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Data Protection Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Data Protection Engineer to support enterprise IT infrastructure in a mission-critical, on-premises environment. The selected candidate will be responsible ...

Data Protection Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Data Protection Engineer to support enterprise IT infrastructure in a mission-critical, on-premises environment. The selected candidate will be responsible for the ...

Data Protection Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Data Protection Engineer to support enterprise IT infrastructure in a mission-critical, on-premises environment. The selected candidate will be responsible ...

Cyber Data Protection Manager

Rosslyn, VA

$126K - $170K/yr

Cyber Data Protection Manager Are you passionate about helping leading organizations reduce cyber risk, protect critical data, and build resilience in an increasingly complex digital world? If so ...

Cyber Data Protection Manager

Mclean, VA

$112K - $151K/yr

Cyber Data Protection Manager Are you passionate about helping leading organizations reduce cyber risk, protect critical data, and build resilience in an increasingly complex digital world? If so ...

Cyber Data Protection Manager

Richmond, VA

$109K - $148K/yr

Cyber Data Protection Manager Are you passionate about helping leading organizations reduce cyber risk, protect critical data, and build resilience in an increasingly complex digital world? If so ...

As a Data Protection Senior Analyst, you'll support the delivery of data protection, data governance, and privacy solutions for Avanade clients. You'll work under the guidance of senior team members ...

Serving as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to clients on strategic and practical data protection and encryption requirements based on new and emerging data risks. * Advising clients on ...

Serving as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to clients on strategic and practical data protection and encryption requirements based on new and emerging data risks. * Advising clients on ...

Cyber Data Protection/PKI Manager

Mclean, VA

$112K - $151K/yr

Serving as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to clients on strategic and practical data protection and encryption requirements based on new and emerging data risks. * Advising clients on ...

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Data Protection information

What is a data protection officer?

Data protection officers (DPOs) are professionals responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with data protection laws and regulations, such as the GDPR in Europe. Their duties typically include advising on data protection obligations, monitoring internal compliance, conducting data protection impact assessments, and serving as a point of contact for supervisory authorities and individuals whose data is processed. DPOs play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information and helping organizations build trust with customers and stakeholders by managing data responsibly.

How does a data protection professional typically collaborate with other departments to ensure compliance?

Data Protection professionals work closely with various departments such as IT, Legal, HR, and Operations to implement and monitor data privacy protocols. They often lead training sessions, advise on best practices, and help integrate data protection requirements into business processes. Regular communication and collaboration are essential, as they must ensure that all teams understand their responsibilities regarding sensitive data. This cross-functional teamwork helps maintain company-wide compliance and mitigates risks associated with data breaches.

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

To thrive in Data Protection, a strong understanding of data privacy laws, risk management, and information security—often supported by relevant degrees or certifications like CIPP or CISSP—is essential. Familiarity with data loss prevention (DLP) tools, encryption technologies, and compliance management systems is typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals identify risks and educate stakeholders. These abilities ensure organizations maintain regulatory compliance, protect sensitive information, and build trust with clients and partners.

What is the difference between Data Protection vs Data Privacy Officer?

AspectData ProtectionData Privacy Officer
Primary FocusImplementing technical and organizational measures to secure dataEnsuring compliance with privacy laws and policies
CertificationsISO 27001, CISSP, CISMCIPP, CIPM, CIPT
Work EnvironmentIT departments, security teamsLegal, compliance, and policy teams
Industry UsageAcross sectors with data security needsPrimarily in organizations handling personal data

While both roles focus on data, Data Protection emphasizes securing data through technical measures, whereas Data Privacy Officers focus on legal compliance and policy adherence related to personal data. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and certifications for each role.

How to start a career in data protection?

To start a career in data protection, gain knowledge of cybersecurity principles, data privacy laws, and risk management. Obtain relevant certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) or CompTIA Security+ and develop skills in data security tools and practices. Entry-level roles often require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related fields.

Is data protection a stressful job?

Data protection roles can be stressful due to the responsibility of safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring compliance with regulations. The job often involves managing complex security protocols, responding to security incidents, and staying updated on evolving threats, which can contribute to work pressure. However, workload and stress levels vary depending on the organization and specific role.

What is a data protection job?

A data protection job involves safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats. Professionals in this field often work with security policies, encryption tools, and compliance standards to ensure data privacy and integrity within organizations.

What skills are needed for data protection jobs?

Data protection jobs require strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, data privacy laws, and risk management. Skills in network security, encryption, and familiarity with security tools and protocols are essential, along with attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. Certifications like CISSP or CISM can enhance qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Protection jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Data Protection jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Data Protection jobs in Virginia?

For Data Protection jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Data Protection jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Data Protection job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Protection job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 225 rated it services


Job description


SAIC is seeking a Data Protection Engineer to support enterprise IT infrastructure in a mission-critical, on-premises environment. The selected candidate will be responsible for the administration, maintenance, and optimization of backup and recovery solutions, ensuring data availability, integrity, and compliance with Federal standards.
This position requires a hands-on engineer with experience in Commvault, supporting secure, highly available systems within a government data center.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Administer and support enterprise on-premises Commvault data protection platforms
  • Monitor and manage daily backup operations, ensuring successful job completion and timely issue resolution
  • Perform data backup, restoration, and disaster recovery operations for physical and virtual environments
  • Maintain and optimize backup infrastructure, including backup servers, media agents, and storage systems
  • Troubleshoot system issues related to backup failures, performance degradation, and storage utilization
  • Develop and enforce backup policies, retention schedules, and disaster recovery procedures in alignment with customer requirements
  • Conduct regular backup validation and recovery testing to ensure system resilience
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, storage, network, cybersecurity) to maintain secure and compliant operations
  • Support audit readiness and compliance efforts by providing documentation and reporting
  • Maintain detailed technical documentation, including SOPs, system diagrams, and operational procedures
  • Participate in on-call rotation and provide after-hours support as required

Qualifications
Required Experience & Education:
  • Bachelors degree and 14+ years of relevant experience; masters and 12+ years; may accept additional experience in lieu of degree
  • Hands-on experience with Commvault, Dell EMC Avamar or equivalent enterprise-class data protection system in an on-premises/data center environment
  • Experience with enterprise backup architecture, including replication technologies
  • Familiarity with storage platforms
  • Experience supporting VMware vSphere and vCenter environments
  • Knowledge of Windows Server
  • Understanding of networking fundamentals related to backup and storage traffic
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Required Clearance:
  • US Citizenship
  • Active secret clearance with the ability to obtain a top secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., Dell EMC Proven Professional, Commvault Certified Professional, VMware VCP)
  • Experience supporting Federal or DOS IT environments
  • Familiarity with air-gapped backup solutions and ransomware protection strategies
  • Experience with database backup and recovery (Oracle, SQL Server)

About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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