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Security Operations Lead Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Saliense

Security Operations Lead

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Minimum of 10 years' experience providing security operations and penetration testing support. * Minimum 5 years' managing and directing security operations. * Responsible for the ability to ...

Maximus

Security Operations Shift Lead

VA · On-site +1

General information Job Posting Title Security Operations Shift Lead Date Wednesday, June 3, 2026 City Remote Country United States Working time Full-time Description & Requirements Maximus is a ...

Unissant

Cybersecurity Operations Lead

Herndon, VA · On-site

Lead operational cybersecurity functions across service areas, ensuring consistent execution, risk ... Drive the integration and operational use of enterprise security tools, dashboards, and automation ...

Unissant

Cybersecurity Operations Lead

Herndon, VA · On-site

Lead operational cybersecurity functions across service areas, ensuring consistent execution, risk ... Drive the integration and operational use of enterprise security tools, dashboards, and automation ...

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$12

$27

$63

How much do security operations lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for security operations lead in Virginia is $27.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Security Operations Lead?

A Security Operations Lead is a professional responsible for overseeing the daily operations of an organization's security team. They manage security analysts, coordinate incident response, and ensure the effective monitoring and protection of digital assets against cyber threats. This role involves implementing security policies, handling escalations, and collaborating with other departments to maintain overall security posture. Security Operations Leads also play a key role in training staff and staying updated on the latest security technologies and threats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Security Operations Lead?

To thrive as a Security Operations Lead, you need a strong background in cybersecurity principles, incident response, and risk management, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications like CISSP or CISM. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and vulnerability assessment platforms is typically required. Leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and coordinating responses. These skills ensure proactive threat detection, efficient mitigation of security incidents, and robust organizational protection.

How does a Security Operations Lead typically collaborate with other departments to ensure organizational security?

A Security Operations Lead works closely with various departments such as IT, compliance, and risk management to develop and enforce security protocols. This role often involves coordinating incident response efforts, sharing threat intelligence, and conducting security awareness training across teams. Regular cross-functional meetings and clear communication channels are essential to address vulnerabilities and align security strategies with organizational goals. This collaborative approach helps ensure that security measures are integrated throughout the company’s operations.

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

AspectSecurity Operations LeadSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISMCompTIA Security+, CEH, GIAC
Work EnvironmentOversees security teams, manages incident response, develops security strategiesMonitors security alerts, analyzes threats, implements security measures
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in organizations with security teams, corporate security departmentsCommon in security operations centers (SOCs), IT departments

The Security Operations Lead typically manages security teams and develops strategies, requiring leadership skills and certifications like CISSP. In contrast, a Security Analyst focuses on monitoring and analyzing security threats, often holding certifications like Security+ or CEH. Both roles are essential in cybersecurity but differ in responsibilities and scope.

Security Operations Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Operations Lead job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,640 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Security Operations Lead

Applied Information Sciences

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours ago

Job description

Why AIS?
When you join AIS, you're joining a mission-driven team that's passionate about making a difference. You'll work on projects that matter, alongside industry-leading experts, in an environment that fosters innovation, driving client success, and empowering our team to make a lasting impact. As an employee-owned company, we value collaboration, inclusivity, continuous growth, and shared success.
  • Employee Ownership: Your contributions directly impact the company's success, and you share in its achievements.
  • Continuous Learning: Access to resources, training, and mentorship to support your professional growth.
  • Inclusive Culture: A workplace where diversity is celebrated, and everyone's voice is valued.
  • Mission-Driven Work: Engage in projects that make a meaningful difference for our clients and communities.

