ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Security Operations Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Esri

Security Operations Analyst

Vienna, VA · On-site

Overview The Enterprise Security Analyst II is a hands-on Security Operations Center (SOC) role ... Partner with security engineers and analysts to turn relevant intelligence into detections, hunts ...

New

NextGenEnergyJobs

Security Operations Analyst

Vienna, VA · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Security Operations and Incident Response * Monitor and manage the SOC alert queue across endpoint ... Partner with security engineers and analysts to turn relevant intelligence into detections, hunts ...

Posted today

Esri

Security Operations Analyst

Vienna, VA · On-site

$70K - $114K/yr

Overview The Enterprise Security Analyst II is a hands-on Security Operations Center (SOC) role ... Partner with security engineers and analysts to turn relevant intelligence into detections, hunts ...

Xcelerate Solutions

DevOps Engineer - TS/SCI

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

... s Engineer you will contribute to the design, deployment, and maintenance of a full stack ... Must have an active Top Secret/ SCI security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsSecurity Operations Engineer JobsSecurity Operations Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Security Operations Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$34.9K

$143.3K

$181K

How much do security operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for security operations engineer in Reston, VA is $143,304.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,500.00 and $180,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Security Operations Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Security Operations Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Security Operations Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Security Operations Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Security Operations Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

Security Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Operations Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,304 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Communication Security Operations Lead

SAIC

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2616471

Location: Springfield, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Category: Cyber

Subcategory: Cyber Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

The Communication Security Operations Lead provides operational execution, and technical leadership for Department of State’s (DOS) Communication Security Division’s Operations support team. This team is responsible for providing operational support to the custodians of the department’s high-assurance Communications Security (COMSEC) infrastructure. 

One of the key responsibilities for this pivotal role is the transformation of the current legacy 24/7 network and COMSEC monitoring practice into a modern, proactive practice built around automation, intelligent alerting, real-time dashboards, and reduced operational toil.

This position oversees a multidisciplinary team—including network and systems engineers, security analysts, COMSEC auditors, logistics specialists, and data engineers—ensuring the delivery of robust, compliant, and software-driven cryptographic solutions. 

The scope encompasses the entire high-assurance ecosystem lifecycle (KMI and INE solutions, secure warehouse logistics) with a heavy focus on spearheading the adoption of Over-the-Network Keying (OTNK), transitioning to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions, and deploying next-generation High-Assurance Inline Network Encryption (HAIPE) and Next Generation Load Devices (NGLD).

This role may require occasional trips to other DoS locations within the DMV area.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Modernization & Team Leadership

  • Transformational Leadership: Manage, mentor, and upskill a large team of KMI professionals, engineers, analysts, and logistics personnel, transitioning them from manual, reactive monitoring to automated, proactive engineering practices.
  • Reduction of Toil: Eliminate "staring at monitors" by designing and implementing automated workflows, centralized health dashboards, and high-fidelity, actionable alerting frameworks.
  • Resource Integration: Align staffing and skills across distinct engineering, daily cryptographic operations, and compliance workstreams to support a modernized infrastructure.
  • Culture of Innovation: Foster continuous training on emerging cryptographic standards, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), and automated configuration management.

Advanced Cryptographic Engineering & PQC Adoption

  • Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Transition: Support cryptographic asset discovery, and implementation of PQC algorithms adoption strategies in alignment with CNSA 2.0.
  • Crypto-Agility Engineering: Support the implementation of crypto-agile frameworks capable of seamlessly ingesting new cryptographic algorithms via software updates, minimizing the need for physical hardware replacement.
  • Solutions Development: Support the testing and deployment of secure enterprise and tactical cryptographic solutions & CSfC approved solutions optimized for modern network architectures.

Next-Gen Infrastructure & OTNK Deployment

  • OTNK Scaling: lead and support operational tasks associated with the overhauling of current key management practice by scaling Over-the-Network Keying (OTNK) protocols, drastically reducing manual touchpoints and legacy physical key delivery.
  • Next-Gen HAIPE Deployment: Lead the technical evaluation, laboratory benchmarking, and phased rollout of next-generation HAIPE devices, ensuring multi-enclave throughput, backward compatibility, and adherence to national security validation standards.
  • Modern Load Infrastructure: Oversee the strategic transition from legacy fill devices to modern Next Generation Load Device (NGLD) platforms, integrating seamlessly with contemporary Key Management Infrastructure (KMI).

Automated Vulnerability Management & Secure Logistics

  • Automated Patching & Vulnerability Management: Direct rigorous testing, scheduling, and automated deployment of firmware modifications, software patches, and security configurations across all high-assurance assets.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

  • Bachelors in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline and 9 years or more experience; may accept additional experience in lieu of degree.

Required Technical Competencies:

  • Modernization & Automation Frameworks: Proven experience transforming legacy 24/7 operations teams using automation tools, monitoring/alerting platforms, and real-time dashboarding (e.g., modern SIEM, telemetry dashboards, infrastructure-as-code).
  • Next-Gen Cryptography & Standards: Deep understanding of PQC adoption, crypto-agility, OTNK, Key Management Infrastructure (KMI), and type-1 encryption devices (e.g., TACLANE, SKL, KGV platforms).
  • Compliance Alignment: Documented experience aligning enterprise technology with National Security Agency (NSA) Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA 2.0) guidelines and NIST standards.
  • Testing & Prototyping: Proven ability to establish isolated testing enclaves, define Proof-of-Concept (PoC) performance criteria, and manage low-blast-radius deployment strategies for new cryptographic solutions.
  • PKI Engineering: Deep expertise in Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) engineering and lifecycle management.

Leadership & Strategic Skills:

  • Change Management & Scale: Success leading and culturally transforming large technical teams within high-stakes, mission-critical environments from manual operations to modern engineering practices.
  • Stakeholder Diplomacy: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex operational issues, technical risks, and automation roadmaps, to leadership and external governance boards.
  • Decisiveness: Strong command presence with a methodical, risk-based approach to incident response, vulnerability management, and infrastructure bottlenecks.

Preferred Certifications: 

  • CISSP, CISM, or formal federal/defense COMSEC Manager certifications.

Required Clearance:

  • US Citizenship.
  • Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a top secret clearance.  

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply