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Cybersecurity Contractor Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Strategist

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Ability to advise on commercial item/service contracting, SaaS or technology-enabled services, data rights, IP, confidentiality, cybersecurity, and customer-specific compliance obligations.

... the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to keep active construction moving safely, on ... cybersecurity/privacy training within required timeframes. * Meet QASP performance standards ...

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Cybersecurity Contractor information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$55.3K

$129.1K

$180.6K

How much do cybersecurity contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for cybersecurity contractor in Pittsburgh, PA is $129,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,800.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cybersecurity contractor do?

A cybersecurity contractor is an independent professional or specialist hired to protect an organization's digital assets and information systems from cyber threats. Their responsibilities can include assessing security risks, implementing protection measures, conducting penetration testing, and responding to security breaches. Unlike full-time employees, contractors are typically engaged for specific projects or time periods, providing expertise on-demand. They may work on tasks such as compliance audits, security architecture design, or incident response. The role requires up-to-date knowledge of cybersecurity tools, tactics, and regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by cybersecurity contractors when integrating with new client teams?

Cybersecurity contractors often face challenges when joining new client teams, such as quickly understanding the existing IT infrastructure and navigating different security protocols. Building trust and effective communication with in-house staff is essential, especially when proposing changes to established processes. Contractors must also adapt to varying organizational cultures and be prepared to align their work with both technical and business priorities to ensure a smooth and effective collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cybersecurity contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cybersecurity Contractor, you need a strong understanding of network security, risk assessment, and incident response, typically supported by a degree in computer science or information security and relevant certifications. Familiarity with tools such as SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanners, firewalls, and certifications like CISSP or CEH are highly valued. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities help you adapt to diverse client environments and explain technical concepts clearly. These competencies are essential for protecting organizational assets, ensuring compliance, and effectively mitigating cyber threats.

What is the difference between Cybersecurity Contractor vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectCybersecurity ContractorCybersecurity Analyst
CredentialsCertifications like CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+Certifications like Security+, CISSP, GIAC
Work EnvironmentTemporary or project-based, often freelance or consultingFull-time, in-house or remote security team member
Employer & Industry UsageHired by organizations for specific security projectsEmployed by companies to monitor and improve security posture

Cybersecurity Contractors typically work on short-term projects with specific goals, often as freelancers or consultants, while Cybersecurity Analysts are usually full-time employees responsible for ongoing security monitoring and analysis. Both roles require similar certifications and work within the same industry environments, but their employment structures and responsibilities differ.

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Cybersecurity Contractor jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Cybersecurity Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Cybersecurity Contractor job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,082 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Cyber Security Engineering, Sr Engineer- 15367

Synopsys

Venetia, PA โ€ข On-site

$101K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

General Information
Job Title
Cyber Security Engineer
Job ID
15367
City
Exton
State/Province
Pennsylvania
Date Posted
22-Feb-2026
Job Category
Engineering
Job Subcategory
Cyber Security Engineering
Hire Type
Employee
Remote Eligible
No
Base Salary Range: $101000 - $152000
Descriptions & Requirements
Job Description and Requirements
HIRING LOCATIONS: EXTON - PA; AUSTIN - TX; MORRISVILLE - NC
We Are:
At Synopsys, we drive the innovations that shape the way we live and connect. Our technology is central to the Era of Pervasive Intelligence, from self-driving cars to learning machines. We lead in chip design, verification, and IP integration, empowering the creation of high-performance silicon chips and software content. Join us to transform the future through continuous technological innovation.
This role requires compliance with U.S. government security and/or access requirements. As a result, only a U.S. Person would be eligible for this position.
You Are:
You are a forward-thinking cybersecurity professional with a passion for defending critical infrastructure and sensitive data. With a solid background in system administration and hands-on experience in enterprise Security Operation Centers, you thrive in fast-paced environments where every day presents new challenges. You are adept at analyzing complex threats, developing effective countermeasures, and proactively managing risks. Your technical expertise is complemented by an ability to translate complex security concepts into actionable steps for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
You are diligent, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous learning, keeping pace with the latest trends in cybersecurity and threat intelligence. Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats excites you, and you take pride in equipping organizations to stay one step ahead. Your experience working with federal government agencies has honed your understanding of compliance and regulatory frameworks, and you're comfortable obtaining and maintaining high-level security clearances.
Above all, you are a collaborative team player who values clear communication, creative problem-solving, and supporting others in reaching shared goals. You take initiative, embrace responsibility, and are always ready to jump in when urgent issues arise. If you're seeking a role where your expertise will make a direct impact on national security and organizational resilience, this is the opportunity for you.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Configuring, implementing, and maintaining host-based firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), anti-virus software, SELinux, network firewalls, SIEMs, and proxies across diverse environments.
  • Developing, updating, and documenting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for security tools and maintaining accurate network diagrams.
  • Creating and deploying host and network countermeasures based on open source intelligence (OSINT), behavioral analysis, and evolving threat landscapes.
  • Monitoring, tuning, and implementing security controls in tools such as McAfee ePO and Palo Alto to ensure optimal protection.
  • Managing and troubleshooting Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) feeds, ensuring timely detection and response to security events.
  • Designing and implementing custom dashboards to visualize and analyze critical security datasets.
  • Leading incident response efforts, ensuring chain of custody is maintained and investigations are thoroughly documented.
  • Characterizing and analyzing network and host traffic to identify anomalous activity and mitigate potential threats.
  • Developing and deploying custom Data Loss Prevention (DLP) signatures within Microsoft O365, Palo Alto, Crowdstrike, Elastic, and ZScaler environments.

