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Federal Cybersecurity Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Understanding of federal cybersecurity principles (NIST, Zero Trust, TIC, STIGs). Ability to support escalations in a 247 environment as needed. Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder ...

IAT Level II or Cyber Security Service Provider (CSSP) certification * Linux and Windows ... Paid Federal Holidays * Education and Certification Reimbursement Program * 401(k) retirement plan ...

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Federal Cybersecurity information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$58.8K

$137.1K

$191.8K

How much do federal cybersecurity jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal cybersecurity in Chicago, IL is $137,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,400.00 and $154,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is federal cybersecurity?

Federal cybersecurity refers to the practices, policies, and technologies used by government agencies in the United States to protect their digital systems and sensitive information from cyber threats. This includes defending against unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks targeting federal networks and critical infrastructure. Professionals in this field work to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of government data and services, often collaborating with other agencies and private sector partners. Federal cybersecurity is vital for national security, public trust, and the effective operation of government services.

What are federal cybersecurity jobs?

Federal cyber security jobs involve providing cyber security services for the United States government or a government agency. Your responsibilities vary depending on the area in which you work. As a federal cyber security analyst, you assess current security systems, define risk levels and threats, and suggest improvements to cyber security systems. A cyber security consultant offers assessments and suggestions about how to counteract cyber crime and how to respond to a data breach or system hack. A federal cyber security program manager creates strategies and systems to protect government sites and data assets and implements these programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in federal cybersecurity, and why are they important?

To excel in Federal Cybersecurity, you need a strong understanding of information security principles, risk management, and federal compliance frameworks, usually supported by a relevant degree and security clearances. Familiarity with tools like SIEM systems, vulnerability scanners, and certifications such as CISSP or Security+ are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential to safeguard sensitive government data, ensure regulatory compliance, and respond effectively to evolving cyber threats.

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

Federal Cybersecurity professionals often encounter challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly evolving cyber threats, complying with strict government regulations, and managing complex legacy systems. They must also coordinate with multiple agencies and stakeholders to ensure cohesive security strategies, which requires strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, balancing security needs with user accessibility and maintaining awareness of the latest federal cybersecurity frameworks are essential aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Federal Cybersecurity vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectFederal CybersecurityCybersecurity Analyst
Required CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, federal facilitiesPrivate companies, organizations, government
Employer & Industry UsageFederal government, defense, intelligenceVarious industries including finance, tech, healthcare
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Federal Cybersecurity professionals focus on protecting government systems and data within federal agencies, often requiring security clearances. Cybersecurity Analysts work across multiple industries, analyzing security threats and implementing defenses in private and public sectors. While both roles require similar certifications and skills, their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

Can you work for the government in federal cybersecurity?

Yes, professionals in federal cybersecurity can work for government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security or the NSA. These roles often require security clearances, relevant certifications like CISSP or Security+, and adherence to government cybersecurity standards and protocols.

How much does federal cybersecurity 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 are the most commonly searched types of Federal Cybersecurity jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Federal Cybersecurity jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Federal Cybersecurity jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Federal Cybersecurity jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Federal Cybersecurity jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Cybersecurity jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Federal Cybersecurity job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, 15% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,970 per year, or $65.9 per hour.

Cybersecurity Network Engineers

GDIT

Hines, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 226 rated it services


Job description

Type of Requisition:

Pipeline

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

None

Public Trust/Other Required:

MBI (T2)

Job Family:

IT Infrastructure and Operations

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Cisco Software-Defined (SD) Wide Access Network (WAN) Management, Cybersecurity, Network Infrastructures

Certifications:

None

Experience:

3 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

No

Job Description:

Transform technology into opportunity as a Cyber Network Engineer at GDIT. Shape what's next for mission-critical government projects while shaping what's next for your engineering career. Join GDIT to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through the NEDIIS program. As a Cyber Network Engineer, you will be a member of a team modernizing SDWAN, enterprise networking across the VA enterprise. This role supports VA OIT in delivering secure, resilient, and scalable network services that power the VA mission nationwide.

As a Cyber Network Operations Engineer the work you'll do at GDIT will be impactful to the mission of NEDIIS program. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, securing, and maintaining enterprise network infrastructure while ensuring high availability, strong cybersecurity posture, efficient troubleshooting in compliance with VA network security standards. You will play a crucial role in supporting all aspects of network operations activities and projects for the VA and NEDIIS program.

Visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position.

This role will require you to obtain and maintain Public Trust Suitability and will require you to provide onsite fingerprinting at a designated facility. This investigation may review personal and criminal behavior, financial conduct, foreign influence, as well as other adjudications.

Responsibilities:

Provides specifications and detailed schematics for network architecture.

Provides specific, detailed information for hardware and software maintenance and implementation techniques. Conducts testing of network systems.

Maintains technical expertise in all areas of network and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, switches, firewalls, hubs, bridges, and gateways.

Provides technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems. Solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable, and consistent with organizational objectives.

Contributes to the completion of specific programs and projects.

Works under very general direction and independently determines and develops approaches for complex problem solving. Work may be reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Participates in briefings and technical meetings for internal and external representatives.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
3-5 years of experience in network engineering, telecom operations, or network modernization efforts.
Strong background in LAN/WAN, SDWAN, routing, VoIP/SIP, firewalls, VPNs, and cloud networking.
Familiarity with monitoring or observability tools.
Understanding of federal cybersecurity principles (NIST, Zero Trust, TIC, STIGs).
Ability to support escalations in a 247 environment as needed.
Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Strong understanding of TCP/IP fundamentals and core network services, including DNS, FTP, SSH, ACLs, VLANs, DMZ architectures, and BGP.

Ability to describe, diagnose, and resolve complex routing and switching issues across diverse enterprise environments.

Thorough knowledge of VPN technologies such as IPSEC, DMVPN, Site-to-Site VPN, L3VPN, and VPLS, including their configuration, optimization, and troubleshooting.

Deep understanding of routing protocols including EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP, with experience tuning, securing, and validating routing behavior.

Expertise installing, configuring, and implementing Cisco WAN/LAN routers and switches (ASR, ISR, Catalyst, NX-OS, Nexus platforms).

Experience configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) firewalls, including policy and device administration through Firepower Management Center (FMC).

Ability to perform detailed packet capture analysis using tools such as Wireshark to identify anomalies, validate configurations, or diagnose security/network issues.

Desired Skills:

Cisco Certified CCNA, CCNP, CCDP (or equivalent)

Cisco CCIE Security (desired)

CompTIA Security (desired)

Ability to collaborate with cross functional teams to integrate Cisco ISE with other network components

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE

At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.

Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities

Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals

Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay and paid time off

Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

The likely salary range for this position is $83,927 - $113,549. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Travel Required:

Less than 10%

Telecommuting Options:

Hybrid

Work Location:

USA IL Hines

Additional Work Locations:

USA DC Washington, USA WV Martinsburg

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

Our Identity Verification Process:

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work:

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at

gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US