ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Defensive Cyber Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Defensive Cybersecurity Analyst

Whitehall, OH · On-site

... Cyber Security Analysts in our 24x7 front-line security operations team. In this role, you will be directly responsible for defending Department of Defense (DoD) networks against sophisticated ...

Leidos

Defensive Cybersecurity Analyst

Whitehall, OH · On-site

... Cyber Security Analysts in our 24x7 front-line security operations team. In this role, you will be directly responsible for defending Department of Defense (DoD) networks against sophisticated ...

Leidos

Defensive Cybersecurity Analyst

Shiloh, IL · On-site

... Cyber Security Analysts in our 24x7 front-line security operations team. In this role, you will be directly responsible for defending Department of Defense (DoD) networks against sophisticated ...

Leidos

Defensive Cybersecurity Analyst

Shiloh, IL · On-site

... Cyber Security Analysts in our 24x7 front-line security operations team. In this role, you will be directly responsible for defending Department of Defense (DoD) networks against sophisticated ...

Leidos

Cybersecurity Engineer Co-op

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$48K - $86K/yr

Cybersecurity Co-ops may develop complex, defensive cybersecurity solutions for trainer systems and their development environments, and assess and upgrade Linux servers and workstations. All work is ...

Leidos

Cybersecurity Engineer Co-op

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$48K - $86K/yr

Cybersecurity Co-ops may develop complex, defensive cybersecurity solutions for trainer systems and their development environments, and assess and upgrade Linux servers and workstations. All work is ...

Via Logic LLC

Cybersecurity Engineer Co-op

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$48 - $87/hr

Cybersecurity Co-ops may develop complex, defensive cybersecurity solutions for trainer systems and their development environments, and assess and upgrade Linux servers and workstations. All work is ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTechnology JobsNetworking JobsCyber Security Engineer JobsDefensive Cyber Security Jobs

Defensive Cyber Security information

See salary details

$57K

$133K

$186K

How much do defensive cyber security jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for defensive cyber security in the United States is $132,962.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is defensive cyber security?

Defensive cyber security refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage. Professionals in this field implement security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security policies to prevent and respond to cyber threats. Their main goal is to safeguard information and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets. Defensive cyber security is essential for organizations to reduce the risk of cyberattacks and comply with regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in defensive cyber security roles?

One of the main challenges in defensive cyber security is staying ahead of constantly evolving threats, as attackers regularly develop new methods to bypass security measures. Professionals in this role must also balance implementing strong security protocols with maintaining usability for end users. Additionally, responding to incidents often requires quick, coordinated action with other IT teams and clear communication with non-technical stakeholders. Ongoing learning and adapting to new technologies are essential for career growth in this fast-paced field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defensive cyber security professional?

To thrive as a Defensive Cyber Security professional, you need a solid understanding of network security, threat analysis, and incident response, typically backed by a relevant degree and industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and endpoint protection platforms is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for proactively identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating threats, and safeguarding organizational assets.

What is the difference between Defensive Cyber Security vs Security Analyst?

AspectDefensive Cyber SecuritySecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentSecurity teams, cybersecurity firms, IT departmentsSecurity teams, cybersecurity firms, IT departments
Employer & IndustryAny industry with IT infrastructure, government, finance, healthcareAny industry with IT infrastructure, government, finance, healthcare

Defensive Cyber Security focuses on protecting systems through firewalls, intrusion detection, and security protocols. Security Analysts monitor, analyze, and respond to security incidents. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, Defensive Cyber Security emphasizes proactive defense strategies, whereas Security Analysts focus on incident response and analysis.

How much does defensive cyber security pay?

Defensive cyber security professionals, such as security analysts or engineers, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually in the United States, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level roles may start around $60,000, while experienced specialists with certifications like CISSP or CEH can earn over $130,000. Salaries are also influenced by the size of the organization and the complexity of security systems managed.

Which defensive cyber security job is less stressful?

In defensive cybersecurity, roles such as Security Analyst or Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst tend to be less stressful than incident response or threat hunting positions, as they focus on monitoring and maintaining security rather than handling active breaches. These roles often have regular hours and involve routine tasks, though they still require vigilance and technical skills with tools like SIEM systems.
More about Defensive Cyber Security jobs

What cities are hiring for Defensive Cyber Security jobs?

Cities with the most Defensive Cyber Security job openings:

What states have the most Defensive Cyber Security jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defensive Cyber Security jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Defensive Cyber Security jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Defensive Cyber Security jobs are:

Defensive Cyber Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defensive Cyber Security job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,962 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Defensive Cybersecurity Analyst

Leidos

Whitehall, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Investigate and triage security alerts from endpoints, IDS/IPS, NetFlow data, and custom sensors to identify suspicious activity.

  • Analyze log files, correlate evidence across datasets, and produce detailed technical findings and reports for incident investigations.

  • Monitor and integrate threat intelligence feeds and Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) into security sensors and SIEM platforms.

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 500 rated business services

Job description

We are seeking proactive defenders who bring Security Operations Center (SOC) experience, exceptional critical thinking skills, and a self-motivated approach to safeguarding infrastructure as Cyber Security Analysts in our 24x7 front-line security operations team. In this role, you will be directly responsible for defending Department of Defense (DoD) networks against sophisticated, rapidly evolving cyber threats.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Investigate and triage security alerts generated from endpoints, IDS/IPS, NetFlow data, and custom sensors to identify suspicious activity.
  • Analyze extensive log files, pivot between diverse datasets, and correlate evidence to support incident investigations, producing detailed technical findings and reports.
  • Monitor and integrate DoD and open-source threat intelligence feeds and Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) into security sensors and SIEM platforms.
  • Collaborate closely with incident response teams and ensure timely, clear communication of security incidents to customers and USCYBERCOM.

Key Skillsets We Are Looking For:
  • SOC Experience: You understand the operational flow, high tempo demands, and rigorous standards of a 24x7 Security Operations Center. You are comfortable executing structured incident triage and escalation protocols.
  • Critical Thinking & Adversary Mindset: You possess the ability to look beyond the surface of an alert. You excel at correlating disparate data points, analyzing raw packet data, and conducting deep-dive investigation of complex security events to uncover sophisticated malicious activity.
  • Demonstrated Self-Motivation: You are a self-starter who takes active ownership of your professional development. Whether pursuing advanced certifications, researching emerging threat vectors, or mastering new tools, you drive your own growth.
  • Thrives on Change: The threat landscape and tactical priorities shift constantly. You demonstrate high operational adaptability, viewing unexpected shifts as opportunities to excel, and seamlessly pivot to adopt new processes, security tools, and analytical methodologies to counter evolving adversaries or challenges.

Shift & Operational Requirements:
  • Predictable Work-Life Balance: To support your well-being, we utilize a predictable five-day, 8-hour shift structure.
  • Shift Options to Fit Your Lifestyle: Our 24x7 mission requires continuous coverage, but it also provides the opportunity to align your work hours with your personal routine. Key coverage windows include:
    • Day Shift: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Swing Shift: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
    • Mid Shift: 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM
  • Flexibility: We highly value your work-life balance and make every effort to honor your shift preferences whenever possible. While final assignments must ensure critical program requirements are met, we strive to manage scheduling with a balanced approach that respects our team members' personal needs alongside mission readiness.

Required Qualifications:
  • Clearance: Active DoD Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI.
  • Baseline Certification: Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or higher) certification, such as CompTIA Security+ CE, ISC2 SSCP, or SANS GSEC (or equivalent 8140 requirements).
  • Specialized Certification: Ability to obtain a DoD 8570 CSSP-Analyst level certification (e.g., CEH, CySA+, GCIA, or equivalent) within 180 days of hire.
  • Technical Core: Solid foundation in networking principles, including packet analysis, common ports/protocols, traffic flow, the OSI model, and defense-in-depth architecture.
  • Experience & Education:
    • Level I: Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience (Equivalent professional work or military experience will be considered in lieu of a degree)
    • Level II: Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience (Equivalent professional work or military experience will be considered in lieu of a degree).
  • Location: Commutable distance (within 2 hours) or ability to self-relocate to Columbus, OH.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience working within Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) or DOD Environments.
  • Experience applying intelligence-driven defense strategies utilizing the MITRE ATT&CK or Cyber Kill Chain frameworks, including a deep understanding of intrusion set tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
  • In-depth experience utilizing SIEM/SOAR platforms to perform behavioral and statistical analysis across multiple log types.
  • Knowledge or experience in defending cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) or administering enterprise mobile security (MDM, MAM, MTD).
  • Basic scripting and programming skills to automate routine analytical tasks.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 29, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

What Leidos employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Leidos Jobs

Apply