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Security Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Security Operations information

See Virginia salary details

$34.7K

$77.9K

$139.3K

How much do security operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for security operations in Virginia is $77,906.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,600.00 and $99,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Security Operations vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity OperationsSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentSecurity operations centers (SOCs), 24/7 monitoringOffice or remote, analyzing security data
Employer & Industry UsageOrganizations with dedicated security teams, cybersecurity firmsBusinesses, government agencies, cybersecurity firms

Security Operations and Security Analysts both require similar certifications and often work within cybersecurity teams. Security Operations focus on continuous monitoring, incident response, and managing security tools, while Security Analysts analyze security data, investigate threats, and recommend improvements. Both roles are essential for maintaining organizational security but differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

Is SOC an entry level job?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst role can be entry level, especially for those with foundational knowledge of cybersecurity, networking, and security tools. Many organizations offer entry-level positions that provide on-the-job training, but some roles may require prior experience or certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA. Advancement often involves gaining experience and additional certifications in cybersecurity.

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

To excel in Security Operations, a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, threat analysis, and incident response is essential, often supported by a degree in information security or a related field. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection tools, and certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+ is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for quickly identifying and addressing security threats. These competencies protect organizational assets, ensure compliance, and enable rapid, coordinated responses to security incidents.

What are Security Operations?

Security Operations refers to the processes, teams, and technologies focused on protecting an organization's information systems from cyber threats. Security Operations Centers (SOCs) monitor and analyze security events, respond to incidents, and ensure compliance with security policies. Teams may use tools like intrusion detection systems, SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), and endpoint protection. The goal is to detect, investigate, and respond to cybersecurity incidents quickly to minimize risk and damage. Security Operations professionals work around the clock to keep an organization's digital assets safe.

How does a Security Operations professional typically collaborate with other IT and business teams?

Security Operations professionals regularly work alongside IT, network, and application teams to resolve security incidents, implement best practices, and maintain compliance. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to assess risks, share threat intelligence, and develop response strategies. Building strong communication and trust with other departments is crucial, as it helps ensure timely detection and remediation of threats while aligning security measures with business objectives.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In security operations, high-level roles such as Chief Security Officer (CSO) or Security Director can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require strategic oversight, risk management skills, and a strong understanding of cybersecurity or physical security environments.

What is the role of security operations?

Security operations involve monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats to protect an organization’s information systems. Security operations teams use tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and follow established protocols to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. The role often requires 24/7 vigilance and relevant certifications such as CISSP or Security+.

What is the highest paying security job?

The highest paying security jobs are often executive-level roles such as Chief Security Officer (CSO) or Security Director, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of security management, risk assessment, and compliance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Security Operations jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Security Operations jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Security Operations jobs in Virginia? For Security Operations jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Operations jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Security Operations jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Security Operations jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Security Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Security Operations job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,906 per year, or $37.5 per hour.
Security Specialist - Operations

Security Specialist - Operations

System High Corporation

Arlington, VA • On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Overview
System High Corporation delivers the most advanced protection and secrecy solutions to secure and strengthen critical missions, programs, operations, and intelligence activities. We are seeking a Security Operations Specialist to join our team to help contribute to our success and help us solve problems with innovation through intelligence.
The Operations Specialist shall provide general security support under this contract. This includes performing activities related to security standard discipline management and support. Unless otherwise specified, they should note all tasks may pertain to both US and International Security Support. The following subtasks are not assigned to any one specific security business area and are intended to provide maximum flexibility and support to the enterprise:
  • Contractor shall provide administrative security support tasks that include but are not limited to:
  • Maintain recall rosters, organizational charts, and contact cards for Security personnel
  • Maintain, update, and coordinate Security Operations Manuals (SOM), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Access Management Control Plan (AMCP), Project Security Instruction (PSI), Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP), Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and other security-generated publications
  • Schedule and support security meetings
  • Coordinate with Human Resources (HR) regarding security onboarding/off-boarding
  • Coordinate onboarding of security new hires
  • Coordinate and prepare Security Program Management Reviews (PMRs)
  • Coordinate Security Conference(s) for International Security
  • Maintain and update security mail groups and calendar
  • Issue courier cards and provide appropriate courier training
  • Monitor, control, and service post office box
  • Distribute mail and packages to local security offices
  • Distribute policy and guidance to CONUS and OCONUS locations as required
  • Maintain a central security document and file archive
  • Maintain, update, and coordinate F-35 security database systems (e.g. Joint Access Database Environment (JADE), Defense Information System for Security (DISS), local databases, SharePoint, central archive, etc.)
  • Provide centralized security customer service support
  • Provide technical writing support in compliance with appropriate guidance
  • Assist in development, coordination, and distribution of security policies and proceduresProvide Security Incident Inquiry Support.
  • Conduct and assist with security incident inquiries
  • Track and provide trend analysis on reported security incidents
  • Provide incident matrix to the Director of Security (DS) and Government SAP Security Officer (GSSO)
  • Recommend classification determinations prior to inquiry initiation
  • Monitor inquiry progress, provide status updates to the GSSO, and draft appropriate reports before, during, and after inquiry
  • Participate in containment and clean-up actions and document results
  • Maintain the Security Incident Guide in coordination with the Information System Security Manager (ISSM)
  • Ensure personnel are notified of the initial incident in accordance with (IAW) policy

