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Entry Level Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Carahsoft Technology Corp

Apply for Position

Reston, VA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

BACK TO CAREERS Security Operations Specialist Carahsoft seeks an entry level Security Operations ... Knowledge of phishing techniques, email security, and social engineering tactics. * Knowledge of ...

Chenega MIOS

Jr Cyber Security Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

Monitoring systems for security events and supporting incident response and risk mitigation ... From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe theres always room to learn. We offer ...

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Entry Level Security Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$61K

$151.5K

$203.7K

How much do entry level security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level security engineer in Virginia is $151,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,800.00 and $157,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Security Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles, networking, and system administration, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco's CCNA. Familiarity with security tools such as SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanners, and firewalls is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in identifying threats and collaborating with teams. These abilities are crucial to effectively protect organizational assets, respond to incidents, and support a secure IT environment.

What is an entry level security engineer?

Entry Level Security Engineers are professionals who begin their careers in the field of cybersecurity, focusing on protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from security threats. They assist in monitoring security systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures under the guidance of senior engineers. Their responsibilities may include conducting risk assessments, responding to security incidents, and maintaining security tools and software. This role is ideal for individuals with foundational IT knowledge and a keen interest in cybersecurity.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level security engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level security engineers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving security threats, learning to use a variety of security tools, and effectively communicating risks to non-technical colleagues. To overcome these, it's important to continually update your knowledge through training, seek mentorship from senior team members, and actively participate in team meetings to improve your communication skills. Building a habit of documenting your learning and asking questions when in doubt can also help you adapt more quickly to the fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Security Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Security EngineerSecurity Analyst
Required CertificationsCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA SecurityCompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials
Work EnvironmentIT security teams, technical roles, hands-on security implementationMonitoring, analyzing security data, incident response
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, governmentCorporate security teams, cybersecurity firms, government agencies

Entry Level Security Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining security systems, while Security Analysts primarily monitor and analyze security threats. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same industries, but their daily tasks differ—engineers build security solutions, whereas analysts respond to security incidents.

What are the most commonly searched types of Security Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Security Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Security Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Security Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Security Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Security Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Security Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Security Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Security Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Security Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,463 per year, or $72.8 per hour.

Apply for Position

Carahsoft Technology Corp

Reston, VA • On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Carahsoft rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 221 rated it services

Job description

Career Opportunities
Interested in joining the Carahsoft Team?
BACK TO CAREERS
Security Operations Specialist
Carahsoft seeks an entry level Security Operations Specialist to join our IT team in Reston, VA. This position will play a critical role in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating phishing threats to protect our company's information and reputation. If you are passionate about cybersecurity and want to make a difference in protecting organizations from phishing threats, we encourage you to apply.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Analyze suspicious activity
  • Responding and investigating security alerts.
  • Respond to and report incidents to mitigate or prevent attacks and unauthorized access.
  • Validate new customer domains to verify legitimacy as part of our initial checkpoint.
  • Set up phishing simulations to assess and improve the organization's resilience to phishing attacks.
  • Educate employees about phishing risks to enhance their ability to recognize and report phishing attempts effectively.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
  • Excellent analytical and incident-response skills with attention to detail.
  • Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
  • Commutable distance to Reston, VA.

Nice to Have:
  • Prior IT work experience or internship.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity concepts such as common attacks, security protocols, encryption, and security best practices.
  • Knowledge of phishing techniques, email security, and social engineering tactics.
  • Knowledge of Splunk and SEIM preferred.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Starting compensation range: $40,000 - $50,000 per year
  • Carahsoft offers benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. All full-time employees are eligible for accrued vacation leave and sick leave.

Carahsoft is an equal opportunity company. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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