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Security Operations Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead and mentor security analysts, penetration testers, and operations engineers to ensure effective cyber defense operations. * Establish operational frameworks, runbooks, and governance processes ...

Security Operations Manager

Fairfax, VA · On-site +1

$150K - $190K/yr

Everforth ECS is seeking a Security Operations Manager to work remotely . Please Note: This ... Project management and engineering support for the improvement and automation of security ...

... engineering teams. • Commitment to continuous improvement of security posture, processes, and operational efficiency. Skills: * Security Operations Center What you can expect from us: Together, as ...

DevOps Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$54.25 - $74.25/hr

... s Engineer Herndon, VA $200K to $240K Looking for a skilled DevOps Engineer to join our dynamic ... implementing security controls to ensure compliance, and actively monitor servers and ...

Booz Allen Hamilton is seeking an IAM Operations Engineer to help sustain and support enterprise ... of security systems • Experience supporting Certificate Authority (CA) operations, maintenance ...

Booz Allen Hamilton is seeking an IAM Operations Engineer to help sustain and support enterprise ... of security systems • Experience supporting Certificate Authority (CA) operations, maintenance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Security Operations Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$33.2K

$136.6K

$172.5K

How much do security operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for security operations engineer in Virginia is $136,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSecurity Operations EngineerSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials
Work EnvironmentHands-on security infrastructure management, incident responseMonitoring, analyzing security data, reporting
Employer & Industry UsageIT security teams in various industries, focusing on security operations

The Security Operations Engineer focuses on managing security systems and responding to incidents, while the Security Analyst primarily monitors security data and analyzes threats. Both roles require similar certifications and work closely within security teams, but their daily tasks differ in scope and focus.

What are some of the main challenges Security Operations Engineers face when responding to security incidents?

Security Operations Engineers often face challenges such as quickly identifying genuine threats among large volumes of security alerts, coordinating responses across multiple teams, and containing incidents before they escalate. Balancing thorough investigation with the need for rapid action can be demanding, especially in high-pressure situations. Additionally, staying updated on emerging threats and ensuring compliance with security protocols are ongoing responsibilities that require continuous learning and adaptability.

What Does a Security Operations Engineer Do?

As a security operations engineer, your job is to monitor a network or system and help implement new methods of protection and data recovery. In this role, you may conduct a vulnerability assessment for each emerging threat, coordinate with other security specialists, and help develop responses with industry peers. This job title refers to maintaining network security systems and should not be confused with non-electronic security operations, such as safeguarding VIPs or facilities. A security operations engineer works regular hours, but employers may call you in for emergency help as needed. This position usually reports to someone, such as a chief information security officer. You may occasionally brief executives or other managers on relevant topics, so presentation skills are helpful.

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

To thrive as a Security Operations Engineer, you need a solid understanding of network security, incident response, and vulnerability management, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with SIEM tools (like Splunk or QRadar), firewalls, IDS/IPS, and certifications such as CISSP or CompTIA Security+ are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you quickly detect and respond to security threats while collaborating with teams. These skills are crucial to proactively safeguarding organizational assets, minimizing risks, and ensuring swift recovery from security incidents.

What does a Security Operations Engineer do?

A Security Operations Engineer is responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats within an organization. They manage security tools, investigate incidents, and work to protect systems and data from unauthorized access or attacks. Their duties often include analyzing security alerts, conducting vulnerability assessments, and implementing security improvements. Security Operations Engineers also collaborate with IT and other teams to ensure the organization's security posture is robust and up to date.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Security Operations Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Security Operations Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Security Operations Engineer jobs in VA? For Security Operations Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Security Operations Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,563 per year, or $65.7 per hour.
Senior Security Operations Engineer at VA

Senior Security Operations Engineer at VA

Elite WorkForce Inc

Richmond, VA • On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Contractor

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Position: Senior Security Operations Engineer
Location: Richmond, VA (23219)
Client: State of Virginia
Duration: 12+ Months

Job Description:
We are seeking a Senior Security Operations Engineer with extensive experience in information systems security and security policy. The ideal candidate will be responsible for identifying security risks and implementing solutions to protect the integrity of information assets. This role involves collaboration with various IT teams and maintaining comprehensive security documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, implement, and support security infrastructure.
  • Identify and engineer solutions for network and information security risks.
  • Perform network scans and penetration testing, monitoring for threats.
  • Collaborate with the Office of Information Security and other IT groups.
  • Maintain up-to-date documentation and manage incident response.

Key Technical Skills:

  • Information systems security and security policy (7+ years)
  • Web security gateways, network access control, and endpoint security (7+ years)
  • Firewalls, anti-virus, anti-malware, and authentication systems (7+ years)
  • Intrusion detection/prevention systems and log analysis (7+ years)
  • Network protocols and security/authentication protocols (7+ years)

To Apply: Please send your resume to jobs@eliteworkforceinc.com with the subject "Resume Submission" for immediate attention.


Elite WorkForce logo

About Elite WorkForce

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

eliteworkforceinc is the name to be taken into account when it comes to any sort IT services neaed. With many years of expertise in the area and a team of experienced professionals working at their full potential, we have been able built not only websites, but a good brand name as well. With years, we have catered the needs of diverse clients. Web development along with design and mobile app development have been our forte. You will get the best end result in the genre and the personnel working for us are the backbone of the organization.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Morton Grove, IL, US

Year founded

2013