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Kill Switch Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Strong, practical knowledge of network protocols, traffic analysis, and routing/switching ... Practical familiarity with Intelligence-Driven Defense, the Cyber Kill Chain, and mapping controls ...

Tier II Support Tech

Richmond, VA · On-site

$37K - $46K/yr

Configuring and troubleshooting network switches, routers, and firewalls. * Implementing VLANs ... Collaborating with software vendors or developers to resolve complex application issues.

... Engineering, Information Technology, Cyber Security, or related field and 12-15 years of related ... Kill Chain and have utilized the ATT&CK Framework • Have scripting experience with Python ...

... Engineering, Information Technology, Cyber Security, or related field and 12-15 years of related ... to include routing/switching, common protocols (DHCP, DNS, HTTP, etc), and devices (Firewalls ...

... Engineering, Information Technology, Cyber Security, or related field and 12-15 years of related ... Kill Chain and have utilized the ATT&CK Framework • Have scripting experience with Python ...

... Engineering, Information Technology, Cyber Security, or related field and 12-15 years of related ... to include routing/switching, common protocols (DHCP, DNS, HTTP, etc), and devices (Firewalls ...

Kill Switch Engineer information

What is a kill switch engineer?

A Kill Switch Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining emergency shutdown mechanisms for software, hardware, or network systems. These engineers ensure that critical systems can be safely and efficiently deactivated in case of security threats, software failures, or other emergencies. They work closely with cybersecurity teams, developers, and infrastructure engineers to integrate fail-safe mechanisms that protect data and infrastructure. Their role is crucial in industries like finance, defense, and telecommunications, where system integrity and security are top priorities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kill switch engineer?

To thrive as a Kill Switch Engineer, you need a strong background in cybersecurity, network engineering, and system architecture, often supported by a relevant degree such as computer science or information technology. Familiarity with intrusion detection systems (IDS), automated response tools, and certifications like CISSP or CEH is highly valued. Excellent troubleshooting skills, clear communication, and the ability to respond calmly under pressure are key soft skills for this position. These capabilities ensure swift, secure implementation of critical fail-safe mechanisms to protect organizational assets and maintain operational resilience.

What are some common challenges kill switch engineers encounter in their day-to-day roles?

Kill Switch Engineers often face the challenge of designing and maintaining fail-safe mechanisms that must work flawlessly under emergency conditions, requiring robust testing and rapid response capabilities. They regularly collaborate with security teams, network administrators, and IT leadership to ensure the kill switch functions as intended and meets evolving compliance standards. Engineers must also stay proactive in updating protocols to address emerging cyber threats and minimize the risk of accidental triggers. The dynamic nature of the field means adaptability and continuous learning are critical for success.

How much does a Kill Switch Engineer make?

The salary of a Kill Switch Engineer varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually. Professionals in cybersecurity or software engineering roles with specialized skills in safety systems or emergency shutdown protocols tend to earn higher salaries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kill Switch Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Kill Switch Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Kill Switch Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Kill Switch Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Kill Switch Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 12% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Security Infrastructure Engineer

Leidos

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking an AI & Security Infrastructure Integration Engineer to join our team in Alexandria, VA. This is a hybrid position allowing partial telework, but the majority of the time is spent on-site and candidates must be within commutable distance.
Position Overview
As an AI & Security Infrastructure Integration Engineer on our team, you will bridge the gap between traditional security infrastructure and modern programmatic defense. You will operate, maintain, and evolve the network security infrastructure utilized by our 24x7x365 mission-critical security operations team. Your primary focus will be transforming manual workflows into automated pipelines by leveraging Python, developing robust API integrations, and exploring AI/LLM orchestration to rapidly scale threat detection and response capabilities.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain Python-based tools, scripts, and frameworks to automate routine security infrastructure tasks, policy deployments, and system health checks.
  • Design, build, and integrate custom APIs to connect disparate cybersecurity tools (SIEM, IDS/IPS, Netflow, and threat intelligence feeds) into a cohesive, orchestrated ecosystem.
  • Evaluate and integrate AI/ML technologies and LLM-based solutions to optimize alert triage, automate playbook generation, and accelerate incident analysis for the SOC team.
  • Operate, maintain, and upgrade core cybersecurity capabilities (IDS/IPS, Netflow, SIEM, Snort, Linux, and Virtualization environments).
  • Manage high-priority tasks, infrastructure outages, and routine patching/updates.
  • Maintain precise network topology and elevation diagrams for all managed security equipment.
  • Ensure strict adherence to government compliance standards and coordinate changes through official Change Control Boards (CCB).
  • Advise and strategize with program and government leadership on engineering modern, code-driven security infrastructure solutions.

Required Clearance and Certifications
  • Active DoD Secret Required with DoD TS/SCI Eligibility
  • Must have DoD 8570 IAT II certification OR meet DoD 8140 Intermediate Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist requirements prior to start
  • Must obtain DOD-8570 CSSP Infrastructure Support certification within 6 months of hire.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of professional experience (additional relevant military or work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience deploying and maintaining cybersecurity tools (especially IDS/IPS, SIEM, or firewalls).
  • Strong, practical knowledge of network protocols, traffic analysis, and routing/switching.
  • Proficiency in Linux administration and shell scripting (Bash).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong proficiency in Python (specifically writing scripts for system automation, network interaction, and data parsing).
  • Demonstrated experience working with RESTful APIs, JSON/YAML data structures, and webhooks to integrate security platforms.
  • Exposure utilizing or fine-tuning AI/ML models, prompt engineering, or integrating AI APIs into operational workflows.
  • Hands-on experience with automation/orchestration frameworks (e.g., Ansible, Terraform, Puppet, or Chef).
  • Practical familiarity with Intelligence-Driven Defense, the Cyber Kill Chain, and mapping controls to the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
  • Prior experience working as or directly supporting a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst team.

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:
August 12, 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 $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
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.

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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

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