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Federal Cyber Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

Responsibilities Position Summary Peraton is seeking a highly experienced Senior Cybersecurity Engineer to support federal government cybersecurity operations and enterprise security analytics ...

Peraton

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

They are seeking a highly experienced Senior Cybersecurity Engineer to support federal government cybersecurity operations and enterprise security analytics initiatives, focusing on designing ...

Peraton

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Responsibilities Position Summary Peraton is seeking a highly experienced Senior Cybersecurity Engineer to support federal government cybersecurity operations and enterprise security analytics ...

MartinFed

Lead Cyber Security Engineer

Arlington, VA

The ideal candidate will serve as a senior technical authority, leading cybersecurity initiatives across complex environments while ensuring compliance with federal security requirements, industry ...

MartinFed

Lead Cyber Security Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

The ideal candidate will serve as a senior technical authority, leading cybersecurity initiatives across complex environments while ensuring compliance with federal security requirements, industry ...

MartinFed

Lead Cyber Security Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

The ideal candidate will serve as a senior technical authority, leading cybersecurity initiatives across complex environments while ensuring compliance with federal security requirements, industry ...

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Federal Cyber Security information

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How much do federal cyber security jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal 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.

Can you work for the government in cyber security?

Yes, individuals with a federal cyber security job can work for government agencies, often requiring security clearances and specialized certifications such as CISSP or Security+. These roles typically involve protecting government networks and data, and may require adherence to strict background checks and work schedules. Having relevant technical skills and knowledge of government cybersecurity protocols is essential.

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

Professionals in federal cyber security roles often encounter challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly evolving cyber threats and adapting to new compliance regulations specific to government agencies. They also navigate complex legacy systems while implementing modern security solutions and must coordinate with multiple departments to ensure consistent security practices. Collaboration and clear communication are essential, as federal cyber security teams often work with law enforcement, policy makers, and external contractors to protect sensitive data and infrastructure.

How much does federal cyber security pay?

Federal cybersecurity professionals typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and security clearance level. Entry-level positions may start lower, while senior roles with specialized skills and certifications can pay significantly more.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In federal cybersecurity, senior roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), cybersecurity director, or senior cybersecurity engineer can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized certifications like CISSP or CISA, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often involve managing large security teams, developing strategic security policies, and overseeing critical infrastructure protection.

What is Federal Cyber Security?

Federal Cyber Security refers to the practices, policies, and technologies used by government agencies to protect sensitive information, networks, and systems from cyber threats. Professionals in this field work to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks targeting federal infrastructure, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical data. They may work for organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, or other federal entities responsible for national security. These roles often require specialized knowledge in cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, and compliance with federal standards like FISMA and NIST.

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Federal cybersecurity professionals, especially those in senior or specialized roles such as security managers or consultants with advanced certifications, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Salary levels depend on experience, certifications like CISSP or CISA, and the complexity of the security environment they manage.

What is the difference between Federal Cyber Security vs Cyber Security Specialist?

AspectFederal Cyber SecurityCyber Security Specialist
Required CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, federal facilitiesPrivate companies, consulting firms, organizations
Employer & Industry UsageFederal government, defense, intelligenceCorporate, tech, finance, healthcare
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Federal Cyber Security professionals focus on protecting government systems and data within federal agencies, often requiring security clearances. Cyber Security Specialists work across various industries, securing private and public sector networks. While both roles require similar certifications and skills, their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Cyber Security professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Cyber Security professional, you need a solid understanding of information security principles, risk management, and relevant federal regulations, typically supported by a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with security tools such as SIEM systems, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and certifications like CISSP, CISM, or Security+ are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals identify threats and coordinate with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for protecting sensitive government data, maintaining compliance, and effectively responding to evolving cyber threats.
More about Federal Cyber Security jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Cyber Security jobs? Cities with the most Federal Cyber Security job openings:
What states have the most Federal Cyber Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Cyber Security jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Cyber Security jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Cyber Security jobs are:
Federal Cyber Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Cyber Security job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,962 per year, or $63.9 per hour.
Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Peraton

Washington, DC • On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 210 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities
Position Summary
Peraton is seeking a highly experienced Senior Cybersecurity Engineer to support federal government cybersecurity operations and enterprise security analytics initiatives. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, securing, and maintaining complex Splunk environments that support mission-critical security monitoring, threat detection, incident response, compliance, and operational analytics requirements within a government contracting environment.
The ideal candidate will possess advanced expertise in Splunk engineering, cybersecurity operations, and federal security compliance frameworks, with demonstrated experience supporting secure enterprise systems in highly regulated environments. This role requires collaboration with government stakeholders, program managers, cybersecurity teams, and enterprise infrastructure personnel to ensure scalable, resilient, and compliant security solutions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, administer, and optimize enterprise Splunk architectures supporting federal cybersecurity operations and mission requirements.
  • Engineer and maintain scalable data ingestion, indexing, normalization, correlation, visualization, alerting, and reporting capabilities across classified and unclassified environments.
  • Develop and maintain Splunk Enterprise Security (ES) use cases, correlation searches, dashboards, threat detections, and automated alerting capabilities.
  • Collaborate with government customers, ISSOs, ISSMs, SOC analysts, system administrators, and program leadership to gather operational and compliance requirements.
  • Integrate Splunk with enterprise security technologies including firewalls, IDS/IPS, EDR solutions, vulnerability management tools, identity and access management systems, cloud security platforms, and network monitoring solutions.
  • Support Security Operations Center (SOC) activities including threat hunting, incident response, forensic investigations, and continuous monitoring initiatives.
  • Implement cybersecurity best practices and hardening standards for Splunk infrastructure in accordance with federal security requirements.
  • Ensure Splunk environments comply with federal cybersecurity frameworks including NIST 800-53, RMF, FISMA, DOE cybersecurity directives, Zero Trust Architecture, and Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) requirements.
  • Develop custom Splunk applications, APIs, scripts, and automation workflows to improve operational efficiency and security visibility.
  • Perform system upgrades, patch management, performance tuning, troubleshooting, and capacity planning for distributed Splunk environments.
  • Support Authority to Operate (ATO) processes by developing and maintaining required cybersecurity documentation, artifacts, and audit evidence.
  • Create and maintain architecture diagrams, standard operating procedures, security documentation, and technical implementation guides.
  • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior engineers and cybersecurity analysts.
  • Participate in cybersecurity assessments, audits, tabletop exercises, and compliance reviews.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 16 years with HS; 12 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 10 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 7 years with Ph.D.
    Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline; equivalent experience may be substituted.
  • Strong expertise in Splunk distributed architectures
  • Experience supporting Security Operations Centers (SOC) and enterprise continuous monitoring programs.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining systems in compliance with:
    • NIST 800-53
    • RMF (Risk Management Framework)
    • FISMA
    • Zero Trust Architecture
    • DOE or other federal cybersecurity directives
  • Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles including threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, identity management, and network security.
  • Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, mission-focused government environments.
  • Ability to obtain DOE Q/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Splunk certifications such as:
    • Splunk Enterprise Certified Architect
    • Splunk Enterprise Security Certified Admin
    • Splunk Core Certified Power User
  • Industry certifications such as:
    • CISSP
    • GIAC
    • Security+
    • CEH
    • CySA+
  • Experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE)

Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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