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Weekend Cyber Security Research Jobs in Reston, VA

SOSi

Cybersecurity Security Engineer III

Washington, DC · On-site

Experience developing technology roadmaps, conducting market research, and supporting proofs of ... May be requested to work evenings and weekends to meet program and contract needs. Working at SOSi ...

SOSi

Cybersecurity Security Engineer III

Washington, DC · On-site

Experience developing technology roadmaps, conducting market research, and supporting proofs of ... May be requested to work evenings and weekends to meet program and contract needs. Working at SOSi ...

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All JobsCyber Security Research JobsWeekend Cyber Security Research JobsWeekend Cyber Security Research Jobs in Reston, VA

Weekend Cyber Security Research information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.1K

$127.8K

$187.3K

How much do weekend cyber security research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend cyber security research in Reston, VA is $127,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $147,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weekend cyber security researcher?

Weekend Cyber Security Researchers are professionals who focus on investigating and analyzing security threats, vulnerabilities, and incidents during the weekends. They often work part-time or on a flexible schedule to support organizations in monitoring and improving their cyber defense outside regular business hours. Their responsibilities may include threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and staying updated on the latest cyber threats. This role is particularly valuable for organizations that require 24/7 security coverage or for researchers who balance other commitments during the week.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekend cyber security researcher?

To thrive as a Weekend Cyber Security Researcher, you need a solid understanding of network security, threat analysis, and digital forensics, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, and certifications such as CEH or CISSP are commonly required. Analytical thinking, curiosity, and strong written communication skills help researchers excel when identifying vulnerabilities and sharing findings. These competencies are crucial for proactively uncovering security risks and effectively communicating solutions to protect digital assets outside standard business hours.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in weekend cyber security research roles?

Professionals in weekend cyber security research roles often encounter challenges such as managing time effectively while handling urgent vulnerabilities or incidents that arise outside standard business hours. Collaboration with global teams may require clear, asynchronous communication and detailed documentation to ensure smooth handoffs. Additionally, staying updated with the latest threats and tools can be demanding, as cyber threat landscapes evolve rapidly and may require immediate attention even during weekends. However, this role offers valuable opportunities to work on high-impact projects and develop specialized expertise.

What is the difference between Weekend Cyber Security Research vs Weekend Penetration Tester?

AspectWeekend Cyber Security ResearchWeekend Penetration Tester
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)CompTIA Security+, CEH, OSCP
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, online, remoteClient sites, security firms, remote options
Industry UsageSecurity research, vulnerability discoverySimulated attacks, vulnerability testing
Primary FocusAnalyzing threats, developing security toolsIdentifying vulnerabilities through testing

Weekend Cyber Security Research involves analyzing threats and developing security tools, often in research labs or remotely. In contrast, Weekend Penetration Testers focus on simulating attacks to identify vulnerabilities, typically working on client sites or remotely. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cyber Security Research jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Cyber Security Research jobs in Reston, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Weekend Cyber Security Research jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Weekend Cyber Security Research jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Weekend Cyber Security Research jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Weekend Cyber Security Research job openings:

Weekend Cyber Security Research jobs near you

Cyber Security Operations Jr Analyst

SPAHR SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Our DoW CSSP operates 24x7x365 to defend the network. This role requires shift work, which means you will likely work nights, weekends, and federal holidays. You must be fully prepared and willing to commit to this schedule.
Schedule: 2200 – 0600, Tuesday - Saturday. May be requested to work evenings and weekends to meet program and contract needs.
Location: Onsite Ft Belvoir, VA 
Clearance requirement: Active DoD Top Secret- must be SCI eligible
Type of Environment: Office 
Amount of travel: 10%
 
The Cyber Security Specialist plays a critical role in protecting DTRA's enterprise network by providing 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring, threat detection, and incident response support. Working alongside Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) analysts, engineers, and agency stakeholders, you will help identify emerging threats, assess risk, investigate security events, and support the defense of mission-critical systems.
This position is ideal for candidates who enjoy threat hunting, cybersecurity operations, incident response, and working in a fast-paced environment focused on protecting national security interests.
Key Responsibilities

  • Collect and analyze network and/or host artifacts from a variety of sources to include logs, system images and packet captures to characterize activity, determine root cause, operational impact, and to enable rapid remediation and/or mitigation of cyber threats within the Enterprise Network through the investigation process.
  • Perform initial cyber incident triage; to include determining initial scope, urgency, and potential impact; identifying the specific vulnerability; escalating incidents to Tier II analysts. 
  • Must be familiar with the DoDI 8530.01 (Cybersecurity Activities Support to DoD Information Network Operations).
  • Manage and document cyber defense incidents from initial detection through escalation.
  • In support of the DTRA J6C Cybersecurity Department, the Cyber Security Analyst will provide the required resources and expertise to support 24x7x365 cybersecurity monitoring and response across DTRA’s distributed network operations environment.
  • Working with the DTRA J6C, contractor CSSP analysts and engineers shall collaborate with various teams throughout the agency to process intelligence, determine threat, develop mitigations, monitor for attacks, and assess risk while providing cyber based Situational Awareness to agency leadership and stakeholders.
  • The Cyber Security Specialist will monitor computer network defense services in a manner that effectively safeguards the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of DTRA-supported network environments and Information Technology infrastructure.
  • The Cyber Security Specialist will provide the required resources and expertise to ensure compliance with DoD CSSP Evaluators Securing Metrics (ESM). In addition, the Cyber Security Specialist will provide support within the existing CSSP structure which includes four simultaneously running processes tooled to assist and defend the system subscriber. The Cybersecurity Analyst is responsible for network threat monitoring across a variety of tools.
  • The analyst must also be proficient in conducting research on threats and adversaries across various open source and government database platforms. The ability to work effectively within a team is essential, as the analyst will be required to share and discuss information discovered during the research and monitoring process.
Qualifications
  • Must have Active DoD Top Secret clearance
  • IAT Level II certification and CSSP Analyst certification (Security+ CE or better, CEH or better)
  • Computing Environment certification desired (Windows Server 2022, Red Hat security, Splunk Power User etc.)
  • Experience with open-source research, analyzing network traffic, analyzing windows logs, experience with network and host-based security systems, experience with SIEMs, basic knowledge of network topography, intermediate understanding of network protocols, and through understanding of the OSI model.
  • Experience with Splunk and Trellix ESS (McAfee HBSS)
  • Minimum 1 year of cyber security analyst experience or 3 years of IT experience
Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to directly support a mission-focused cybersecurity program protecting critical government systems. You'll work alongside experienced cybersecurity professionals, leverage advanced security tools, and play a key role in defending against evolving cyber threats.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • SANS GCIH or similar certification
  • Tanium Interact Module experience
  • Wireshark experience
  • Open source research experience
  • PowerShell and Bash use
  • 1 year experience working at a CSSP
  • Familiarity with CJCSM 6510.01B

 
 
SPAHR is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.