Provide Security Education and Training Awareness (SETA) Support.
  • Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and develop specific security training and indoctrination briefings
  • Serve as primary point of contact for all F-35 JPO security education and training products
  • Develop or coordinate the acquisition of security awareness and training products
  • Develop and provide security awareness newsletter to the enterprise
  • Develop and provide Commanders Call security briefing
  • Coordinate with HR regarding security briefing at new hire orientation; conduct security briefing at new hire orientation; ensure new hire orientation security briefing slide deck is accurate
  • Develop security education training plans, maintain, track, and conduct comprehensive security training
  • Track and provide data on training status for F-35 JPO personnel
  • Assist international country security managers with developing country-specific security training

Provide CONUS and OCONUS International Security Support.
  • Provide multi-disciplined security guidance and mentorship to F-35 Partner and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) security professionals
  • Provide continuous evaluation of F-35 Partner and FMS security posture and provide written updates to International Security Manager, Program Security Officer, and assigned International Security Specialist
  • Assist F-35 Partner and FMS security professionals in developing country-unique security documents to ensure protection of F-35 assets at the appropriate level
  • Develop and provide training to F-35 Partner and FMS security professionals to facilitate building, implementing, and managing a comprehensive F-35 security program
  • Assist F-35 Partner and FMS security professionals in ensuring security policies and procedures are in compliance with Special Access Program (SAP), Classified Military Information (CMI), and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in accordance with U.S Government security requirements
  • Provide general, physical, and cybersecurity support and training to F-35 Partner and FMS security professionals
  • Provide security support at air shows, fighter competitions and other collaborative events
  • Provide country map data

Provide Operational Security (OPSEC) Support.
  • Assist in development of OPSEC measures for specific programs
  • Aid in the development, management, and execution of the F-35 JPO OPSEC program
  • Perform risk management assessments and provide analysis

Provide Program Protection Support.
  • Perform risk management and risk analysis
  • Develop, manage, and execute Program Protection Plans (PPP)
  • Conduct PPP reviews as required by policy and integrate identified changes
  • Identify Critical Program Information (CPI), mission critical functions, and mission critical components
  • Develop enhanced protection measures
  • Assist the Government in establishing and chairing an Observables, Identification, and Containment (OI&C) Working Group
  • Coordinate and facilitate the review of the F-35 CPIs

Provide Special Access Program (SAP) Security Support.
  • Manage International Partner/FMS conference space
  • Track Partner/FMS required inventories, self-inspections, training, and other applicable documents
  • Maintain and update Cooperative Program Personnel (CPP) SOP
  • Maintain and update Technology Assessment/Control Plan (TA/CP)
  • Coordinate with geographically separated GSSOs and international country security managers to facilitate and record SAP security requirements
  • Generate new international security documents as additional FMS participants join the program
  • Conduct formal and/or informal inspections and/or assessments at international and U.S. SAP facilities
  • Author detailed trip reports and maintain records of communications with GSSOs and foreign partners and FMS participants
  • Support Government Security Managers at Executive Committee (EXCOM) and Tri-Service briefings
  • Conduct collateral and SAP security self-inspections and staff assistance visits
  • Track corrective actions
  • Provide support to F-35 JPO by arming and disarming secure rooms as needed

Provide Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Security Support.
  • Maintain and update SCI SOP
  • Coordinate with international country security managers to facilitate meeting and recording security requirements
  • Conduct formal and/or informal inspections at SCI Facilities (SCIFs)
  • Conduct SCI security self-inspections and staff assistance visits
  • Provide support to F-35 JPO by arming and disarming secure rooms as needed

Provide Visitor Control Support.
  • Transmit SAP, SCI, and collateral visit certifications for F-35 JPO personnel
  • Issue, maintain, distribute, track, and inventory F-35 JPO visitor badges
  • Process incoming and outgoing visit requests
  • Create and process country clearance requests through the approved visit system
  • Monitor and control incoming and outgoing U.S. Government property
  • Collect, maintain, and close out foreign travel reports

Provide Analytical Security Support.
  • Assess and optimize security processes, including automation, for a rapidly growing program to ensure consistent security support, and produce products resulting from this analysis
  • Identify program requirements through review and analysis of user needs and produce products resulting from this analysis
  • Identify emerging threats and produce products resulting from this analysis
  • Conduct special security studies and produce products resulting from these studies

Provide Security Escort Support.
  • Escort and monitor the facilities engineering, vendor, and maintenance personnel working within F-35 JPO occupied spaces
  • Provide escorts for facility-related projects

Years of Experience
  • 4-7 years of relevant SAP security Experience. Four additional years relevant experience to the labor category functional description may be substituted for a master's degree.
Education Requirements:
  • Minimum Bachelor's Degree

Clearance
  • Top Secret Clearance/Special Access Required.

Additional Information
  • This job description is not designed to cover or contain all job duties required of the employee. There may be additional activities, duties and/or responsibilities that are required for this position that are not listed in this job description.
  • In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
  • System High is a Military friendly employer. Our extensive work on behalf of the U.S. government offers those who have served in uniform an opportunity to continue to serve their country in a new and exciting way while enjoying a successful civilian career.
  • System High values the power and strength of diverse backgrounds on the culture and performance of our company. We strive to maintain an inclusive culture to encourage each employee to bring their whole self to the mission.
  • System High Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
  • If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with us, please email recruiting@systemhigh.com
  • Legal notices can be viewed on the following PDFs: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal; EPPA Notice; FMLA Notice

Warning: Beware of recruitment scams: System High will never request money or personal purchases during the hiring process. Verify all communications come from a systemhigh.com or msg.paycomonline.com email address.