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Security Operations Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Comstock

Security Operations Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

The ParkX Senior Security Operations Manager is responsible for the daily management of assigned Comstock / Third party locations. This position delivers company, client, and customer expectations by ...

Comstock

Security Operations Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

The ParkX Senior Security Operations Manager is responsible for the daily management of assigned Comstock / Third party locations. This position delivers company, client, and customer expectations by ...

540

Security Operations Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

They are seeking a Security Operations Engineer to implement and maintain cybersecurity controls across a complex cloud and platform environment, ensuring systems are secure and compliant while ...

540

Security Operations Engineer

Arlington, VA

540 is seeking a Security Operations Engineer to support our partnership with Google and the Department of Defense in advancing mission-critical capabilities for a global data processing platform.

Gartner

Director, Security Operations

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Director, Security Operations role is highly technical and leads the operational response to security events and incidents as well as provides a point of escalation. You will be deeply involved ...

Gartner

Director, Security Operations

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Director, Security Operations role is highly technical and leads the operational response to security events and incidents as well as provides a point of escalation. You will be deeply involved ...

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Security Operations information

See Washington salary details

$39.6K

$89K

$159.1K

How much do security operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for security operations in Washington is $88,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,900.00 and $113,800.00 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 popular job titles related to Security Operations jobs in Washington? For Security Operations jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Operations jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Security Operations jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Security Operations jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Security Operations job openings:
Security Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Operations job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,999 per year, or $42.8 per hour.
Security Operations Lead

Security Operations Lead

Applied Information Sciences

Alexandria, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days 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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