Security Operations Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Security Operations Engineer jobs in Virginia are among the most active in the country, with steady demand concentrated in defense contracting, federal civilian agencies, financial services, and cloud infrastructure across seniority levels from entry-level analysts to principal engineers. Northern Virginia, particularly the Tysons Corner and Reston corridors, leads hiring volume, followed by Richmond and the Hampton Roads area, where employers like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and General Dynamics Information Technology maintain large security operations workforces. The most in-demand specialties are SIEM engineering, endpoint detection and response, and cloud security operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 77+ Security Operations Engineer jobs
Merlin Group operates at the intersection of cyber innovation, national security, and technology-driven transformation. With a mission to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies across the U.S. public sector and regulated commercial markets, Merlin is uniquely structured around three core tenets – Invest, Enable, and Scale – each designed to address a specific stage of the technology lifecycle. Together, our affiliates – Merlin Ventures, CGC, and Merlin Cyber – form a flywheel that builds enduring capability for customers, partners, and the broader cyber ecosystem, operationalizing technological advancement into mission-ready, enterprise-grade solutions.
At Merlin, we believe our strength lies in our people. Team members are encouraged to be creative, collaborative, and nimble, pursuing paths to deliver the cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that our customers rely on. From next-generation cyber defense to secure cloud and AI, we are united by one purpose – transforming innovation into mission impact.
The Opportunity
As an Account Executive - Security Operations, you will expand our presence across federal civilian and defense agencies by delivering innovative, end-to-end security operations solutions. You will work closely with our strategic partners Torq, SentinelOne, and Wiz to help agencies modernize their Security Operations Centers (SOCs). That work spans AI-driven automation and response, endpoint and extended detection and response, and cloud security.
This role demands a strategic thinker with deep expertise in federal SOC challenges, procurement processes, and compliance requirements. You will build trust with senior decision-makers, uncover opportunities, and deliver tailored, customer-centric solutions. Operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, you will foster collaboration across internal teams and vendor partners to deliver strategic outcomes that align with your customers' missions. This position offers autonomy and the chance to make a lasting impact in a dynamic, evolving marketplace.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Prospect and qualify security operations opportunities in federal agencies and ecosystems.
- Lead sales cycles, including responding to RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs.
- Present integrated solutions across Torq, SentinelOne, and Wiz that align with federal security operations requirements (e.g., Zero Trust, OMB M-21-31 event logging, CISA CDM, FedRAMP).
- Build trusted relationships with CISOs, SOC leaders, and procurement officers.
- Partner with internal teams, sales engineering, and vendor partners to develop joint account plans and deliver successful solutions.
- Stay informed about federal procurement processes, compliance, and security operations trends, including AI-driven SOC automation and cloud security.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of Enterprise Software Sales and Account Management experience.
- Proven success selling security operations or cybersecurity solutions to federal agencies.
- Deep understanding of federal procurement and contract vehicles.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Familiarity with leading security operations solutions, such as security automation and orchestration (SOAR/hyperautomation), EDR/XDR, SIEM, and cloud security (CNAPP); experience with Torq, SentinelOne, or Wiz is a plus.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and effective in dynamic environments.
Success Attributes
- Commitment to personal and professional integrity and respect for others.
- Roll-up-your-sleeves attitude and low-ego approach.
- Commitment to teamwork and professional relationship development.
- Passion for lifelong learning, growth, and development.
- Flexible and nimble; comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change.
- Strong communication and functional project management skills.
- Desire to innovate, try new things, and creatively explore novel solutions to business challenges.
- Professional and respectful approach to the diversity of thought, action, identity, and attributes.
Benefits & Perks
We want to empower and inspire employees to be and do their best. Our workdays are dynamic, collegial, and fun. Our office features multiple places to work unconstrained by typical office barriers. Our wellness package provides access to an on-site gym and includes medical, dental, and vision insurance along with options for FSA and EAP. We offer 401(k) with employer match, unlimited PTO, and a culture respectful of the reality that not everything in one’s personal life is guaranteed to happen only after hours.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
www.themerlingroup.com
Merlin Group operates at the intersection of cyber innovation, national security, and technology-driven transformation. With a mission to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies across the U.S. public sector and regulated commercial markets, Merlin is uniquely structured around three core tenets – Invest, Enable, and Scale – each designed to address a specific stage of the technology lifecycle. Together, our affiliates – Merlin Ventures, CGC, and Merlin Cyber – form a flywheel that builds enduring capability for customers, partners, and the broader cyber ecosystem, operationalizing technological advancement into mission-ready, enterprise-grade solutions.
At Merlin, we believe our strength lies in our people. Team members are encouraged to be creative, collaborative, and nimble, pursuing paths to deliver the cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that our customers rely on. From next-generation cyber defense to secure cloud and AI, we are united by one purpose – transforming innovation into mission impact.
