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Defensive Cyber Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

N3 Cyber Operations Analyst

Wahiawa, HI

$155K - $165K/yr

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The Cyber Operations Planner will support U.S. Fleet Cyber Command Pacific (FCC PAC), Joint Force ... Collaborate with cyber defense teams to develop and implement mitigation strategies and ...

N3 Cyber Operations Analyst

Wahiawa, HI · On-site

$155K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Cyber Operations Planner will support U.S. Fleet Cyber Command Pacific (FCC PAC), Joint Force ... Collaborate with cyber defense teams to develop and implement mitigation strategies and ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Enterprise Engineer with Security Clearance

MITRE Corporation

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. MITRE's Cyber Defense - Installation to Edge Department (N175) is seeking a new Defensive Cyber Enterprise Engineer for the Defensive Cyber Effects (DCE) project. The successful candidate will tightly partner with our sponsor in acquiring, developing, and implementing cyber capabilities to defend United States Air Force (USAF) enterprise networks, mission systems, weapon systems, and control systems. This role is specifically focused on cross-capability and cross-organization integration and coordination, driving effectively alignment of defensive cyber capabilities with USAF enterprise architectures and external acquisition programs. This position will actively collaborate with both acquisition leadership and the operational community for the greatest mission impact and expedited fielding of capabilities. The sponsor for this project is in San Antonio, TX, and requires continuous, on-site engagement for successful execution. For this project, the Defensive Cyber Enterprise Engineer is required to have a fundamental understanding of Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) concepts and capabilities in support of Department of War (DoW) missions, cybersecurity concepts such as Zero Trust (ZT), enabling effective cyber situational awareness (SA), and implementing automated cyber response actions. Direct, hands-on experience with industry and open-source DCO tools as well as with cyber deception and Operational Technology (OT) monitoring and defense is preferred. Experience decomposing operational needs into system requirements is also desired as this sponsor is focused on acquiring USAF enterprise cyber capabilities. Additionally, the project will work to extend current and future defensive cyber capabilities to the tactical edge for effective operations within environments with potentially limited or denied communications and reduced hardware form factors. Lastly, the Defensive Cyber Enterprise Engineer needs to understand enabling concepts used in designing, developing, and fielding cyber capabilities, such as Internet Protocol (IP) networking and commercial cloud environments. Roles & Responsibilities: As the Defensive Cyber Enterprise Engineer, the successful candidate will: Lead and Engage * Work side-by-side with the sponsor to develop a trusted, collaborative relationship built on MITRE's technical capabilities and expertise
* Directly engage with the USAF sponsor and operational community leadership to plan, coordinate, and effectively integrate DCO capabilities into existing USAF networks and mission systems
* Bring technical and USAF cyber operational experience to bear to drive key program decisions Execute and Deliver Mission Impact * Apply System-of-Systems engineering across multiple capabilities areas and USAF sponsors to deliver enterprise scale capabilities
* Engage in high-quality, data-driven technical analyses and proof of concepts with actionable recommendations for the sponsor
* Leverage existing projects and bodies of knowledge across MITRE to ensure leading practices and lessons learned are incorporated in sponsor recommendations Basic Qualifications: * Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
* Active Secret clearance with the ability to acquire and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
* U.S. Citizenship required.
* Strong knowledge of defensive cyber frameworks, capabilities and implementations, to include: Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO); commercial and open-source DCO capabilities; cyber security practices, cyber risk assessment frameworks and mitigation concepts; NIST cyber frameworks and publications
* Knowledge of existing USAF enterprise networks (AFNet), cyber security, and cyber operations capabilities
* Experience briefing senior leadership teams
* Strong written and verbal communications skills
* This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site. Preferred Qualifications: * Active TS/SCI clearance
* Experience with DoW or USAF cyber operations
* Experience with DoW acquisition programs and applying effective Systems Engineering, from requirements definition to system development, to capability testing and fielding
* Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence as applied to DCO and cyber security
* Knowledge of cyber security and monitoring of Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
* Knowledge of commercial cloud and Internet Protocol (IP) networking This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$158,800 - $198,500 - $238,200 Annual Work Location Type:
Onsite 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. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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