Senior Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Senior Cybersecurity Engineer jobs in District of Columbia represent one of the most active and competitive markets in the country, concentrated heavily in federal government contracting, defense, intelligence, and financial regulation sectors where demand runs from mid-level technical leads to principal architects. Most openings are anchored in Washington DC proper, with additional clusters in the surrounding Northern Virginia corridor and Maryland suburbs, where major employers including Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and Northrop Grumman maintain large presences. The most in-demand specialties are cloud security, zero-trust architecture, and security operations center leadership. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 16+ Senior Cybersecurity Engineer jobs
Emagine IT has an immediate need for a Senior Cybersecurity SME to join our team in support of our Air Force Computer Information Security Officer (CISO) support contract located at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. Candidates must possess an active Top Secret Clearance (SCI eligible) to be considered.
Essential Functions
- Supports the execution and delivery of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) cybersecurity program
- Supports the DAF Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
- Prioritizes in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Communicates effectively across diverse audiences.
- Engages and influences stakeholders (e.g., military, Government civilian, and contractor personnel), including senior executives and Flag / General Officers.
- Advises based on broad based technical background in cyber / Information Technology (IT) operations and cybersecurity.
- Maintains a “big picture”/strategic perspective of DAF CISO goals.
- Addresses the specific needs of various organizations within and outside the DAF.
- Adapts new cybersecurity practices and technologies to meet DAF missions.
- Analyzes data sets to determine trends, establish strategies, and
make recommendations.
- Applies Federal (e.g., National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST) and Office of Management and Budget) and Department of War (DoW) cybersecurity policies, including Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Cybersecurity Framework.
- Be a self-starter. Able to perform with limited Government direction or oversight.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Computer Science, Computer / Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics / Science, Information Technology, Math, Statistics, or other related degree field. Associate's Degree in a related field plus four (4) years applicable work experience or six (6 ) years applicable work experience may be substituted for a Bachelor's Degree.
- At least four (4) years of Cybersecurity experience in a senior technical or management role.
- Has experience leading the development and implementation of enterprise-level cybersecurity programs, including the development of policies, procedures, and other guidance documents.
- Has experience engaging Authorizing Official(s), Security Control Assessors, and cyber risk management staffs.
- Possesses expert knowledge of NIST 800 series standards and guidelines, DoW RMF, and current cybersecurity best practices.
- Has excellent communications and presentation skills as well as professional demeanor when interacting with and briefing senior military and Government civilian leadership.
- Possesses strong understanding of cyber implementation requirements in one or more of the following areas: Cloud Security, Communications Security / Encryption, Supply Chain Risk Management, Embedded Systems, Incident Response, Industrial Control Systems / Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (ICS / SCADA), Operational Technology, Transmission Security, and /or Weapon Systems.
- Has an active senior-level cybersecurity certification (e.g., Certified Information Security Manager [CISM], Certified Information Systems Security Professional [CISSP], GIAC Security Leadership Certificate [GSLC], or EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer [CCISO]).
Additional Requirements (optional)
- Master’s Degree in Business, Computer Science, Computer / Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics / Science, Information Technology, Math, Statistics, or other related degree field is preferred.
- Experience working in a DAF Headquarters staff environment (HQ US Air Force, HQ US Space Force, or Major Command), Pentagon staff experience is preferred.
Work Location
This position is on-site at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. with hybrid/telework eligibility.
Benefits
This position is eligible for Emagine IT's benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidays; and professional development and certification support.
Physical Requirements
This position is generally performed in a standard office environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must be able to meet, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.
- Ability to remain in a stationary position and operate a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing/virtually with colleagues, government stakeholders, and leadership.
- Ability to perceive and interpret information displayed on a computer screen, including dashboards, reports, and analytics tools.
- Ability to occasionally move about the office to access files, equipment, or meeting spaces.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move office materials weighing up to 15 pounds (e.g., laptop, documents).
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. Applicants who require accommodation during the application or interview process should contact HR@eit2.com to request one.
EEO Statement
Emagine IT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
About Emagine IT
Emagine IT is an information technology consulting services company that specializes in delivering technology solutions. Our reputation reflects the high quality of the talented Emagine IT team and the consultants working in partnership with our customers. Our mission is to understand and meet the needs of both our customers and consultants by delivering quality, value-added solutions. Our solutions are designed and managed to not only reduce costs, but to improve business processes, accelerate response time, improve services to end users, and give our customers a competitive edge, now and into the future.
Emagine IT has an immediate need for a Senior Cybersecurity SME to join our team in support of our Air Force Computer Information Security Officer (CISO) support contract located at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. Candidates must possess an active Top Secret Clearance (SCI eligible) to be considered.
Essential Functions
- Supports the execution and delivery of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) cybersecurity program
- Supports the DAF Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
- Prioritizes in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Communicates effectively across diverse audiences.
- Engages and influences stakeholders (e.g., military, Government civilian, and contractor personnel), including senior executives and Flag / General Officers.
- Advises based on broad based technical background in cyber / Information Technology (IT) operations and cybersecurity.
- Maintains a “big picture”/strategic perspective of DAF CISO goals.
- Addresses the specific needs of various organizations within and outside the DAF.
- Adapts new cybersecurity practices and technologies to meet DAF missions.
- Analyzes data sets to determine trends, establish strategies, and
make recommendations.
- Applies Federal (e.g., National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST) and Office of Management and Budget) and Department of War (DoW) cybersecurity policies, including Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Cybersecurity Framework.