The Opportunity
As an Account Executive - Security Operations, you will expand our presence across federal civilian and defense agencies by delivering innovative, end-to-end security operations solutions. You will work closely with our strategic partners Torq, SentinelOne, and Wiz to help agencies modernize their Security Operations Centers (SOCs). That work spans AI-driven automation and response, endpoint and extended detection and response, and cloud security.
This role demands a strategic thinker with deep expertise in federal SOC challenges, procurement processes, and compliance requirements. You will build trust with senior decision-makers, uncover opportunities, and deliver tailored, customer-centric solutions. Operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, you will foster collaboration across internal teams and vendor partners to deliver strategic outcomes that align with your customers' missions. This position offers autonomy and the chance to make a lasting impact in a dynamic, evolving marketplace.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Prospect and qualify security operations opportunities in federal agencies and ecosystems.
- Lead sales cycles, including responding to RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs.
- Present integrated solutions across Torq, SentinelOne, and Wiz that align with federal security operations requirements (e.g., Zero Trust, OMB M-21-31 event logging, CISA CDM, FedRAMP).
- Build trusted relationships with CISOs, SOC leaders, and procurement officers.
- Partner with internal teams, sales engineering, and vendor partners to develop joint account plans and deliver successful solutions.
- Stay informed about federal procurement processes, compliance, and security operations trends, including AI-driven SOC automation and cloud security.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of Enterprise Software Sales and Account Management experience.
- Proven success selling security operations or cybersecurity solutions to federal agencies.
- Deep understanding of federal procurement and contract vehicles.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Familiarity with leading security operations solutions, such as security automation and orchestration (SOAR/hyperautomation), EDR/XDR, SIEM, and cloud security (CNAPP); experience with Torq, SentinelOne, or Wiz is a plus.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and effective in dynamic environments.
Success Attributes
- Commitment to personal and professional integrity and respect for others.
- Roll-up-your-sleeves attitude and low-ego approach.
- Commitment to teamwork and professional relationship development.
- Passion for lifelong learning, growth, and development.
- Flexible and nimble; comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change.
- Strong communication and functional project management skills.
- Desire to innovate, try new things, and creatively explore novel solutions to business challenges.
- Professional and respectful approach to the diversity of thought, action, identity, and attributes.
Benefits & Perks
We want to empower and inspire employees to be and do their best. Our workdays are dynamic, collegial, and fun. Our office features multiple places to work unconstrained by typical office barriers. Our wellness package provides access to an on-site gym and includes medical, dental, and vision insurance along with options for FSA and EAP. We offer 401(k) with employer match, unlimited PTO, and a culture respectful of the reality that not everything in one’s personal life is guaranteed to happen only after hours.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
www.themerlingroup.com
See All 77 Security Operations Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSecurity Operations Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Operations Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Allied Universal18
- Prosync3
- Amazon3
- Umbra2
- Deloitte2
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security operations engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Active or eligible federal security clearance, typically Secret or Top Secret with SCI eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, or a related field
- Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH, or GIAC credentials
- Hands-on experience with SIEM platforms such as Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, or IBM QRadar
- Proficiency in incident response, threat hunting, and security event analysis workflows
- Familiarity with NIST cybersecurity frameworks, FedRAMP, or CMMC compliance requirements
Security Operations Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security operations engineer in Virginia?
Most security operations engineer roles in Virginia require a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or computer science, along with industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or a GIAC credential. Virginia does not issue a state-specific license for this role, but federal contractor positions frequently require a security clearance obtained through a sponsoring employer. Building hands-on experience with SIEM tools, endpoint detection platforms, and incident response workflows is essential for competitive candidacy.
How much do security operations engineers make in Virginia?
Security operations engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $134,900 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $81,410 for the lowest 10% to over $205,750 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security operations engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring security operations engineers in Virginia right now include Allied Universal, Prosync, and Amazon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's dense concentration of federal contractors and defense agencies means many openings require or prefer candidates who already hold or can obtain a federal security clearance.
Which Virginia cities have the most security operations engineer jobs?
Arlington, McLean, and Reston have the most security operations engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia dominates because of its proximity to federal agencies, the Pentagon, and the national intelligence community, while Richmond draws demand from financial services firms and state government technology offices, and Hampton Roads reflects the strong Navy and defense contractor presence along the coast.
Are there remote security operations engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than most technical fields. About 46% of security operations engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the desk-based and analytical nature of much of this work. The tasks most commonly performed remotely include SIEM monitoring, alert triage, and threat intelligence analysis, while roles requiring hands-on lab access or classified facility work tend to be on-site.
How can I get hired as a security operations engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a junior SOC analyst or security analyst role at one of Virginia's large federal contractors, such as Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, or SAIC, which run structured early-career programs and new-graduate hiring pipelines. Completing CompTIA Security+ and Network+ certifications and building a home lab portfolio demonstrating SIEM configuration and incident response gives candidates a concrete edge. Adjacent roles in IT helpdesk, network administration, or systems administration at Virginia government agencies also serve as practical on-ramps.
Where can I find and apply to security operations engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to security operations engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings. Find a role that fits and apply directly.
See All 77 Security Operations Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs