... cyber security challenges. • Explore techniques to support development of zero-defect software ... graduate research and experience with formal methods, software assurance, or related areas. • ...
... cyber security challenges. • Explore techniques to support development of zero-defect software ... graduate research and experience with formal methods, software assurance, or related areas. • ...
Director of Research
Arlington, VA · On-site
$200K/yr
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is Virginia's central hub for cybersecurity research ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...
Director of Research
Arlington, VA · On-site
$200K/yr
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is Virginia's central hub for cybersecurity research ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...
Jr. GRC Analyst
Rockville, MD · On-site
Education * Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Information Systems ... Recent graduate with relevant internship or equivalent experience. Preferred * ServiceNow ...
Quick apply
Jr. GRC Analyst
Rockville, MD · On-site
Education * Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Information Systems ... Recent graduate with relevant internship or equivalent experience. Preferred * ServiceNow ...
Jr. GRC Analyst
Rockville, MD · On-site
Education * Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Information Systems ... Recent graduate with relevant internship or equivalent experience. Preferred * ServiceNow ...
Quick apply
Jr. GRC Analyst
Rockville, MD · On-site
Education * Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Information Systems ... Recent graduate with relevant internship or equivalent experience. Preferred * ServiceNow ...
Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist (CUSTSPT)
Washington, DC · On-site
$121K/yr
This vacancy is for a GS-2210-13, Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist (CUSTSPT) located ... graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further ...
Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist (CUSTSPT)
Washington, DC · On-site
$121K/yr
This vacancy is for a GS-2210-13, Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist (CUSTSPT) located ... graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further ...
This vacancy is for a GS-2210-13, Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist (CUSTSPT) located ... graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further ...
This vacancy is for a GS-2210-13, Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist (CUSTSPT) located ... graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further ...
Own product roadmap and architecture for cybersecurity offerings; drive delivery from concept to ... Teach/mentor as Research Associate Professor; supervise graduate students and joint industry ...
Own product roadmap and architecture for cybersecurity offerings; drive delivery from concept to ... Teach/mentor as Research Associate Professor; supervise graduate students and joint industry ...
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) Senior Instructor
Alexandria, VA · On-site
$160K - $180K/yr
Graduate of the Interagency Training Center (ITC) TSCM Fundamentals Course. * Current DOE Q or DOD Top Secret Security Clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in cybersecurity ...
Quick apply
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) Senior Instructor
Alexandria, VA · On-site
$160K - $180K/yr
Graduate of the Interagency Training Center (ITC) TSCM Fundamentals Course. * Current DOE Q or DOD Top Secret Security Clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in cybersecurity ...
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) Senior Instructor
Alexandria, VA · On-site
$160K - $180K/yr
Graduate of the Interagency Training Center (ITC) TSCM Fundamentals Course. * Current DOE Q or DOD Top Secret Security Clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in cybersecurity ...
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) Senior Instructor
Alexandria, VA · On-site
$160K - $180K/yr
Graduate of the Interagency Training Center (ITC) TSCM Fundamentals Course. * Current DOE Q or DOD Top Secret Security Clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in cybersecurity ...
Cyber Policy & Strategy Analyst with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$130K - $220K/yr
Graduate of a formal Department of War (DoW)/Joint cyber planning course (e.g., Joint Cyber ... Code (Title 10) authorities and DoW 8500/8140 series cybersecurity policy and workforce ...
New
Cyber Policy & Strategy Analyst with Security Clearance
Washington, DC · On-site
$130K - $220K/yr
Graduate of a formal Department of War (DoW)/Joint cyber planning course (e.g., Joint Cyber ... Code (Title 10) authorities and DoW 8500/8140 series cybersecurity policy and workforce ...
New
Research Associate - Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scientist for Cybersecurity and Critical ... holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty. PREP is a 5-year ...
Research Associate - Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scientist for Cybersecurity and Critical ... holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty. PREP is a 5-year ...
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) Senior Instructor
Alexandria, VA · On-site
$160K - $180K/yr
Graduate of the Interagency Training Center (ITC) TSCM Fundamentals Course. * Current DOE Q or DOD Top Secret Security Clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in cybersecurity ...
