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Defensive Cyber Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Defensive Cyber Operations Analyst to support the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) Information Technology Programs for the Dept of the Navy. This initiative ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Defensive Cyber Operations Analyst to support the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) Information Technology Programs for the Dept of the Navy. This initiative ...

Description SAIC is seeking a Defensive Cyber Operations Analyst to support the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) Information Technology Programs for the Dept of the Navy. This initiative leverages ...

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Defensive Cyber Operations information

See salary details

$38.5K

$58.2K

$87K

How much do defensive cyber operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for defensive cyber operations in the United States is $58,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do defensive cyber operations do?

Defensive cyber operations involve protecting computer networks and systems from cyber threats by monitoring for malicious activity, implementing security measures, and responding to security incidents. Professionals in this field often use tools like intrusion detection systems and firewalls, and may hold certifications such as CISSP or CEH to enhance their skills. Their goal is to prevent, detect, and mitigate cyber attacks to ensure the security and integrity of digital assets.

What is defensive cyber operations?

Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) refer to activities and strategies designed to protect computer networks, systems, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and other cyber threats. These operations involve monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to cyber incidents to ensure the security and integrity of information systems. Professionals in this field implement security measures, conduct risk assessments, and develop incident response plans to minimize damage from potential cyberattacks. DCO is essential for government, military, and private sector organizations to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive data.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in defensive cyber operations?

To thrive in Defensive Cyber Operations, you need a solid grounding in network security, threat analysis, and incident response, often backed by a degree in cybersecurity or related fields. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals excel when mitigating threats and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for proactively defending organizational assets and ensuring robust cyber resilience.

What is the difference between Defensive Cyber Operations vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectDefensive Cyber OperationsCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentMilitary, government, or specialized security teamsCorporate, government, or consulting firms
Primary FocusProactive defense, threat hunting, incident responseMonitoring, analyzing, and responding to security threats
Industry UsagePrimarily in government and military sectorsWidely in private and public sectors

Defensive Cyber Operations and Cybersecurity Analysts share similar certifications and work environments, but Defensive Cyber Operations focus more on proactive defense and threat hunting within specialized teams, often in government or military settings. Cybersecurity Analysts typically monitor and respond to threats across various industries, emphasizing analysis and incident response.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in defensive cyber operations, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Professionals in Defensive Cyber Operations often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving threats, high-pressure incident response situations, and the need to coordinate across multiple departments. New team members can prepare by staying current with the latest threat intelligence, practicing effective communication skills, and familiarizing themselves with the organization's security tools and protocols. Building strong relationships with IT, legal, and management teams also helps ensure smooth collaboration during security events.
More about Defensive Cyber Operations jobs

What cities are hiring for Defensive Cyber Operations jobs?

Cities with the most Defensive Cyber Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Defensive Cyber Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,171 per year, or $28 per hour.

Defensive Cyber Operations Analyst

Booz Allen Hamilton

Peterson, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Defensive Cyber Operations Analyst

The Opportunity:

As a cyberspace defender on our team, you'll be in the middle of the action, monitoring realtime threats, analyzing complex cyber events, and helping protect missioncritical networks that support NORAD and USNORTHCOM operations. Every alert, anomaly, or suspicious pattern you uncover helps ensure the uninterrupted flow of information that commanders and warfighters rely on.

We need a DCO analyst like you to help safeguard enterpriselevel systems against cyber threats targeting Combatant Command Headquarters, Service Components, Joint Task Forces, and mission partners. As a DCO analyst, you'll monitor and analyze threats using advanced tools, including Assured Compliance Assessment Solution, Splunk, HostBased Security System, and Big Data Platform capabilities like SIGACT and RALLY. You'll use your cyber defense tradecraft to identify malicious activity, distinguish real threats from benign events, and escalate incidents with clear summaries of impact and urgency.

You'll combine threat intelligence, event data, and correlation across multiple sources to uncover attacker patterns and understand their goals, stopping them before they succeed. You'll work alongside teammates conducting uninterrupted Defensive Cyberspace Operations, Computer Network Defense, Information Assurance, and NetOps to maintain situational awareness and ensure secure, available IT C4 systems.

Your work will include supporting DCO event and incident response, documenting and escalating cyber events, performing multisource correlation, and producing daily reporting that enhances commander awareness. You'll also coordinate with enterprisewide cyber defense partners, respond to CPCON changes, assist with operational briefs, and help implement proactive and reactive security measures that protect Combatant Command networks. You'll even leverage Department of War AI capabilities to strengthen defensive cyberspace operations.

This is a great opportunity to build handson skills in threat detection, incident response, and cyber event analysis while contributing directly to missions vital to homeland defense. Work with us as we secure critical networks from malicious actors.

Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

  • 3+ years of experience conducting DCO, SOC, JCC, or NOSC mission operations

  • Experience supporting Defensive Cyberspace Operations within a 24x7 operations center, including shift work

  • Experience advising on network security issues and enforcing vulnerability mitigation policies and procedures

  • Experience developing reports, presenting daily network security summaries, and communicating clearly with senior leaders and varied audiences

  • Knowledge of management and monitoring of network security components, devices, and services

  • Knowledge of cybersecurity tools including Splunk, SIEM capabilities, Big Data Platform applications, HostBased Security System, and DoD Security Incident Response processes

  • Ability to support Panama schedule DCO Watch Stander shifts, holidays, and weekends on an asneeded basis

  • TS/SCI clearance

  • Bachelor's degree

  • Security+ or DoDM 8140.03 Certification

Nice If You Have:

  • Experience developing or delivering cyberspace operations support at the Combatant Command or Major Command level

  • Experience supporting DoD cyber missions

  • Experience using Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

  • Knowledge of cybersecurity and cyberspace operations doctrine, Joint Publications, and policy implementation

  • Knowledge of modern computer systems, client and server models, LAN or WAN concepts, network management, and security monitoring principles

  • Knowledge of implementing security patching across enterprise systems

  • Ability to formulate recommendations for corrective actions that address identified risks and support JCC operations

  • Possession of strong oral and written communication skills for technical and nontechnical audiences

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; TS/SCI clearance is required.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $69,300.00 to $158,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

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 interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.


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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914