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Security Operations Center Analyst Jobs in Reston, VA

As a Sr. Operations Center Analyst at GDIT, you'll power innovation to drive mission impact and ... The Global Watch Team (GWT) is primarily situated in the Diplomatic Security Command Center (DSCC ...

The Security Operations Center Analyst will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing security threats and implementing appropriate countermeasures to protect the organization's information assets.

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Security Operations Center Analyst information

See Reston, VA salary details

$18

$38

$73

How much do security operations center analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for security operations center analyst in Reston, VA is $38.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.51 and $45.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Security Operations Center Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Operations Center Analyst, you need a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, network protocols, and incident response, often backed by a relevant degree or certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. Familiarity with SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, QRadar), intrusion detection systems, and ticketing platforms is essential for effective monitoring and analysis. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication help SOC Analysts excel in identifying threats and collaborating with IT teams. These skills are crucial to quickly detecting, investigating, and mitigating security incidents, protecting organizational assets from cyber threats.

How much is a SOC analyst paid?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst's salary varies based on experience, location, and certifications, but typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually in the United States. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced analysts with certifications like CISSP or CEH can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand areas or with specialized skills in security tools and incident response.

What are the most common challenges Security Operations Center Analysts face during daily operations?

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts often deal with a high volume of alerts, many of which may be false positives, requiring keen analytical skills to prioritize genuine threats. Staying updated on evolving cyber threats and attack patterns is another challenge, as adversaries continuously adapt their tactics. Additionally, SOC Analysts frequently work in high-pressure environments where quick, accurate decision-making is crucial, and collaboration with IT, incident response teams, and management is essential to ensure coordinated defense efforts.

What are Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts?

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts are cybersecurity professionals who monitor, detect, and respond to security threats within an organization’s IT environment. They analyze security alerts, investigate incidents, and coordinate responses to mitigate risks and protect sensitive data. SOC Analysts use specialized tools to track suspicious activities, implement security measures, and ensure compliance with security policies. Their work is crucial in defending organizations against cyberattacks and maintaining overall information security.

What does a security operations center analyst do?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst monitors and analyzes security alerts and incidents to protect an organization’s information systems. They use tools like SIEM systems, investigate potential threats, and respond to security breaches to prevent or minimize damage. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of cybersecurity threats, and relevant certifications are often required for this role.

Is SOC analyst still in demand?

Yes, Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts are in high demand due to increasing cyber threats and the need for organizations to monitor and respond to security incidents. The role requires skills in threat detection, incident response, and familiarity with security tools like SIEM systems, and job growth is expected to remain strong in the cybersecurity field.

What is the difference between Security Operations Center Analyst vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity Operations Center AnalystSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP (preferred)CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISA (preferred)
Work EnvironmentMonitoring security alerts in a SOC, 24/7 shiftsAnalyzing security data, conducting risk assessments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in security operations centers, cybersecurity firmsVarious industries including finance, healthcare, government

The Security Operations Center Analyst focuses on real-time monitoring and incident response within a SOC environment, often working in shifts. In contrast, a Security Analyst typically conducts broader security assessments, policy development, and risk analysis across organizations. Both roles require similar certifications and are integral to cybersecurity teams, but their daily tasks and work settings differ.

What Does a Security Operations Center Analyst Do?

A security operations center analyst works on the cybersecurity team at an organization to proactively defend the organization's database, website, servers, and network. In this role you control the security alerts and ensure that each alert is taken care of before the threat of hackers gaining access to your company's information is realized. You may run an investigation if you see similar threats repeatedly to see who is attempting to attack your systems and why. Your other duties may include keeping and analyzing a security log, coordinating with other analysts or security team members, and assessing company vulnerability.

Do SOC analysts get paid well?

Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level analysts may start with lower pay, but experienced professionals with certifications like CISSP or CEH can command higher salaries, especially in organizations with 24/7 security monitoring environments.
What are popular job titles related to Security Operations Center Analyst jobs in Reston, VA? For Security Operations Center Analyst jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Security Operations Center Analyst jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Security Operations Center Analyst job openings:
Infographic showing various Security Operations Center Analyst job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,770 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
SR Operations Center Analyst

$96K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


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Job description

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REQ#: RQ220257Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Pipeline Your Impact

Own your opportunity to work alongside federal civilian agencies. Make an impact by providing services that help the government ensure the well being and support of U.S. citizens.

Job Description

THIS IS AN ONSITE POSITION AND WILL INITIALLY BE LOCATED IN STERLING, VA FOR A FEW MONTHS OF TRAINING AND ULTIMATELY BE ONSITE IN ROSSLYN, VA AFTER TRAINING IS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED.

This position requires 10 - 25% CONUS / OCONUS Travel where Straigtht Time Overtime will be paid for the additional hours while traveling / TDY.

Own your opportunity to turn data into measurable outcomes for our customers most complex challenges. As a Sr. Operations Center Analyst at GDIT, youll power innovation to drive mission impact and grow your expertise to power your career forward.
MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT

As a Senior Ops Center Analyst, the work youll do at GDIT will be impactful to the mission of The United States Department of State (DoS), Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS). You will play a crucial role in ensuring the life-safety tracking, communication, and emergency response for U.S. Diplomats serving around U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad.
Lead/Manage/Support the Protective Technologies Branch (PTB) effort to provide life-safety communications and tracking support for U.S. Diplomats and Senior Officials. The Global Watch Team (GWT) is primarily situated in the Diplomatic Security Command Center (DSCC) as the central communication liaison from the end users in the field, to the CONUS DS Senior leadership.

Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) from PTB , the Department, and interagency partners to provide critical life-safety technical tracking and a common operational picture (COP) during the time of crisis.
Drive change, drive collaboration, and be a part of a team that is critical to the safety and security of the Department of State Foreign Policy as it is implemented abroad!
Utilize multiple COPs (Scry Portal, WinTAK, UVDS, TRS, GAMBIT, MVS, FAAD C2, and open source) to track and analyze movements of Chief of Mission (COM) personnel abroad. PTB deploys a host of mobile tracking and communication tools (standalone and cellular) that report directly back to the various systems that are monitored in the DSCC.
WHAT YOULL NEED TO SUCCEED

The Sr. Operations Center Analyst must have:
Education: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science or 4+ years in military in lieu of a degree AND
Experience: 5+ years of related experience in Operations Centers, OCONUS environments, law enforcement (local or federal), or equivalent.
Technical skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Work, PowerPoint, Planner, etc.), task oriented, detail oriented, knowledge in cellular data connectivity (3G, 4G, 5G, LTE), and knowledgeable in SATCOM (CIB, IBS, WCDMA) preferred,
Security clearance level: Top Secret Clearance, with
US citizenship required: Yes

Role requirements: Supporting the critical, life-safety mission of the PTL Section, you will be tasked with communicating directly with senior DS officials (RSO, AMB, D/AS, A/S, etc.) in times of crisis, utilizing all capabilities from the Protective Technologies Branch (PTB) to ensure the safety of our Diplomats. With full purview of multi-millions of dollars of communications and tracking equipment deployed to over 200+ Posts CONUS and OCONUS, you will have the opportunity to provide these communication services while situated in the DS Headquarters, located in the Diplomatic Security Command Center (DSCC). Additionally, our Geospatial Analysts have to opportunity to provide temporary duty (TDY) services, in support of the critical DS mission abroad, on an as-needed basis. Opportunities to support abroad range from high-threat, foreign election monitoring, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and high-visibility events such as the Olympics and World Cup.
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, and competitive pay and paid time off
Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace
OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career in data science and engineering at GDIT and youll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your determination for solving complex data challenges.

Work Requirements
Years of Experience

5 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification
Travel Required

10-25%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $96,569 - $130,651. 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.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

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

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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