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) Senior Instructor
Alexandria, VA · On-site
$160K - $180K/yr
Graduate of the Interagency Training Center (ITC) TSCM Fundamentals Course. * Current DOE Q or DOD Top Secret Security Clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in cybersecurity ...
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree or Master's in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Engineering, or Computer Engineering with strong academic record. * Experience: Progressive internship, co-op, or ...
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree or Master's in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Engineering, or Computer Engineering with strong academic record. * Experience: Progressive internship, co-op, or ...
Senior CNO Developer/Analyst
Columbia, MD · On-site
... graduate Company : Clear Ridge Defense is an IT firm that provides cybersecurity, intelligence & risk analysis services to federal and commercial clients. Founded in 2015, the company is ...
Senior CNO Developer/Analyst
Columbia, MD · On-site
... graduate Company : Clear Ridge Defense is an IT firm that provides cybersecurity, intelligence & risk analysis services to federal and commercial clients. Founded in 2015, the company is ...
The UCI builds upon a strong foundation established under the UMBC Cybersecurity Center (UCYBR ... The University has over 14,000 students, including 3,600 graduate students and routinely ranks ...
The UCI builds upon a strong foundation established under the UMBC Cybersecurity Center (UCYBR ... The University has over 14,000 students, including 3,600 graduate students and routinely ranks ...
PENDING CONTRACT AWARD: Cybersecurity Task Lead (Applicants must already hold a Top Secret Clearance
Baltimore, MD · On-site
$48.08 - $108.17/hr
This position leads cybersecurity compliance, operations, patching, and solution deployment ... post-graduate professional experienceMinimum of one year of experience in the last three years ...
Quick apply
PENDING CONTRACT AWARD: Cybersecurity Task Lead (Applicants must already hold a Top Secret Clearance
Baltimore, MD · On-site
$48.08 - $108.17/hr
This position leads cybersecurity compliance, operations, patching, and solution deployment ... post-graduate professional experienceMinimum of one year of experience in the last three years ...
Red Teaming Fellowship
Washington, DC · On-site +1
$32.50/hr
Pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Data ... graduate students
Red Teaming Fellowship
Washington, DC · On-site +1
$32.50/hr
Pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Data ... graduate students
Graduate degree in Cybersecurity, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification * Active Top Secret ...
Graduate degree in Cybersecurity, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification * Active Top Secret ...
If you are a recent or soon-to-be graduate with a PhD in a STEM field and a desire to make critical ... Computer Science/Computer Engineering * software engineering, hardware engineering, cybersecurity ...
If you are a recent or soon-to-be graduate with a PhD in a STEM field and a desire to make critical ... Computer Science/Computer Engineering * software engineering, hardware engineering, cybersecurity ...
Sr. Computer Engineer ISSO
Washington, DC · On-site
Graduate degree in Cybersecurity, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification * Active Top Secret ...
Sr. Computer Engineer ISSO
Washington, DC · On-site
Graduate degree in Cybersecurity, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification * Active Top Secret ...
Cybersecurity Graduate information
See Silver Spring, MD salary details
$44.5K - $54.5K
1% of jobs
$54.5K - $64.6K
6% of jobs
$64.6K - $74.6K
10% of jobs
$81.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$74.6K - $84.7K
12% of jobs
$84.7K - $94.7K
15% of jobs
The median wage is $99K / yr.
$94.7K - $104.8K
15% of jobs
$104.8K - $114.8K
10% of jobs
$119.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$114.8K - $124.9K
16% of jobs
$124.9K - $135K
7% of jobs
$135K - $145K
5% of jobs
$145K - $155.1K
3% of jobs
$44.5K
$102.8K
$155.1K
How much do cybersecurity graduate jobs pay per year?
