Systems Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Systems Security Engineer jobs in Virginia are among the most active in the country, concentrated in defense contracting, federal agencies, and intelligence community support, with demand running from entry-level analysts through senior architects. Northern Virginia anchors the market, with Richmond and Hampton Roads adding significant volume, and major employers including Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and Northrop Grumman maintaining deep, sustained hiring across the state. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia are zero-trust architecture, cloud security engineering, and network vulnerability assessment. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 125+ Systems Security Engineer jobs
The Opportunity:
We are seeking a technically proficient Information Systems Security Engineer to support the security posture of our Network Infrastructure. In this role, you will implement and maintain comprehensive security measures to protect customer data, systems, and networks. This position plays an important role in ensuring security is integrated throughout the system lifecycle, from design through operation, supporting the mission while maintaining strong defensive measures.
Responsibilities:
• Security Architecture Support: Contribute to the design and documentation of secure system architectures that meet mission requirements and security standards.
- RMF Process Execution: Support Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities (Steps 1–6), assisting Information System Security Officers (ISSOs) in taking systems from initial categorization through Authorization to Operate (ATO).
- Security Documentation: Develop and maintain Assessment & Authorization (A&A) documentation, including Systems Security Plans (SSP), Security Control Traceability Matrix (SCTM), and Body of Evidence (BoE).
- Security Engineering: Designs security architectures from requirements phase, defining system security requirements, and integrating capabilities including Zero Trust Architecture Software Defined Networking (SDN), macro/micro-segmentation, and software-defined perimeter controls to enable continuous verification and minimize network attack surfaces.
- Security Evaluation: Participate in formal and informal design reviews to identify potential security weaknesses, deficiencies, and/or vulnerabilities in the design - evaluating designs for security impacts before implementation.
- Compliance Implementation: Ensure hardware and software comply with Government Security Certification Officer (SCO) requirements and align with NIST SP 800-53, ICD 503, and CNSSI 1253 standards.
- Continuous Monitoring: Implement and maintain continuous monitoring (ConMon) activities using automated tools to track system health and compliance status.
- Vulnerability Management: Perform risk assessments and security audits; use tools like Nessus (ACAS) and SCAP to identify, track, and remediate vulnerabilities.
- I ncident Response Support: Assist with incident response activities and participate in on-call rotation for security incidents.
- Network Integration Support: Provide support for network mapping activities and system interdependencies to ensure secure data flow across the enterprise.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience: 10+ years of related work experience with demonstrated ISSE/ISSO responsibilities, preferably within the Intelligence Community or DoD environment.
- Clearance: Current TS/SCI with Polygraph (Required).
- Certifications: Must meet DoD 8570/8140 IASAE Level II requirements (e.g., CISSP, CASP+, or CSSLP).
- Compliance Knowledge: Working knowledge of NIST 800-53 security controls and experience with RMF processes.
- Technical Skills: Understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP) and security concepts including VPNs, IDS/IPS, and DMZ configurations.
- Tooling Experience: Experience with A&A tracking tools such as Xacta or eMASS.
- Communication: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to document technical security findings clearly.
- Security Certifications: CISM, Security+, CCSP, or GSLC.
- Networking Certifications: CCNP Enterprise with the SD WAN, CCIE Security, JNCIS-ENT, JNCIP-ENT, or JNCIE-ENT
- Platform Experience: Exposure to major firewall platforms (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA, Fortinet).
- Tools Experience: Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Juniper Contrail, Cisco DevNet, Juniper Automation, or other networking orchestration tool.
- Scripting: Basic proficiency in Ansible, Python, PowerShell, or Bash for task automation.
- SIEM Experience
What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range :
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$120,800 - $265,800The Opportunity:
We are seeking a technically proficient Information Systems Security Engineer to support the security posture of our Network Infrastructure. In this role, you will implement and maintain comprehensive security measures to protect customer data, systems, and networks. This position plays an important role in ensuring security is integrated throughout the system lifecycle, from design through operation, supporting the mission while maintaining strong defensive measures.
Responsibilities:
• Security Architecture Support: Contribute to the design and documentation of secure system architectures that meet mission requirements and security standards.
- RMF Process Execution: Support Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities (Steps 1–6), assisting Information System Security Officers (ISSOs) in taking systems from initial categorization through Authorization to Operate (ATO).
- Security Documentation: Develop and maintain Assessment & Authorization (A&A) documentation, including Systems Security Plans (SSP), Security Control Traceability Matrix (SCTM), and Body of Evidence (BoE).
- Security Engineering: Designs security architectures from requirements phase, defining system security requirements, and integrating capabilities including Zero Trust Architecture Software Defined Networking (SDN), macro/micro-segmentation, and software-defined perimeter controls to enable continuous verification and minimize network attack surfaces.
