ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cybersecurity Operations Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Cybersecurity Operations Lead

Odenton, MD · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Cybersecurity Operations Lead to oversee two cybersecurity teams supporting the Defense Enclave Services (DES) program: an Identity Management team and a Software Auditing team.

ECS

Cybersecurity Manager - SME

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$110K - $148K/yr

The position sets operational priorities, risk tolerance thresholds, and performance standards ... The Cybersecurity Manager helps defend both classified and unclassified environments supporting ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCybersecurity Operations JobsCybersecurity Operations Jobs in Washington

Cybersecurity Operations information

See Washington salary details

$19

$49

$68

How much do cybersecurity operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cybersecurity operations in Washington is $50.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do cybersecurity operations do?

Cybersecurity operations involve monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats and incidents to protect an organization’s information systems. Professionals in this field use tools like intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and security information and event management (SIEM) platforms to maintain the security posture and ensure compliance. They often work in shifts and require certifications such as CISSP or Security+ to perform their duties effectively.

How much do cyber operations make?

Cybersecurity operations professionals typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level roles may start around $60,000, while experienced specialists with certifications like CISSP or CEH can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand environments with advanced skills in threat detection and incident response.

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

To excel in Cybersecurity Operations, you need a solid understanding of network security, threat analysis, and incident response, typically supported by a degree in information security or related fields. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems, and certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+ is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying threats and collaborating with IT teams. These competencies are vital to proactively protect organizational assets, quickly mitigate cyber threats, and ensure regulatory compliance.

What jobs can you get with a cyber operations degree?

A cyber operations degree prepares individuals for roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, Cybersecurity Engineer, and Incident Responder. These positions involve monitoring networks, analyzing security threats, implementing defenses, and responding to cyber incidents, often requiring knowledge of security tools, protocols, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP.

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

Cybersecurity professionals in senior roles such as security directors, chief information security officers (CISOs), or specialized consultants can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM, and working in high-demand industries or organizations. Entry- and mid-level positions typically have lower salaries, but compensation increases significantly with expertise, leadership responsibilities, and geographic location.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Cybersecurity Operations, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Cybersecurity Operations often face challenges such as rapidly evolving cyber threats, managing incident response under pressure, and balancing proactive monitoring with reactive defense. Staying current with new attack techniques and tools is essential, which requires continuous learning and adaptation. Collaborating closely with IT, management, and other security teams helps ensure comprehensive coverage and swift action during incidents. Regular training, effective communication, and automating repetitive tasks can help address these challenges and improve operational effectiveness.

What are cybersecurity operations?

Cybersecurity operations refer to the processes and activities involved in protecting an organization's information systems from cyber threats. This includes monitoring networks for suspicious activity, responding to security incidents, managing security tools, and ensuring compliance with security policies. Professionals in this field work to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks, helping to safeguard sensitive data and maintain business continuity. Cybersecurity operations are essential in today's digital landscape where cyber threats are constantly evolving.

What is the difference between Cybersecurity Operations vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectCybersecurity OperationsCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentSecurity operations centers, monitoring teamsAnalysis teams, incident response
Employer & Industry UsageOrganizations with dedicated security teamsOrganizations needing security monitoring & analysis

Cybersecurity Operations focuses on managing and monitoring security systems, incident response, and maintaining security infrastructure. In contrast, a Cybersecurity Analyst primarily analyzes security data, identifies threats, and supports incident investigations. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same security teams, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

Cybersecurity Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cybersecurity Operations job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,996 per year, or $50 per hour.

Cybersecurity Operations Lead

Platinum Technologies

Fort George G Meade, MD

$123K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Who we are! 

Platinum Technologies is a Northern Virginia based integrated solutions firm that specializes in Cybersecurity, Cloud and Digital Services to the Public Sector. Our team solves hard problems and helps our Mission Partners achieve their goals. If you are self-motivated, possess demonstrated learning agility, and are passionate about delivering high-quality work products – we want to hear from you.

We lead with technical expertise, but that is just the tip of the iceberg – the ‘Why’ matters. At Platinum, we don’t hire people to do a job. We provide professional and leadership development to complement our self-motivated domain experts. Our teammates are dot-connecting leaders that operate in a mutually accountable environment to deliver thought leadership, expert technical analysis, and quality execution for our clients.

You

Platinum Technologies is seeking an experienced Cybersecurity Operations Lead. This role serves as the senior technical authority across identity and access management, compliance auditing, platform security, and vulnerability remediation activities while partnering with program leadership to ensure operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on cybersecurity professional who leads through technical expertise, mentors team members, drives engineering best practices, and contributes directly to cybersecurity operations, audits, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role is Hybrid at Ft. Meade, MD

 

Required Clearance: SECRET

The Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religious creed, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, or genetic information.  

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for Identity Management and Software Auditing functions supporting enterprise cybersecurity operations.

• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and subject matter expertise to engineering staff while fostering technical excellence and knowledge sharing.

• Perform advanced technical duties alongside team members, including IAM operations, software auditing, compliance validation, troubleshooting, and remediation activities.

• Lead technical implementation and optimization of Linux/Solaris platforms and directory services to ensure security, availability, and operational performance.

• Guide cybersecurity operations in alignment with RMF, NIST SP 800-53, DoD cybersecurity requirements, and industry best practices.

• Lead software and system auditing efforts, including review of application configurations, access controls, patching, and secure configuration compliance.

• Drive vulnerability management, audit readiness, technical risk reduction, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

• Collaborate with program leadership, customers, and cross-functional engineering teams to resolve complex technical issues and implement cybersecurity solutions.

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, standard operating procedures, and implementation guidance.

Required Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance or higher.

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant cybersecurity experience (additional experience may substitute for degree).

• Active DoD IAT Level II certification (e.g., Security+).

• Experience serving as a technical lead for cybersecurity, IAM, or compliance/auditing initiatives.

• Strong knowledge of RMF, NIST SP 800-53, vulnerability management, and compliance practices.

• Experience with Linux/Solaris administration and directory services.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor technical staff, lead technical initiatives, and influence engineering decisions.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with IAM/IdM platforms and cybersecurity tool integrations.

• Experience with software auditing, system hardening, and compliance validation.

• Experience supporting SailPoint or similar identity management implementations.

• Relevant cybersecurity, IAM, or cloud security certifications.

• Experience leading technical modernization or automation initiatives within enterprise cybersecurity environments.

The Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religious creed, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, or genetic information.  

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.