What is the difference between Cybersecurity Graduate vs Cybersecurity Analyst?
| Aspect | Cybersecurity Graduate | Cybersecurity Analyst |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related field; certifications often optional | Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+), some experience preferred |
| Work Environment | Entry-level, training-focused roles, often in IT or security teams | Operational roles, monitoring security systems, incident response |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Internships, entry-level positions in tech, finance, healthcare | Full-time security teams across various industries |
Cybersecurity Graduates typically start in entry-level roles with foundational knowledge, while Cybersecurity Analysts are experienced professionals responsible for protecting systems and responding to threats. The roles often overlap in skills and environment, but analysts usually have more hands-on experience and certifications.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cybersecurity graduate?
What are some typical challenges a cybersecurity graduate might face in their first role?
What is a cybersecurity graduate?

2026 PhD Graduate - Formal Verification and Software Assurance Engineer
Laurel, MD • On-site
Full-time
This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating
9.6
Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
2nd of 73 rated research
Job description
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies. They are seeking a motivated Software Assurance/Formal Methods Developer to improve software assurance and tackle national security challenges using formal verification techniques and tools.
Responsibilities:
• Solve problems to improve software assurance using static and dynamic analysis, language safety properties, symbolic execution, abstract interpretation, model checking, and automated and interactive theorem provers to tackle the nation's most pressing cyber security challenges.
• Explore techniques to support development of zero-defect software and systems.
• Work on research teams staffed with world-class experts to perform research and development improving the state-of-the-art in software assurance theory and practice.
• Work alongside engineers and scientists who are passionate about innovation and are driven to make a real difference in defending our nation.
• Participate in research projects that create and apply formal methods tools and techniques to real-world problems. Goals include formal verification of algorithms, improvement of code quality, elimination of software bugs and design flaws, formal specification description, and analysis of cyber-physical systems.
• Devise and develop algorithms, techniques, and new tools that implement and test your ideas for improving critical systems and more reliable reasoning under uncertainty.
• Analyze data and results related to system development. Show the benefits of using formal methods in system development as well as the positive effects of using analysis tools.
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to technical staff, management and Government decision makers. Take advantage of opportunities to participate in working groups, sponsor meetings, proposal writing, and conferences.
• Join an environment that promotes professional growth, a balanced life, and encourages technical development.
• Have opportunities to participate in fun, social activities like our weekly game nights and yearly summer cookout!
Qualifications:
Required:
• Have a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, or a related field.
• Internship experience or a combination of graduate research and experience with formal methods, software assurance, or related areas.
• Understanding or experience with formal methods tools and techniques, such as language safety properties, symbolic execution, abstract interpretation, model checking, automated and interactive theorem proving, programming language analysis and design, type theory, static source code analysis, and formal logic.
• Ability to understand code in a variety of programming languages, and be able to develop software to demonstrate new analysis capabilities.
• Interest in local limited travel, which may be required.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
Preferred:
• Internship experience with static and dynamic analysis, formal methods, or related areas.
• Experience with the above, familiarity with operational semantics, abstract interpretation, symbolic execution, type inference.
• Experience with software development on Windows and Linux, using languages such as Rust, OCaml, C/C++, and Java.
• Experience with (1) Static Analysis tools such as Coverity and Klockwork, (2) Dynamic Analysis tools such as Valgrind, libFuzzer, and Java Pathfinder, (3) Symbolic Execution Engines such as KLEE and angr, (4) Model Checkers such as TLA+ and SPIN, (5) SMT Solvers such as CVC5 and MathSAT (6) Automated Theorem Provers such as Z3 and ACL-2, (7) Interactive Theorem Provers such as Lean and Rocq, and any other formal methods tools.
• Experience writing published papers and presenting results to conferences/workshops.
• Familiarity with a range of cyber-security concepts, such as network and host-based security, cryptography, trusted systems, and vulnerability/exploit discovery.
• Interest in improving system design to help reduce vulnerabilities and improve computer security.
• Current DoD clearance and prior experience working with Government agencies.
Company:
The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center (UARC) that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges with technical expertise and prototyping, research and development, and analysis. Founded in 1942, the company is headquartered in Laurel, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
What Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory employees say
Pay
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
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About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Manufacturing
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Laurel, MA, US