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Defense Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Security Analyst Sr

Linda, CA · On-site

$93K - $108K/yr

Cyber Defense, Cybersecurity, Network Defense Certifications: None Experience: 3 + years of related experience US Citizenship Required: Yes Cyber Security Analyst Senior Join our technology leading ...

This role involves managing a diverse caseload of insurance defense matters, including personal ... Analyze complex legal and factual issues and develop case strategies * Communicate with clients ...

Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · Remote

$140K - $200K/yr

Personal Injury Defense Attorney This Jobot Job is hosted by: Sharon Brown Are you a fit? Easy ... analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail. 7. Excellent ...

This role involves managing a diverse caseload of insurance defense matters, including personal ... Analyze complex legal and factual issues and develop case strategies * Communicate with clients ...

This role involves managing a diverse caseload of insurance defense matters, including personal ... Analyze complex legal and factual issues and develop case strategies * Communicate with clients ...

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Showing results 1-20

Defense Analyst information

See California salary details

$32.8K

$103.9K

$167.4K

How much do defense analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense analyst in California is $103,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,400.00 and $126,320.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Defense Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a background in political science or security studies, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with intelligence analysis software, data visualization tools, and classified information systems is typically required. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills help you interpret complex data and collaborate effectively. These competencies are crucial for providing actionable insights that inform national security decision-making.

What are some of the common challenges faced by defense analysts in balancing classified information handling with collaborative work?

Defense Analysts often work with sensitive or classified information, which can present challenges when collaborating with colleagues, both within their team and across departments. Strict protocols must be followed to ensure data security, which may limit how and what information can be shared. This can require creative problem-solving and strong communication skills to convey analysis without breaching confidentiality. Successful Defense Analysts are adept at navigating these restrictions while still contributing valuable insights to collaborative projects.

What does a defense analyst do?

A defense analyst works on issues related to the military, public safety, and security. You can find employment with the Department of Defense, the military, a private consulting firm, or another government agency. Your duties in this career can vary widely depending on where you work. In a Department of Defense job, your responsibilities often involve analyzing military operations or assessing threats. You can also study issues related to law enforcement or criminal justice, cybersecurity, or national security. While working for a government agency like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you would study operations and suggest operational improvements.

What is the difference between Defense Analyst vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectDefense AnalystIntelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in security, defense, or related fields; often requires security clearanceBachelor's degree in security, intelligence, or related fields; may also require security clearance
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, military settingsIntelligence agencies, government departments, military
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military sectorsIntelligence agencies, national security sectors

Defense Analysts and Intelligence Analysts share similar educational backgrounds and often require security clearances. While Defense Analysts focus on military strategies, defense systems, and policy analysis, Intelligence Analysts concentrate on gathering and interpreting intelligence data to support national security. Both roles operate within government and defense sectors, but their specific focus areas differ, making them distinct yet related careers.

What is a defense analyst?

A Defense Analyst is a professional who assesses military strategies, defense policies, and security issues to inform government agencies, military organizations, or private sector clients. They analyze data, monitor global events, and evaluate potential threats to national security. Defense Analysts often provide recommendations on defense spending, operational planning, and risk management. Their work is crucial in shaping effective defense strategies and supporting decision-makers in maintaining national safety.
What job categories do people searching Defense Analyst jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Analyst jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Defense Analyst jobs? Cities in California with the most Defense Analyst job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Defense Analyst jobs in CA? For Defense Analyst jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Defense Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,866 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Cyber Security Analyst Sr

GDIT

Linda, CA • On-site

$93K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Type of Requisition:

Regular

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

Top Secret/SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

Top Secret/SCI

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

Cyber and IT Risk Management

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Cyber Defense, Cybersecurity, Network Defense

Certifications:

None

Experience:

3 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

Yes

Job Description:

Cyber Security Analyst Senior

Join our technology leading team of men and women that solve some of the world's most complex technical challenges. GDIT is seeking an enthusiastic Cyber Network Defense Analyst who is seeking to expand his/her experience in the IT field by joining our team in support of the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission of the Airforce at Beale AFB, Ca

Our Cyber Network Defense team supports the Air Forces' Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) Processing, Exploitation, Dissemination (PED) Operations Center (DOC). Specifically, you will be providing Cyber Monitoring and Defense across a global enterprise.

The Cyber Network Defense Analyst will be responsible to:

  • Provide near-real-time monitoring and analysis of insider and external threats utilizing network security tools and custom developed scripts IAW Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 502

  • Perform near-real-time network security alerting and problem resolution

  • Prioritize remediation efforts using reliable threat intelligence

  • Monitor and protect the security of the DCGS from internal and external threats

  • Implement the Enterprise Audit Conceptual Framework as defined by Intelligence Community Standard (ICS) 500-27

  • Perform all functions of the CND Framework

  • Generate a complete list of auditable events for all user activity and then process, format, filter, and share the data

  • Provide risk determination recommendations to the Authorizing Official (AO) regarding acceptance or rejection of an Authority to Operate (ATO) or Authority to Test (ATT)

  • Assess and report cyber readiness; perform an analysis of trends and concerns, and report key findings (i.e. provide recommendations and knowledge transfer based upon key findings)

  • Provide weekly update to Government program leads on current status of cyber readiness

  • Provide a robust set of checks and balances to protect against unauthorized network modifications, penetrations, and other threats that might affect mission operations

  • Manage antivirus definition files on DCGS Enterprise information systems

  • Provide guidance and assistance to other units and agencies responding to security events

  • Track and ensure enterprise compliance of Information Assurance Vulnerability Alerts (IAVA), DISA assist bulletins, and Air Force Computer Response Team (AFCERT) notifications and compliance with other governing directives

  • Perform and oversee network vulnerability scanning functions IAW governing directive

Minimum Requirements:

  • Clearance: TS/SCI

  • Shift Work (4 on/3 off)

  • Minimum of three (3) years' of network and system security experience

  • Strong knowledge of ESS/HBSS

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the CND Framework 4.10.2.3

  • Possess IAT Level II Security + (CE) certification

  • Possess Cyber Security Analysis (CySA) certification IAW DoD 8570

  • Location: On Customer Site

  • US Citizenship Required


GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

  • 401K with company match

  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages

  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career

  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications

  • Cutting-edge technology you can learn from

  • Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays

#GDITPriority

The likely salary range for this position is $93,662 - $108,100. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Travel Required:

Less than 10%

Telecommuting Options:

Onsite

Work Location:

USA CA Beale AFB

Additional Work Locations:

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

Our Identity Verification Process:

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work:

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at

gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

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GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US