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Defensive Security Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coalition Inc

$70K - $92K/yr

The role sits within Coalition's Security team, working across threat intelligence, cyber risk management, and defensive security controls. This role connects security analysis to business and ...

Coalition, Inc.

WV · On-site

$140K/yr

The role sits within Coalition's Security team, working across threat intelligence, cyber risk management, and defensive security controls. This role connects security analysis to business and ...

Agile Defense

Security Analyst

China Lake, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

About Agile Defense At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges ... Security Analyst Location: China Lake, CA Clearance Level: Must Have Ability to Obtain a Secret ...

Agile Defense

Security Analyst

China Lake, CA

$85K - $110K/yr

About Agile Defense At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges ... Security Analyst Location: China Lake, CA Clearance Level: Must Have Ability to Obtain a Secret ...

Sugpiat Defense, LLC

Information Security Analyst Senior Company: Sugpiat Defense, LLC Program ... Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Location: Colorado Springs, CO - On-Site Employment Status: Regular ...

Beyond SOF

Security Analyst / FSO

Mckinney, TX · On-site

... defense security regulations. This position will process and review personnel security clearances and maintain all security documentation, files, and clearance and suitability rosters in accordance ...

Beyond SOF

Security Analyst / FSO

Mckinney, TX · On-site

... defense security regulations. This position will process and review personnel security clearances and maintain all security documentation, files, and clearance and suitability rosters in accordance ...

CSAA

Job Title Security Analyst IV - DLP Monitoring & Response Requisition Number R7862 Security Analyst ... Partner with Cyber Defense, Security Engineering, IT, Cloud, Privacy, Legal, Compliance, and ...

Armada

Industrial Security Analyst

Washington, DC

Industrial Security Analyst The Industrial Security Analyst provides expert-level support for ... Demonstrated experience supporting Industrial Security programs within the Department of Defense ...

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Defensive Security Analyst information

See salary details

$39.5K

$107.3K

$141K

How much do defensive security analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for defensive security analyst in the United States is $107,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a defensive security analyst do?

A Defensive Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from cyber threats. They monitor network traffic, analyze security alerts, and respond to incidents to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches. Their role also includes implementing security measures, conducting vulnerability assessments, and ensuring compliance with security policies. Defensive Security Analysts work closely with IT teams to strengthen defenses and safeguard sensitive information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defensive security analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defensive Security Analyst, you need a solid understanding of network security, incident response, and vulnerability assessment, often backed by a degree in cybersecurity or related fields. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders are crucial soft skills. These competencies are essential to effectively detect, analyze, and mitigate cyber threats, ensuring the organization’s information assets remain protected.

What are some common challenges defensive security analysts face when responding to security incidents?

Defensive Security Analysts often face challenges such as identifying sophisticated threats that blend in with normal network traffic and responding to multiple incidents simultaneously under tight time constraints. They must also keep pace with rapidly evolving attack techniques and ensure clear communication with IT, management, and other stakeholders during an incident. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the latest security tools and collaborating efficiently with team members are key to overcoming these challenges.

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

AspectDefensive Security AnalystSecurity Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCISSP, CISA, GIAC
Work EnvironmentSecurity operations centers, incident response teamsDesigning and implementing security solutions
Employer & IndustryIT firms, government agencies, financial institutionsTech companies, cybersecurity firms, large enterprises
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in security operationsLearning about security infrastructure development

The Defensive Security Analyst primarily monitors, detects, and responds to security threats within an organization, focusing on incident response and threat analysis. In contrast, a Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains security systems and infrastructure. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ—analysts focus on defense and response, while engineers focus on building secure systems.

What are popular job titles related to Defensive Security Analyst jobs?

For Defensive Security Analyst jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Defensive Security Analyst job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,334 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Defensive Security Analyst-Washington, DC

Washington, DC

SpecterOps
Network Security • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about SpecterOpsexternal

$110K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Defensive Security Analyst-Washington, DC

Hybrid, Washington DC

SpecterOps is looking for candidates to support Security Operations at a SpecterOps customer site working directly with client personnel and systems. Candidates will independently support the client engineering, managing, and monitoring Security Operations Center (SOC) systems. A successful candidate will have excellent technical skills focused in the security operations space, impeccable soft skills, and be a well-organized, self-directed individual with familiarity working for a service-based information security organization.

Salary Range: $110,000-$160,000 base salary annually, commensurate with experience.

Location: On site client physical location - Washington, DC

Requirements

  • Current TS/SCI Clearance or eligible for Sensitive Compartmented Information designation
  • Have the following operating hours: Monday through Friday, 9AM - 6PM US Eastern Time on site at Washington DC location. Be available for after-hours or weekend work in urgent incident response scenarios
  • Provide expertise in a supporting capacity for incident response activities and digital forensics state preservation, including the capture and preservation of system logs, volatile memory captures, and hard drive (physical or virtual) image captures
  • Established experience in operating in SOC environment, either through relevant experience or qualifications, is required
  • Knowledge of operating and maintaining a SIEM
  • Knowledge of cloud architectures, particularly AWS or Azure
  • Experience with programming or scripting languages such as PowerShell, Python, and Bash
  • Conduct host forensics, network, forensics, log analysis, and malware triage in support of hunt operations
  • Interface with client contact(s) and staff in a constructive and professional manner
  • Utilize common forensic and incident response tools
  • Develop comprehensive and accurate reports and presentations for both technical and executive audiences

Nice to haves

  • Experience in penetration testing
  • Ability to quickly learn new technologies and have an ongoing desire to stay current with the latest technologies
  • Ability to train others on the use of forensic and incident response techniques and tools

What We Offer:

  • Health/Dental/Vision/life insurance: 100% covered for both the employee and their family
  • Flexible time off policy
  • 13 paid holidays annually
  • 401(k) with up to 4% company match
  • Stock Options & bonuses
  • Remote work: $1,500 new hire allowance to set up home office
  • $500 annual home office allowance after first year
  • $150 monthly cell phone and internet reimbursement
  • $5,000 annual professional development allowance
  • $5,250 towards continuing education or student loan repayment
  • $1,200 annual budget for lifestyle, wellness, pet insurance and more
  • A one-time $10,000 benefit towards family planning
  • In person and virtual employee events throughout the year
  • And of course, company swag!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. To request reasonable accommodations, please contact us at careers@specterops.io

Unsolicited resumes are not accepted

Apply