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Defensive Cyber Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Creating game-changing capabilities for defensive cyberspace operations As an interdisciplinary group, we innovate by drawing insights from computer science, software engineering, data engineering ...

ECS

Defensive Cyber Engineer - Journeyman

Fairfax, VA · On-site

In this role, the candidate will serve within Task 3, Cybersecurity Operations Support, performing defensive cyber assessment activities that evaluate security control effectiveness, identify ...

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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 Jun 12, 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?

Defensive Cyber Operations roles typically do not reach $500,000 annually, but senior positions such as Chief Information Security Officer or cybersecurity executives can earn that level or higher with extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Achieving such salaries often requires advanced skills, a strong track record, and working in high-demand industries or organizations with large security budgets.

What are defensive cyber operations?

Defensive cyber operations involve protecting computer networks and systems from cyber threats by implementing security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability management. Professionals in this field monitor networks, analyze security incidents, and respond to cyber attacks to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of digital assets.

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.

Is CISO a high paying job?

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is typically a high-level executive role with a high salary, often exceeding six figures, due to its strategic importance and leadership responsibilities in cybersecurity. Compensation varies based on company size, industry, and experience, but CISOs generally earn among the top salaries in cybersecurity careers. Strong leadership, risk management skills, and relevant certifications like CISSP or CISM are common requirements for this role.

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.
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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 89% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, 8% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,171 per year, or $28 per hour.
Defensive Cyber Operation Analyst

Defensive Cyber Operation Analyst

Accenture Federal Services

Fort George G Meade, MD

$108K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Accenture Federal Services rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 426 rated business services

Job description

At Accenture Federal Services, nothing matters more than helping the US federal government make the nation stronger and safer and life better for people. Our 13,000+ people are united in a shared purpose to pursue the limitless potential of technology and ingenuity for clients across defense, national security, public safety, civilian, and military health organizations.
Join Accenture Federal Services, a technology company within global Accenture. Recognized as a Glassdoor Top 100 Best Place to Work, we offer a collaborative and caring community where you feel like you belong and are empowered to grow, learn and thrive through hands-on experience, certifications, industry training and more.
Join us to drive positive, lasting change that moves missions and the government forward!

Job Description:

Accenture Federal Services is seeking mission-oriented people to join our team. We are looking for experienced DOD Defensive Cyber Operations Analysts to work with our client(s) to support the planning, development, execution and analysis of full spectrum cyber operations.

The Work:

  • Review requirements for information network protection (boundary, mid-tier, endpoint); evaluate shortfalls and gaps; provide assessments and reports to determine effectiveness of cyber defense, plans, policies, procedures and assets
  • Use incident handling procedures and incident reporting policy and directives to analyze cyber incidents and threats to identify shortfalls and gaps in policy and process and develop policy updates
  • Analyze cybersecurity activities and make recommendations for actions to protect systems, including reviewing proof of concept development of cyber capabilities for countering ongoing or impending cyber adversary actions
  • Coordinate and collaborate with partners and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of services, systems, and networks into existing and future joint DODIN infrastructure
  • Provide situational awareness of Cyber Incidents to executive leadership, as well as develop and or maintain knowledge repositories, standard reports and dashboards
  • Provide support and situational awareness of all Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) Operationalization efforts
  • Plans, organizes, determines, and recommends necessary policies, regulations, directives, programs, doctrine, and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of assigned and anticipated Digital Modernization Changes
  • Develops and assesses current DoDIN plans and policies to include emerging technologies and assists with providing guidance on the implementation of security solutions
  • Supports the Technical Director in synchronizing and prioritizing capability requirements and new tactical uses of existing capabilities

Here's what you need:

  • 5 years of experience as an Intelligence Analyst, Cyber Operations role for DOD or the IC
  • IAT or IAM level II certification
  • Understanding of digital modernization efforts to secure, operate, and defend the DODIN to include Cloud Environments, Zero-Trust Architecture, Mission Partner Environments (MPE), and End-Point Security

Security Clearance:

  • Must have an active TS/SCI security clearance

As required by local law, Accenture Federal Services provides reasonable ranges of compensation for hired roles based on labor costs in the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Vermont, the District of Columbia, and the city of Cleveland. The base pay range for this position in these locations is shown below. Compensation for roles at Accenture Federal Services varies depending on a wide array of factors, including but not limited to office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Accenture Federal Services offers a wide variety of benefits. You can find more information on benefits here. We accept applications on an on-going basis and there is no fixed deadline to apply.

The pay range for the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Vermont, the District of Columbia, and the city of Cleveland is:
$108,400—$203,400 USD
What We Believe
As a company wholly dedicated to serving the US federal government, we bring together the best talent to help reinvent how federal agencies operate and deliver greater value for their mission and the American people. We have an unwavering commitment to creating a culture in which all our people are respected, feel a sense of belonging, and have equal opportunity. As a business imperative, every person at Accenture Federal Services has the responsibility to create and sustain a culture where everyone feels welcomed and included. This is grounded in our core values and our experience that hiring and developing great people who reflect different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds is key to driving innovation and delivering the results that our clients and the country count on.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities. For details, view a copy of the Accenture Federal Services Equal Opportunity Policy Statement.
Accenture Federal Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Additionally, as an Affirmative Action Employer for Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, Accenture Federal Services is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.
Requesting An Accommodation
Accenture Federal Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture Federal Services and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.
If you are being considered for employment opportunities with Accenture Federal Services and need an accommodation for a disability or religious observance during the interview process or for the job you are interviewing for, please speak with your recruiter.
Other Employment Statements
Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.
Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture Federal Services or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration.
Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process.
The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information.
California requires additional notifications for applicants and employees. If you are a California resident, live in or plan to work from Los Angeles County upon being hired for this position, please click here for additional important information.

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