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Entry Level Security Engineer Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD

Junior Cloud Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Work collaboratively with senior engineers, the Scrum Master, and security engineers to contribute ... Minimum of one entry-level cloud certification from a major cloud provider, including but not ...

Work collaboratively with senior engineers, the Scrum Master, and security engineers to contribute ... Minimum of one entry-level cloud certification from a major cloud provider, including but not ...

Work collaboratively with senior engineers, the Scrum Master, and security engineers to contribute ... Minimum of one entry-level cloud certification from a major cloud provider, including but not ...

Junior DevSecOps Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Certifications: Entry-level or professional certifications such as CompTIA Security+, AWS Certified ... Practitioner / Developer, or Linux foundation credentials. Position Clearance Requirement: US ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Security Engineer information

See Gaithersburg, MD salary details

$66.4K

$165.1K

$222K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level security engineer in Gaithersburg, MD is $165,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $154,500.00 and $171,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How to start as an entry level security engineer?

To start as an entry level security engineer, gain foundational knowledge in cybersecurity principles, networking, and operating systems through relevant coursework or self-study. Obtain certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Cisco's CCNA Security, and gain hands-on experience with security tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability scanners. Internships or entry-level positions can provide practical experience to build skills and understanding of security environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Security Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD?

The most popular types of Security Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Security Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD?

For Entry Level Security Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Security Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Security Engineer jobs in Gaithersburg, MD are:

What cities near Gaithersburg, MD are hiring for Entry Level Security Engineer jobs?

Cities near Gaithersburg, MD with the most Entry Level Security Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Security Engineer job openings in Gaithersburg, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,064 per year, or $79.4 per hour.

Entry Level Hardware Engineer

Cornerstone Defense

Herndon, VA • On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

  • Location: Herndon, Virginia
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #4038

Hardware Engineer/Help Desk Support
Herndon, VA
Active TS/SCI
Salary Range: $80,000 - $140,000

Company Overview:
Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense.
Job Responsibilities:
We are seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer to join our IT/Hardware Support team. This role will focus on triaging help desk tickets, performing hardware installations and removals, and providing first- and second-line technical support for desktop/laptop/workstation systems. The ideal candidate has basic experience with Windows or Linux, strong troubleshooting skills, and a customer-service mindset.
  • Respond to and resolve help desk tickets in a timely manner (hardware-related issues, peripheral and connectivity problems, basic OS troubleshooting).
  • Install, configure, image, upgrade, and decommission desktops, laptops, monitors, docking stations, printers, and other peripherals.
  • Perform hardware diagnostics and basic repairs; escalate complex hardware or firmware issues to senior engineering or vendor support.
  • Maintain accurate inventory records and asset tagging for hardware lifecycle tracking.
  • Apply operating system updates, drivers, and firmware as required.
  • Assist with cable management, workstation setup, and office moves or reconfigurations.
  • Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and documentation for common tasks.
  • Provide courteous and professional support to end users; communicate ticket status and resolution steps clearly.
  • Follow IT security and compliance policies when handling equipment and data.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and an attention to detail.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills; customer-service oriented.
  • Ability to lift and move hardware (typically up to 50 lbs.) and work in office or data-center environments.
  • Willingness to work occasional extended hours for deployments or hardware refreshes.
  • Ability to lift and carry hardware; climb ladders and work in confined spaces if needed.
  • Must adhere to safety procedures for handling hardware and batteries.

Required Skills:
  • 0-2 years of professional experience in IT support, desktop support, or hardware technician roles.
  • Basic familiarity with Windows or Linux operating systems (installation, configuration, troubleshooting).
  • Comfortable working with PC hardware components (SATA/SSD/HDD, RAM, power supplies, motherboards) and common peripherals.

Desired Skills:
  • Security+ certification required.
  • Experience with Jira ticketing systems desired.

Company Benefits:
Cornerstone Defense offers a comprehensive list of benefits, designed to give employees and their families several options to choose from when selecting benefits that best fit their needs. These offerings include not only a full suite of the traditional Medical/Dental/Vision insurances, but also a number of other benefits and perks to include, but not limited to: A 401(K) plan with a company match, tuition and training assistances, paid vacation/leave, a fitness reimbursement program, college savings plan, commuter benefits, financial advisory services, flex spending accounts, health savings accounts, STD/LTD coverage, life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance programs, life financial planning assistance, and legal resources.