10 Cyber Warfare Jobs in the DMV Area

As digital threats continually emerge, the United States is escalating it’s cyber warfare programs to ensure the security of the nation. If you’re interested in being a part of this, we have a list of 10 great Cyber Warfare jobs for you!

If you aren’t quite clear on what cyber warfare is, check out my blog post describing cyber warfare and then come back to this post. There are many opportunities for cyber security professionals out there, so that of course begs the question:

Why Choose A Career In Cyber Warfare?

Cyber warriors are always in demand. Sure you could work private sector cyber security and make good money, but you might find yourself bored at work. In cyber warfare you will be challenged. You will face serious threats. If you’re the kind of person that wants to learn just enough to get by, this isn’t for you. But if you’re one of those folks that works to be among the best hackers/network defenders/forensic analysts in the world, this is the place to stretch your legs and prove yourself.

Are you pumped up for a career in cyber warfare yet? Good! Then without further ado, I present to you my list of:

10 Cyber Warfare Jobs – January 2016

1. Cyber Predictive Intelligence Liason – Booz Allen Hamilton

Booz Allen Hamilton works with the United States Government, as well as commercial and international corporations. They provide, among many things, IT consultation services to help clients ensure the integrity and security of their data. They currently have a job listing for a Cyber Intelligence Analyst in Fairfax, VA.

Booz Allen offers competitive benefits, wellness programs, and room for advancement. They have plenty positions open at the moment so be sure to check out their career page for more cyber warfare jobs and other IT positions.

2. Cyber Security Officer – C.I.A

The United Stated Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is one of the best places for cyber security professionals to really let their skills shine. As a Federal employee you have access to an excellent benefits plan and you get to serve your country in a meaningful way without the full dedication a military career requires. The CIA currently has a Cyber Security Officer position available in Washington, DC.

In this position you work alongside some of the nations top cyber security experts to develop and deploy mission critical systems that support the nation’s cyber defense program. All positions require relocation to the Washington D.C. area, so be sure you are either within an appropriate commuting distance, or be ready to move.

3. Cyber Warfare Engineer – U.S Navy

The United States Navy is looking for Cyber Warfare Engineers. Applicants should have a four year degree, and must be eligible for a top secret security clearance. Those looking to get into this position, need to attend an officer development school in Newport, Rhode Island. After completion you should expect to be placed at a Navy Information Operations Command in either Fort Meade or Suitland in Maryland. There you receive both on the job training and attend cryptologic school.

There are a variety of career opportunities with the U.S Navy related to cyber warfare and information technology. Visit their site for further information on what it takes to join and view other opportunities. These jobs require enlistment though.

4. Cryptologic Network Warfare Specialist – U.S. Army

The United States Army has openings for a Cryptologic Network Warfare Specialist. You need to enlist to apply for this MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), and you will also need to pass an Information Communication Technology Literacy Test. This is an entry level MOS. As long as you pass the literacy test, you can jump right in.

5. JR Cyber Analysis Support Specialist – Leidos

Leidos is looking for someone to serve on their computer network operations intelligence team. Their JR Cyber Analysis Support Specialist position is located in Columbia. However, there are similar positions located across the United States. Leidos works with the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and various other U.S. government civil agencies to provide solutions for national security and defense.

Leidos offers fantastic benefits, including:

• Comprehensive leave
• Paid Holidays
• Paid bereavement leave (3 days)
• Full pay during Jury Duty
• Paid time off for Military Reservists
• Disability Sick Leave

You also have the option to borrow up to 40 hours of comprehensive leave before you even accrue it, as long as your manager approves.

6. Information Technology Specialist – Dept. of Homeland Security

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has an opening for an Information Technology Specialist in Herdon, VA. If chosen for the position, you will defend TSA networks, critical systems, sensitive data, and more.  This opening is only available until the 17th of January. So if you’re interested jump on it quickly!

7. Cyber Warfare Analyst – TechINT Solutions Group.

TechINT is a provider of intelligence, forensic expertise, systems engineering and more to the Homeland Security communities. Currently they have a job listing for a Cyber Warfare Analyst in Washington, DC. Whoever is chosen for this position will provide support to law enforcement regarding cyber security threats to Department of Defense and U.S Army networks. You will be expected to produce intelligence reports, presentations and more.

8. Cyber Intelligence Analyst Associate – Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is an aerospace, global security, and information technology company. Lockheed works on some of the coolest projects around, including space systems, tactical aircrafts, and high altitude missile defense systems. They currently have an opening for a Cyber Intelligence Analyst Associate in Fort Meade. Their chosen candidate will serve as a Cyber Security Watch Officer. They support the Defense Information Systems Agency command center by monitoring network traffic, detecting threats, and handling incident response.

Lockheed Martin has locations nationwide. They were ranked 64th on the 2015 Fortune 500 list of largest industrial corporations. They are the largest provider of IT services to the United States government. Lockheed offers a great benefits package that includes health and life insurance, paid leave, and a partial match 401k. They also offer various wellness programs to their employees to help them ensure they stay healthy.

9. Cyber Metrics/ Trends Analyst -ManTech International

If you’re more interested in the data analysis end of things, ManTech might have the job for you. ManTech is hiring for a Cyber Metrics/ Trends Analyst at Fort Meade. The chosen applicant works with Network Assurance Operations at the Defense Information Systems Agency command center. Duties include the collection and analysis of cyber metrics, review of incidents, determining long term effectiveness of tools used, monthly reporting of metrics and trends.

ManTech International provides customizable benefits to help each employee find a package that suits them. They offer the usual medical insurance, paid time off, and 401k, but they also include extra incentives such as flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, discounts at various stores.

10. Network Penetration Tester – Booze Allen Hamilton

Since I already talked about the company, I’ll dive into the job details. Booz Allen is looking for a Penetration Tester in Baltimore. This position is one of the more accessible ones to less experienced cyber security professionals since it requires 1-2 years of experience in various aspects of cyber security.

They do want you to be able to obtain a security clearance. You can bet that you’ll be called on to test some government systems from time to time. You will be expected to document methods used, report findings, and make recommendations for the improvement of the client security.

Perks of a Government Job

As attractive as contractor jobs appear, I always feel a need to point out the benefits of a career with the government. Yes, contractors and private corporations often pay a higher wage than government agencies do, but there’s more to the comparison.

Here’s a quick rundown of a few things that make government work an excellent career option:

• Stability: There is something to be said for having a career with an organization you can be sure isn’t going out of business anytime soon. Cyber Warfare jobs are especially stable right now given the increasing risk of cyber attacks.
• Benefits: Government jobs always offer a great benefits program including retirement plans, health insurance, and plenty of paid time off including holidays.
• Well funded projects: As a government employee you tend to get to play with all the newest toys. I know I get excited about working with new technologies, and you can be sure that our government is providing top notch equipment to secure our nation.
• Job advancement/mobility: With government work you will almost always have the flexibility to move around to different positions. If you find you aren’t enjoying your type of work later on in life, it’s fairly easy to transfer to a new position. There are also plenty of opportunities for job advancement, especially in the IT field.

As I said before, money isn’t everything. Choose a place that best fits your needs and lifestyle. Research the company or agency you are interested in, talk to current employees, and then decide what’s best for you.

Sealing the Deal with Interview Prep

So you applied to one of these awesome jobs and they want to meet you? That’s fantastic! Now you need to prepare yourself for the interview. There are a lot of things you can do to put your best foot forward, so many that I have to refer you to this awesome blog on interviewing techniques. First impressions are everything, so make sure you go in prepared. Good luck in your job hunt!