- Security Evaluation: Participate in formal and informal design reviews to identify potential security weaknesses, deficiencies, and/or vulnerabilities in the design - evaluating designs for security impacts before implementation.
- Compliance Implementation: Ensure hardware and software comply with Government Security Certification Officer (SCO) requirements and align with NIST SP 800-53, ICD 503, and CNSSI 1253 standards.
- Continuous Monitoring: Implement and maintain continuous monitoring (ConMon) activities using automated tools to track system health and compliance status.
- Vulnerability Management: Perform risk assessments and security audits; use tools like Nessus (ACAS) and SCAP to identify, track, and remediate vulnerabilities.
- I ncident Response Support: Assist with incident response activities and participate in on-call rotation for security incidents.
- Network Integration Support: Provide support for network mapping activities and system interdependencies to ensure secure data flow across the enterprise.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience: 10+ years of related work experience with demonstrated ISSE/ISSO responsibilities, preferably within the Intelligence Community or DoD environment.
- Clearance: Current TS/SCI with Polygraph (Required).
- Certifications: Must meet DoD 8570/8140 IASAE Level II requirements (e.g., CISSP, CASP+, or CSSLP).
- Compliance Knowledge: Working knowledge of NIST 800-53 security controls and experience with RMF processes.
- Technical Skills: Understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP) and security concepts including VPNs, IDS/IPS, and DMZ configurations.
- Tooling Experience: Experience with A&A tracking tools such as Xacta or eMASS.
- Communication: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to document technical security findings clearly.
- Security Certifications: CISM, Security+, CCSP, or GSLC.
- Networking Certifications: CCNP Enterprise with the SD WAN, CCIE Security, JNCIS-ENT, JNCIP-ENT, or JNCIE-ENT
- Platform Experience: Exposure to major firewall platforms (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA, Fortinet).
- Tools Experience: Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Juniper Contrail, Cisco DevNet, Juniper Automation, or other networking orchestration tool.
- Scripting: Basic proficiency in Ansible, Python, PowerShell, or Bash for task automation.
- SIEM Experience
What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range :
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$120,800 - $265,800See All 125+ Systems Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSystems Security Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Systems Security Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Construction & Real Estate
- Retail
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in systems security engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Active Department of Defense security clearance, often Secret or Top Secret/SCI level
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, or closely related field
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or CompTIA Security+ certification required
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with SIEM platforms, intrusion detection, and endpoint protection tools
- Familiarity with NIST Risk Management Framework and federal compliance standards such as FedRAMP
- Experience with cloud security controls in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud government environments
Systems Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a systems security engineer in Virginia?
The most direct path in Virginia is a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or computer science combined with an entry-level security certification such as CompTIA Security+. Virginia has no state-issued license for this role, but most employers, particularly defense contractors in Northern Virginia, require or strongly prefer a federal security clearance obtained through a sponsoring employer. Building clearance eligibility early and gaining experience with federal compliance frameworks are the practical priorities.
How much do systems security engineers make in Virginia?
Systems security engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $139,030 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,130 for the lowest 10% to over $185,950 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire systems security engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring systems security engineers in Virginia right now include Everforth ECS, CACI International, and Peraton, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense contractors and federal agency support organizations means sustained, year-round demand rather than cyclical hiring spikes.
Which Virginia cities have the most systems security engineer jobs?
Herndon, Arlington, and Chantilly have the most systems security engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia drives the bulk of demand because of its proximity to the Pentagon, NSA, and major defense contractor campuses, while Richmond and Hampton Roads draw hiring from state government IT agencies and Navy and Air Force installations respectively.
Are there remote systems security engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than most technical roles, though clearance requirements limit full remote eligibility for many positions. About 41% of systems security engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting broad demand for desk-based analytical and architecture work. Roles focused on cloud security, policy, and vulnerability assessment tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while positions requiring access to classified systems or sensitive facilities remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a systems security engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a junior cybersecurity analyst or IT security operations role at a mid-size Virginia defense contractor, which often feeds directly into systems security engineer tracks. Large Virginia employers like SAIC and Peraton run associate and early-career programs for candidates without prior security engineering experience. Holding an active CompTIA Security+ or gaining familiarity with NIST frameworks through coursework gives candidates a measurable edge over other applicants entering from adjacent IT roles such as network administrator or systems administrator.
Where can I find and apply to systems security engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to systems security engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense contractors, federal agencies, and private sector employers. Find roles that fit your experience and clearance level and apply directly from the listing.
See All 125+ Systems Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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