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Defensive Cyber Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY ยท On-site

$120 - $145/hr

Position Summary ITI Solutions is seeking a Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the United States Space Force (USSF) Mission Delta 6 (D6) Defensive Cyber ...

$120 - $145/hr

Position Summary ITI Solutions is seeking a Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the United States Space Force (USSF) Mission Delta 6 (D6) Defensive Cyber ...

Defense Cyber Operations Officer

Fort Belvoir, VA ยท On-site

$125K - $169K/yr

Coordinate DTRA Defensive Cyber Operations activities and initiatives across the organization * Serve as primary liaison for DCO Division with external cyber organizations and stakeholders

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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 use tools like intrusion detection systems and firewalls, often holding certifications such as CISSP or CEH. Their goal is to prevent, detect, and mitigate cyber attacks to ensure the security and integrity of digital assets.
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 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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 (DCO) Subject Matter Expert (SME)

ASIR2Tekfs

NY โ€ข On-site

$120 - $145/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support development and operational use of DCO-Space capabilities and tools such as ELICSAR, SIEM, IDS/IPS, ELK Stack, and firewalls.

  • Conduct analysis of cyber incidents, provide remediation recommendations, and assist in cyber incident response activities.

  • Develop operational and technical materials, validate DCO procedures, and support crew training and mission planning.


Job description

Job Details

Job Location: D6 DCO @ Patrick - Patrick SFB, FL 32925

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

About ITI Solutions, Inc.

ITI Solutions, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with a strong track record supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs, including U.S. Army vehicle production, sustainment, and modernization efforts.

Founded by a Service-Disabled Veteran, we bring mission-driven expertise in engineering support, logistics coordination, and program execution to critical national defense initiatives.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, ITI Solutions is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and maintaining a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Position Summary

ITI Solutions is seeking a Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the United States Space Force (USSF) Mission Delta 6 (D6) Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) contract. The DCO SME is a well-rounded, hands on cyber security expert who supports development, improves proficiency, and increases operational effectiveness of USSF Cyber Squadron personnel by: providing/employing DCO capabilities, conducting intrusion detection monitoring and analysis, identifying malicious cyber activity and determining attack vectors, executing cyber response activities, developing defensive countermeasures, and providing Subject Matter Expertise to the United States Space Force Cyber Guardians.

Responsibilities
  • Provide expertise for DCO-Space capabilities, to include Enterprise Logging Ingest and Cyber Situational Awareness Refinery (ELICSAR), RunZero, Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) tools; Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems; ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana) Stack; Endpoint Protection Systems; Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR); Firewalls; Log Aggregator; Protocol Analyzers; Vulnerability Assessment Tools; Cyber Defense Environment Representation (CyDER) range; and where applicable, assigned cyber squadronโ€™s internal range(s).
  • Develop operational and technical materials
  • Provide cyber defense remediation and mitigation implementation recommendations in support of all cyber incidents/events during normal duty hours
  • Provide support for all Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) and crew shift planning processes
  • Draft, validate, and provide recommendations on the accuracy of DCO TTPs, SOPs, and OIs, as well as DCO Crew training products, training, evaluation, and certification material, and other related materials
  • Conduct analysis on new DCO-Space capability releases to assess new functionality and inform technical and operational employment for mission execution
  • Attend meetings, teleconferences, and Video Teleconferences (VTCs) at the Unclassified, Secret, and TS/SCI level (as required)
  • Provide DCO-S objective recommendations for exercises and mission rehearsals
  • Maintain DCO proficiency by performing crew operations for assigned space systems
  • Augment and advise the crews performing intrusion detection monitoring and analysis as needed
  • Provide input to and review Cyber 9-Line during normal duty hours, and review accuracy of cyber incident inputs
  • Advise and assist with cyber incident response processes IAW policies and procedures
  • Assist CYS crews in providing in-depth analysis of incidents by determining the incidentโ€™s nature, formulating recommended response actions, correlating event and incident data across assigned space mission systems, determining actions to be taken, and assessing possible effects on assigned mission systems
  • Participate in Government-established Cyber Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) and provide technical assistance in determining the cyber events/incidentโ€™s nature and impact to space mission systems; develop and recommend mitigation and/or remediation COAs; ensure mission system owners/operators and leadership have situational awareness of active response activities via recurring status reports and/or update briefs
  • Provide technical expertise in the creation of recommendations for Courses of Action (COA) along with suggested timing and sequencing of actions to mitigate and/or remediate cyber threats
  • Participate in post-incident hot washes and lessons learned processes as required by the Government
  • Recommend cyber incident response best practices to improve TTPs, processes, and policies
  • Provide recommendations on how to best optimize DCO-Space capabilities, to include countermeasure development (i.e., signatures, rules, policies, etc.) for defensive tools
  • Assist and support Government personnel with identifying, documenting, and tracking normal baseline activity for assigned space mission systems by monitoring, collecting, and analyzing traffic; and reviewing, auditing, and analyzing network and endpoint logs
  • Assist and support Government personnel in performing Mission Relevant Terrain - Cyber (MRT-C) identification and mapping, leveraging Functional Mission Analysis - Cyber (FMA-C) concepts
  • Assist and support CYS Government personnel on assigned space mission systems to detect, track, and disrupt Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
  • Provide operational and technical on-the-job training (OJT) to Government CYS personnel executing defense cyber operations (DCO)
Qualifications
  • Active DoD TS/SCI clearance (Company does not sponsor those with no prior TS/SCI)
  • Required DoD 8140.03 Qualification (Must have one of the Foundational Qualification Options below):
    • Education: BS degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or Software Engineering, from an ABET-accredited or CAE-designated institution
    • Training: DOD/Military Training: 4C-255S (CP), M03385G, M10395B, M223854, A-531-0451, A-531-4421, A-531-1900, Cyber Defense Analyst (Intermediate) Playlist, DISA (511) Training, 4-11-C32-255S (CP), 4C-255N (CP), 4C-255A (CP), M0923W1, A-531-4417, DCWF WRC 511 Cyber Defense Analyst (Advanced) Playlist
    • Certifications: CEH(P), GMON, GRID, Cloud+, FITSP-O, GCED, GDSA, GSEC, PenTest+, Security+, CBROPS, CFR, CySA+, GCFA, GCIA, or GICSP
  • Qualifications (Preferred):
    • Eight (8)+ years of relevant hands-on DCO Analyst work experience using Elicsar, RunZero, SIEMs, IPD/IDS, rule tuning tools, or equivalent (ISSO/RMF/IA/System Admin cyber analyst experience does not count)
Required Experience / Skills
  • Hands-on Experience with the following tools:
    • ELK Stack, Kibana, Teleseer, Suricata, Splunk, Snort, Wireshark, Bro/Zeek logs, TCPdump, editcap, Carbon Black, bash scripting, Python, Microsoft Office 365
  • Experience performing Defensive Cyber Operations, Continuous Cybersecurity Monitoring, Intrusion Detection, and Cyber Incident Response
Preferred Experience
  • Previously worked in a DCO SOC as an analyst or Site Lead
  • Familiarity with Space Operations is highly desired
Location

Patrick Space Force Base (SFB), Florida

Salary: $120,000 to $145,000

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