The Impact You Will Have:
  • Strengthening the security posture of Ansys Government Initiatives (AGI) by proactively defending against emerging threats.
  • Ensuring compliance with rigorous federal and organizational security standards, supporting government and commercial initiatives.
  • Reducing risk of data breaches and operational disruptions through robust countermeasure development and incident response.
  • Enhancing operational readiness by keeping security documentation, SOPs, and network diagrams current and actionable.
  • Empowering internal teams and stakeholders by providing clear security guidance, training, and technical leadership.
  • Contributing to a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration within the security team and broader organization.

What You'll Need:
  • Minimum two (2) years performing system administrator duties for Windows and/or Linux environments.
  • SEC+ or equivalent industry-recognized certification.
  • At least two (2) years of experience in an Enterprise Security Operation Center (SOC) or similar response team.
  • Minimum two (2) years supporting the Federal Government-either directly or as a contractor-in a security-related field.
  • Strong technical understanding of current hardware and software technologies, including security tools and platforms.
  • This position requires a government security clearance [a US Department of Defense (DoD), FBI, or DHS Security Clearance]. You must be a U.S. Person for consideration.

Who You Are:
  • Analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Organized, self-motivated, and able to prioritize competing requests in a dynamic environment.
  • Exceptional communicator, able to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences and present information to groups.
  • Collaborative team player, eager to support and learn from colleagues while driving collective success.
  • Customer-focused, with strong relationship management skills and a commitment to user education and support.
  • Adaptable and resilient, ready to respond to urgent issues and evolving security challenges.

The Team You'll Be A Part Of:
You'll join the Ansys Government Initiatives (AGI) Cybersecurity team, a specialized group dedicated to protecting sensitive government and commercial assets. The team collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, federal partners, and industry experts to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure compliance with the highest security standards. Together, you'll drive innovation, share knowledge, and foster a culture of trust and resilience.
Rewards and Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non-monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.
At Synopsys, we want talented people of every background to feel valued and supported to do their best work. Synopsys considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, military veteran status, or disability.
In addition to the base salary, this role may be eligible for an annual bonus, equity, and other discretionary bonuses. Synopsys offers comprehensive health, wellness, and financial benefits as part of a competitive total rewards package. The actual compensation offered will be based on a number of job-related factors, including location, skills, experience, and education. Your recruiter can share more specific details on the total rewards package upon request. The base salary range for this role is across the U.S.

Synopsys logo

About Synopsys

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS) is the Silicon to Software partner for creative companies developing the electronic products and software applications we rely on every single day. As the world's 15th largest software company, Synopsys has a long history of being a global leader in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP and is also growing its leadership in software quality and security solutions. Whether you're a system-on-chip (SoC) designer building advanced semiconductors, or a software developer writing applications that require the highest quality and security, Synopsys has the solutions needed to deliver exceptional, secure products for the era of connected everything. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has approximately 113 offices located throughout North America, South America, Europe, Japan, Asia and India. Since 1986, Synopsys has been at the heart of accelerating electronics innovation with engineers around the world having used Synopsys technology to successfully design and create billions of chips and systems that are found in the electronics that people rely on every single day.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Mountain View, CA, US

Year founded

1986

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