoft Azure Security Technologies, Amazon Certified Security, or a CE designated by the COR
  • Certifications Preferred:
    • Certifications or documented experience in modern security solutions (e.g., blockchain or related cryptographic research)

Required Security Clearance:

  • US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret or higher clearance, per contract requirements.

Outstanding PerformanceAlways!

Our corporate motto represents our commitment to build long-term relationships with both our clients and our employees by providing the highest quality service in everything we do. We strive for excellence for our clients and for each other. We embrace the opportunity to hire individuals with new talents and fresh perspectives. Zantech offers competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a vacation package, as well as a fast-paced and exciting work environment. Come join our team!