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Security Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

Security Operations Engineer

Killeen, TX ยท Remote

$40 - $75/hr

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

Security Operations Engineer

Modesto, CA ยท Remote

$40 - $75/hr

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

Security Operations Engineer

Atlanta, GA ยท Remote

$40 - $75/hr

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

Security Operations Engineer

Ventura, CA ยท Remote

$40 - $75/hr

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

Security Operations Engineer

Lowell, MA ยท Remote

$40 - $75/hr

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

Security Operations Engineer

Warren, MI ยท Remote

$40 - $75/hr

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

Security Operations Engineer

Buckeye, AZ ยท Remote

$40 - $75/hr

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

Security Operations Engineer

Hialeah, FL ยท Remote

$40 - $75/hr

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

Security Operations Engineer

Toledo, OH ยท Remote

$40 - $75/hr

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security ... engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government ...

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Showing results 1-20

Security Operations Engineer information

See salary details

$33.5K

$137.7K

$174K

How much do security operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for security operations engineer in the United States is $137,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $173,000.00 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.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Security Operations Engineers can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles such as security managers or architects. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or organizations with large security budgets.

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 monitors, detects, and responds to cybersecurity threats and incidents within an organization. They use tools like security information and event management (SIEM) systems, perform vulnerability assessments, and implement security measures to protect IT infrastructure. Strong knowledge of network protocols, security best practices, and relevant certifications such as CISSP or CEH are often required.

Is SOC an entry level job?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst role can be entry level, but many positions require some prior experience or knowledge of cybersecurity tools, network monitoring, and incident response. Entry-level SOC roles often focus on monitoring security alerts and basic analysis, while more advanced positions may require certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified SOC Analyst (CSA).

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior security engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications like CISSP or CISA, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with leadership roles, working in high-demand industries, or in organizations with complex security needs and 24/7 operations.
What cities are hiring for Security Operations Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Security Operations Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Security Operations Engineer jobs? The top employers for Security Operations Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Security Operations Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Security Operations Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Security Operations Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,745 per year, or $66.2 per hour.
Security Operations Engineer

Security Operations Engineer

DataAnnotation

Edinburg, TX โ€ข Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About the job:

Contribute to developing cutting-edge AI systems, while enjoying the flexibility of remote work and setting your own schedule.

We are looking for existing cybersecurity professionals to help advance AI development. Cybersecurity platforms are increasingly powered by AI โ€” but these systems still need practitioners with real-world experience to validate whether the outputs actually hold up in practice. That's where you come in.

You'll work closely with state-of-the-art AI models on tasks like evaluating AI-generated security content, solving technical security problems, and providing feedback that directly shapes how these systems reason about real-world threats and defenses.

To get started, once you sign up for an account, you'll take a short assessment (this serves as our version of an interview). If you pass, you'll receive an email confirmation, and paid work will become available to you through our platform.

Advantages of contracting with us:

  • Fully remote: work from anywhere in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Flexible schedule: choose which projects you take on and when you work.
  • You work on your own schedule, on your own computer, from the comfort of your own home
  • Projects are paid hourly starting at $50-100+/hr, with bonus rates available on some projects
  • Impact: help shape the future of AI technologies built for cybersecurity.

Responsibilities:

  • Evaluate AI-generated cybersecurity content โ€” including threat analysis, vulnerability assessments, and offensive security techniques โ€” for real-world accuracy and validity.
  • Design and solve security-focused technical problems used to train AI systems.
  • Write clear technical explanations and security-relevant code.
  • Provide feedback that directly shapes the next generation of AI security models.

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in a cybersecurity role โ€” such as penetration testing, red teaming, incident response, detection engineering, DFIR, malware analysis, threat intelligence, or adjacent fields, including government or military cyber operations.
  • Some coding experience required; comfort navigating and patching a codebase is key.
  • Fluency in English (native or bilingual level) with strong writing skills.
  • A bachelor's degree is preferred.
  • Cybersecurity certifications are a plus (e.g., OSCP, CRTO, GREM, GCFA, CEH, and similar).

Note: Payment is made via PayPal. We will never ask for any money from you. This job is only available to those in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. This is an independent contractor position.

#cybersecurity