ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All JobsPentagon Cyber Security JobsEntry Level Pentagon Cyber Security Jobs

Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security information

See salary details

$45K

$93.2K

$145K

How much do entry level pentagon cyber security jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level pentagon cyber security in the United States is $93,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level Pentagon cyber security job?

Entry level Pentagon cyber security jobs are positions focused on protecting the U.S. Department of Defense’s information systems from cyber threats. These roles often include responsibilities such as monitoring networks, responding to security incidents, and assisting with the implementation of security protocols. Entry-level positions are designed for those with foundational knowledge in IT or cyber security, and may require a security clearance. Typical job titles include Cyber Security Analyst, Information Assurance Specialist, or IT Security Technician. Candidates usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field and relevant certifications, such as CompTIA Security+.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Pentagon cyber security professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security professional, you need a solid understanding of computer networks, information security principles, and typically a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field, along with eligibility for a security clearance. Familiarity with cybersecurity tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and SIEM platforms, as well as certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP Associate, is highly valued. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this environment. These skills ensure the ability to safeguard sensitive information, respond to threats quickly, and collaborate effectively to protect national security assets.

Can cybersecurity be an entry-level job?

Yes, entry-level cybersecurity positions, such as cybersecurity analyst or technician, are available for individuals with basic knowledge of networks, security tools, and sometimes relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+. These roles often require little to no prior professional experience and serve as a starting point for a cybersecurity career.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in Pentagon cyber security roles?

Entry-level professionals in Pentagon cyber security often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict security protocols, managing the complexity of large-scale government networks, and keeping up with rapidly evolving cyber threats. Collaboration with experienced team members is essential, as is continuous learning through on-the-job training and certifications. New hires may also need to quickly obtain and maintain relevant security clearances, which can be a unique aspect of working in a defense environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security vs Entry Level Cyber Security Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Pentagon Cyber SecurityEntry Level Cyber Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level), Security+CompTIA Security+, CEH, Security+
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, secure facilitiesCorporate, government, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and government sectorsBroad industry use including finance, healthcare, tech
Job FocusProtecting national security, compliance, and secure systemsMonitoring, analyzing, and responding to security threats

While both roles involve cybersecurity fundamentals, Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security focuses on national security and government systems, often requiring security clearances. Entry Level Cyber Security Analyst has a broader industry application, emphasizing threat analysis and incident response across various sectors.

More about Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security job openings:
What states have the most Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security jobs are:
Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pentagon Cyber Security job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,170 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Vulnerability Management Analyst

Leidos

Camp Springs, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 481 rated business services

Job description

Leidos has a career opportunity for a Vulnerability Management Analyst to support the Air Force National Capital Region IT Services program.
The AFNCR IT Services program provides support services for information systems for Headquarters Air Force (HAF), Air Force District of Washington (AFDW), Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other Air Force activities within the AFNCR, missions to include the Pentagon, Joint Base Andrews (JBA), Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), and other locations, leased spaces, and alternate sites. The major support areas required are IT Operations and Maintenance; Plans, Projects, and Engineering (PP&E); and National Military Command Center (NMCC). The senior leaders and national defense missions that are supported require that the AFNCR operations never fail, resulting in a fast-paced, challenging, but also rewarding environment.
If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!
Leidos Defense Group provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions. To explore and learn more, click here!
Are you ready to make an impact? Begin your journey of a flourishing and meaningful career, share your resume with us today!
POSITION SUMMARY:
Leidos is seeking a Vulnerability Management Analyst to join our Cybersecurity Operations team supporting the AFNCR IT Services (AFNCRIT) program. This T1-level position is ideal for an entry-level cybersecurity professional interested in learning vulnerability management processes. The role will assist with running vulnerability scans using ACAS, reviewing STIG findings, and supporting remediation coordination across Air Force enterprise systems under the guidance of senior team members.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist with scheduling and running vulnerability scans using Tenable SecurityCenter/Nessus (ACAS) in classified and unclassified environments under senior staff guidance.
Review scan results to help identify potential CAT I/II/III findings, false positives, and basic configuration issues.
Support tracking of remediation actions, Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and exceptions in accordance with RMF guidance.
Follow established procedures to validate DISA STIG checklists and work with team members to ensure secure system configurations.
Help prepare basic vulnerability reports, compliance summaries, and metrics to support leadership briefings and inspection readiness (e.g., CCRI/CORA).
Assist in maintaining asset groupings, scan zones, and credentialed scanning configurations as directed by senior analysts.
Coordinate with Queue Managers, ISSOs, and Engineering teams to support the remediation of high-priority vulnerabilities.
Maintain data accuracy within ACAS, including proper tagging and grouping for consistent reporting.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Active DoD Secret clearance required.
CompTIA Security+ CE or higher DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification must meet 8140 ISSM role qualification
Bachelor's Degree and 4-8 years of cybersecurity or system administration experience, with at least 1 year of direct ACAS or Tenable experience. Additional education and years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Working knowledge of DISA STIGs, vulnerability risk levels, and POA&M remediation strategies.
Familiarity with NIST SP 800-53, RMF compliance, and Air Force cybersecurity policy (AFMAN 17-130).
Strong attention to detail, documentation skills, and the ability to interpret technical vulnerability data.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience supporting USAF, DISA, or other DoD mission systems.
Familiarity with eMASS, SCAP Compliance Checker (SCC), or HBSS.
Prior involvement in CCRI/CORA preparation or vulnerability remediation campaigns.
Ability to communicate risk-based recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Understanding of automation tools/scripts (e.g., PowerShell, Nessus APIs) to support scan or report optimization.
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:
July 13, 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 $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
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