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Defensive Cyber Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ITI Solutions, Inc

$86K - $111K/yr

Monitor government-provided Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) tools and systems * Conduct after-action processes to capture efforts taken to mitigate unauthorized actions * Participate in the ...

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Defensive Cyber Operations information

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$38.5K

$58.2K

$87K

How much do defensive cyber operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 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.

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

In defensive cyber operations, reaching a salary of $500,000 annually is uncommon but possible for senior roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or cybersecurity executive with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Most cybersecurity professionals earn lower salaries, but high-level executives with strategic oversight and specialized skills can achieve this level of compensation, often including bonuses and stock options.

What are 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 defensive operations of cyber security?

Defensive cyber operations involve protecting computer systems and networks from cyber threats through activities such as monitoring for intrusions, implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems, applying security patches, and conducting vulnerability assessments. Cybersecurity professionals in this field use tools like SIEMs and threat intelligence to identify and mitigate risks proactively.

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

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.

What do cyber defense operations do?

Cyber defense operations involve monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security threats to protect computer networks and systems. Professionals in this field use tools like intrusion detection systems and firewalls, and often hold certifications such as CISSP or CEH to identify and mitigate cyber attacks effectively.

How much does a cyber defense operator make?

A cyber defense operator typically earns between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or security clearances can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of security tools, network protocols, and threat mitigation strategies.
More about Defensive Cyber Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Defensive Cyber Operations jobs? Cities with the most Defensive Cyber Operations job openings:
What job categories do people searching Defensive Cyber Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defensive Cyber Operations jobs are:
Defensive Cyber Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defensive Cyber Operations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 35% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,171 per year, or $28 per hour.
Defensive Cyber Operations Planner

Defensive Cyber Operations Planner

GDIT

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$136K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 207 rated it services

Job description

Type of Requisition:

Pipeline

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

Top Secret SCI + Polygraph

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

Top Secret SCI + Polygraph

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

Cyber and IT Risk Management

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Cyber Defense, Cyber Operations, Cyber Planning, Joint Operational Planning, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES)

Certifications:

None

Experience:

8 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

Yes

Job Description:

CYBER OPERATIONS PLANNER PRINCIPAL
Advance your career while impacting our national security in cyber as a Cyber Operations Planner Principal at GDIT. Here, technologists have many paths to grow a meaningful career supporting cyber missions and operations across the federal government.
MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT
As a Cyber Operations Planner Principal, the work you'll do at GDIT will be impactful to the mission of U.S. Cyber Command

The Defensive Cyber Operations Planner within U.S. Cyber Command J3 plays a critical role in designing and synchronizing defensive cyberspace strategies to secure the DoWIN and defend the nation. This forward-oriented role ensures future operations planning aligns with Combatant Command priorities, legal frameworks, and emerging technologies to achieve cyber dominance. Planners work across joint forces, interagency partners, and allied entities to deliver precise and impactful cyber campaigns.

Responsibilities

  • Future Campaign Planning and Execution:
    Develop defensive cyber operations plans and strategies aligned with Combatant Command objectives, integrating USCOBERCOM capabilities with network owners capabilities.Leverage planning tools and techniques, including the Joint Planning Process (JPP) and Joint Operational Planning and Execution System (JOPES), to refine future operations.
  • Stakeholder Coordination:
    Collaborate across USCYBERCOM components, interagency partners, multinational allies, and joint forces to synchronize offensive plans, ensuring alignment and deconfliction with broader operational priorities.
  • Innovative Strategy Development:
    Explore and integrate emerging defensive tools, such as AI-based exploit development, autonomous cyberweaponry, and capabilities to counter adversarial quantum computing threats.


WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED
Bring your cyber expertise and drive for innovation to GDIT. The Cyber Operations Planner Principal must have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, Strategic Studies, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • Completion of Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I required; JPME Phase II preferred for strategic-level roles.
  • Experience: 8+ years of related experience
  • Security clearance level: Active TS/SCI clearance. Successful completion of a polygraph required.
  • US citizenship required


GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.
Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace
OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career in cyber at GDIT and you'll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your focus on defending and protecting what matters.

The likely salary range for this position is $136,000 - $184,000. 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 MD Fort Meade

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 consulting, technology 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 capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, Cloud, Cyber and application development. Together with our clients, we strive to create a safer, smarter world by harnessing the power of deep expertise and advanced technology.Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at

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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

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