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Data Protection Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Data Protection SME

Washington, DC · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Analyze existing data protection architectures for security gaps and recommend remediation aligned with NIST standards. * Mentor senior engineers and architects on advanced Commvault, Veeam, or ...

Design, implement and maintain data protection solutions and respond to service requests in a timely manner. * Effectively collaborate with members of other engineering teams in a timely manner.

Design, implement and maintain data protection solutions and respond to service requests in a timely manner. * Effectively collaborate with members of other engineering teams in a timely manner.

Architect enterprise-wide data protection strategies using platforms like Commvault, Veeam, or Cohesity. * Design secure backup architectures that ensure "Encryption at Rest" and "Encryption in ...

Design, implement and maintain data protection solutions and respond to service requests in a timely manner. * Effectively collaborate with members of other engineering teams in a timely manner.

Data Protection, Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$150K - $178K/yr

As a Data Protection Manager, you'll lead the delivery of data protection and data governance solutions for Avanade clients. You'll bring hands-on technical expertise, own project outcomes, and guide ...

Data Protection Consultant

Washington, DC · On-site

$112K - $133K/yr

As a Data Protection Consultant, you'll lead the delivery of data protection and data governance solutions for Avanade clients. You'll bring hands-on technical expertise, own project outcomes, and ...

Data Protection Consultant

Washington, DC · On-site

$112K - $133K/yr

As a Data Protection Consultant, you'll lead the delivery of data protection and data governance solutions for Avanade clients. You'll bring hands-on technical expertise, own project outcomes, and ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work, by the Washington Business Journal for over five years in a row, we are hiring a Data Protection Engineerto furtherassistand join in our growth. Looking ...

Cyber Data Protection Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

$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

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Data Protection information

See Washington, DC salary details

$25.2K

$117.1K

$231.9K

How much do data protection jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for data protection in Washington, DC is $117,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,767.00 and $154,070.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Data Protection jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Data Protection jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Data Protection jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Protection jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Data Protection job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,130 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Data Protection SME

Acuity, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Overview

Acuity is an award‑winning consulting firm that provides proven management and technological services to the Federal government. Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by the Washington Business Journal for over five years in a row, we are hiring a Data Protection SME to further assist and join in our growth.

Responsibilities
  • Provide expert‑level guidance on the architecture of multi‑petabyte backup environments for federal agencies.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve high‑priority, complex data recovery issues impacting agency‑wide missions.
  • Technical implementation of advanced encryption frameworks and immutable storage solutions.
  • Serve as a primary technical advisor for agency‑level disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
  • Analyze existing data protection architectures for security gaps and recommend remediation aligned with NIST standards.
  • Mentor senior engineers and architects on advanced Commvault, Veeam, or Cohesity features.
  • Support the federal Authority to Operate (ATO) process by providing deep technical evidence for data integrity controls.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in a technical field.
  • 12+ years of experience in data management and enterprise backup engineering.
  • 7+ years of deep expertise in specialized domains such as cloud‑native backup or ransomware recovery.
  • Recognized authority in data protection with a history of solving complex enterprise data loss challenges.
Preferred Certifications
  • Federal & Security: CISSP and CCSP.
  • Domain‑Specific: Commvault Certified Master, Veeam Certified Architect (VMCA), or Cohesity Expert.
  • Architecture/Management: AWS or Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
Technical Skills
  • Expertise in Commvault, Veeam, Cohesity, and NetBackup.
  • Advanced knowledge of data encryption (FIPS 140‑3) and secure key management (KMS).
  • Deep expertise in data deduplication and cross‑region replication strategies.
  • Knowledge of container‑native backup (e.g., Kasten, Velero) in secure environments.
Regulatory & Domain Expertise
  • Demonstrated expertise in applying NIST 800‑53 and FedRAMP High requirements for data availability.
  • Technical implementation of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) for data protection.
  • Experience with classified data handling (SIPR/JWICS) and secure data archival.
Clearance Requirement
  • Active security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) or eligibility to obtain one.

Acuity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Learn more: www.myacuity.com

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