- Be a self-starter. Able to perform with limited Government direction or oversight.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Computer Science, Computer / Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics / Science, Information Technology, Math, Statistics, or other related degree field. Associate's Degree in a related field plus four (4) years applicable work experience or six (6 ) years applicable work experience may be substituted for a Bachelor's Degree.
- At least four (4) years of Cybersecurity experience in a senior technical or management role.
- Has experience leading the development and implementation of enterprise-level cybersecurity programs, including the development of policies, procedures, and other guidance documents.
- Has experience engaging Authorizing Official(s), Security Control Assessors, and cyber risk management staffs.
- Possesses expert knowledge of NIST 800 series standards and guidelines, DoW RMF, and current cybersecurity best practices.
- Has excellent communications and presentation skills as well as professional demeanor when interacting with and briefing senior military and Government civilian leadership.
- Possesses strong understanding of cyber implementation requirements in one or more of the following areas: Cloud Security, Communications Security / Encryption, Supply Chain Risk Management, Embedded Systems, Incident Response, Industrial Control Systems / Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (ICS / SCADA), Operational Technology, Transmission Security, and /or Weapon Systems.
- Has an active senior-level cybersecurity certification (e.g., Certified Information Security Manager [CISM], Certified Information Systems Security Professional [CISSP], GIAC Security Leadership Certificate [GSLC], or EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer [CCISO]).
Additional Requirements (optional)
- Master’s Degree in Business, Computer Science, Computer / Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics / Science, Information Technology, Math, Statistics, or other related degree field is preferred.
- Experience working in a DAF Headquarters staff environment (HQ US Air Force, HQ US Space Force, or Major Command), Pentagon staff experience is preferred.
Work Location
This position is on-site at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. with hybrid/telework eligibility.
Benefits
This position is eligible for Emagine IT's benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidays; and professional development and certification support.
Physical Requirements
This position is generally performed in a standard office environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must be able to meet, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.
- Ability to remain in a stationary position and operate a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing/virtually with colleagues, government stakeholders, and leadership.
- Ability to perceive and interpret information displayed on a computer screen, including dashboards, reports, and analytics tools.
- Ability to occasionally move about the office to access files, equipment, or meeting spaces.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move office materials weighing up to 15 pounds (e.g., laptop, documents).
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. Applicants who require accommodation during the application or interview process should contact HR@eit2.com to request one.
EEO Statement
Emagine IT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
About Emagine IT
Emagine IT is an information technology consulting services company that specializes in delivering technology solutions. Our reputation reflects the high quality of the talented Emagine IT team and the consultants working in partnership with our customers. Our mission is to understand and meet the needs of both our customers and consultants by delivering quality, value-added solutions. Our solutions are designed and managed to not only reduce costs, but to improve business processes, accelerate response time, improve services to end users, and give our customers a competitive edge, now and into the future.
See All 16 Senior Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find JobsSenior Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Cybersecurity Engineer Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior cybersecurity engineer jobs across District of Columbia.
- Active security clearance, typically Secret or Top Secret with SCI eligibility required
- CISSP, CISM, or equivalent advanced cybersecurity certification strongly preferred by DC employers
- Seven or more years of hands-on experience in cybersecurity engineering or architecture roles
- Deep experience with federal compliance frameworks including NIST, FedRAMP, and FISMA
- Proficiency in cloud security across AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, or similar federal platforms
- Experience leading or mentoring junior security engineers on enterprise-scale federal or defense programs
Senior Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior cybersecurity engineer in District of Columbia?
Reaching the senior level in DC typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or a related field combined with at least seven years of progressive cybersecurity experience. There is no DC-specific state license for this role, but the market strongly favors candidates holding a CISSP or CISM, and most federal contractor positions require an active security clearance. Candidates who build experience inside federal agencies or large defense contractors in the DC area move into senior roles faster than those on purely commercial paths.
How much do senior cybersecurity engineers make in District of Columbia?
Senior cybersecurity engineers in District of Columbia earn a median of about $135,090 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $86,280 for the lowest 10% to over $189,510 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior cybersecurity engineers in District of Columbia?
Companies currently hiring senior cybersecurity engineers in District of Columbia include One Federal Solution, Amyx, and SAIC, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. DC's concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and intelligence community partners means that government-adjacent employers account for a disproportionately large share of senior-level openings compared to any other U.S. market.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most senior cybersecurity engineer jobs?
The cities with the most senior cybersecurity engineer openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Washington DC itself drives the largest share of postings because federal agencies and their prime contractors are headquartered here, while the broader metro's suburban areas attract openings from defense firms and technology companies that support classified and civilian government programs across the region.
Are there remote senior cybersecurity engineer jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, though cleared and compliance-heavy roles limit full-remote options compared to other tech disciplines. About 60% of senior cybersecurity engineer openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting a market where on-site or hybrid presence is still frequently required for clearance-sensitive work. Positions in policy, risk management, and architecture tend to offer the most remote flexibility within the DC market.
How can I get hired as a senior cybersecurity engineer in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in DC is through a junior analyst or SOC analyst role at a federal contractor, where firms like Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos run structured associate and analyst development programs that pipeline candidates into engineering tracks. Earning CompTIA Security+ or a CySA+ credential before applying gives entry-level candidates a measurable edge, and many DC-area agencies post cleared internship programs through university partnerships at institutions like George Mason and American University that lead directly to full-time offers.
Where can I find and apply to senior cybersecurity engineer jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to senior cybersecurity engineer jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current DC-area openings updated in real time. Search the listings by role and location, identify the ones that match your experience and clearance level, and apply directly to each one. No sign-up is required to see the roles.
See All 16 Senior Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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