What are we looking for?
At AIS, we're looking for more than just skills - we're looking for driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference, eager to grow, and aligned with our core principles.
What you will be doing?
This position is contingent upon contract award. We are currently pursuing a proposal and are seeking qualified candidates to include in our submission and identify candidates for future hiring needs on the program once awarded.
At AIS, we are dedicated to providing our employees with diverse opportunities to grow their careers while supporting a variety of impactful projects. For this position, we are seeking a talented individual to join AIS as a Security Architect.
  • Core Knowledge & Skills: Develops enterprise security architectures, frameworks, and standards; utilizes advanced forensics and integrates solutions with IT systems.
  • Work & Complexity: Designs secure architectures, manages integration projects, leads strategic initiatives, and enforces policies and standards.
  • Quality & Independence: Ensures integrity and scalability, develops comprehensive strategies, and optimizes solutions for performance and efficiency.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Leads architectural teams, builds partnerships, manages knowledge, and communicates strategies and executive reports.
  • Consulting & Engagement: Provides architectural consulting, leads innovation initiatives, evaluates enterprise technologies, and builds strategic partnerships.
As your initial project assignment, you will support the unique needs of our client as a Security Operations Lead.Project Overview
The Security Operations Lead is responsible for managing, directing, and executing enterprise security operations, including penetration testing, continuous monitoring, and advanced cyber defense activities. This role will architect, implement, and maintain security technologies, ensure data protection throughout the information lifecycle, and lead a high-performing security operations team. The ideal candidate has deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and extensive experience with Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) practices.
This is a proposal-based position; employment is contingent upon contract award and funding availability.
Key Responsibilities
Security Operations Leadership
  • Manage and direct all security operations functions, including threat monitoring, detection, response, and remediation.
  • Lead and mentor security analysts, penetration testers, and operations engineers to ensure effective cyber defense operations.
  • Establish operational frameworks, runbooks, and governance processes that align with organizational security objectives.

Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM)
  • Implement and oversee all phases of CDM, including asset management, vulnerability management, identity and access control, and security posture monitoring.
  • Define and maintain baselines for security tools to ensure proper configuration, tuning, and deployment.
  • Continuously refine CDM capabilities to align with evolving threats and compliance standards.

Security Architecture & Technology Enablement
  • Architect, deploy, and maintain enterprise security products and services across on-premises and cloud environments.
  • Ensure security technologies are effectively integrated, optimized, and aligned with enterprise architecture.
  • Recommend and implement innovative solutions to protect data throughout its lifecycle-creation, storage, processing, transmission, and destruction.

Penetration Testing & Threat Analysis
  • Oversee and coordinate penetration testing activities, vulnerability assessments, and red team engagements.
  • Evaluate emerging threats and security trends to inform strategy and defense enhancements.
  • Ensure timely remediation and risk mitigation across environments.

Collaboration & Reporting
  • Partner with IT, engineering, compliance, and executive leadership to align security operations with business priorities.
  • Provide executive-level reporting on threat posture, operational performance, and risk management outcomes.
  • Serve as an escalation point for major incidents and complex security challenges.

Required For This Opportunity
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience delivering security operations and penetration testing support.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience managing and directing security operations teams.
  • Extensive experience with:
    • Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) execution
    • Enterprise security tool deployment, configuration, and baseline management
    • Data protection and lifecycle security strategies
    • Security architecture and engineering across hybrid environments
  • Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
  • Clearance: Secret

Certifications (Mandatory)
  • CISSP-ISSMP (Information Systems Security Management Professional)
  • CISSP-ISSAP (Information Systems Security Architecture Professional)

Preferred Certification
  • CNSE (Certified Network Security Engineer)

Nice to Have Skills
  • Experience in highly regulated, federal, or mission-critical environments.
  • Expertise with SIEM/SOAR platforms, endpoint protection tools, and advanced threat analytics.
  • Knowledge of NIST frameworks, zero-trust architecture, and modern cyber defense methodologies.
At AIS, we are committed to offering competitive and fair compensation that reflects the skills, experience, and contributions of each team member.The targeted base salary range for this role is $138,000-$209,000 per year. Please note that this range is provided as a guideline and the final offer will be based on several factors, including but not limited to, skillset and competencies, level of experience, education, certifications, and location.We value transparency in our hiring process and are happy to discuss how your unique qualifications align with our compensation structure during the interview process.
Applied Information Sciences does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

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