Top Cybersecurity Employers in Colorado Springs: Who's Hiring and What They Look For

Colorado Springs is way more than just a cool place to live, it's practically the cyber hub of the West! With big names like the military and tech companies setting up shop here, this city is straight up booming with cybersecurity opportunities.

We're talking over 28,000 employees already working in the field and thousands more openings on the horizon. Colorado Springs is where it's at for anyone trying to get into cybersecurity.

Companies here are on the cutting edge, dealing with threats from all angles, and they need people who can keep up. That's why the ecosystem here is so on point - colleges churning out trained professionals, organizations like the National Cybersecurity Center providing top-notch resources, and a network of over 360 companies to potentially work for. Don't sleep on this chance to break into one of the hottest industries around.

Whether you're looking to level up your skills with certifications and bootcamps, land an entry-level gig, or score one of those high-paying six-figure salaries, Colorado Springs has got you covered.

This place is the future of cybersecurity.

Colorado Springs is killing it when it comes to the cybersecurity game. This place at the foot of the Rockies has become a major hotspot for all the top companies looking to hire some serious talent in this field.

Check it out: According to the latest stats, the cybersecurity workforce in Colorado is expected to grow by a solid 21% by 2024, and Colorado Springs is leading the charge.

That's pretty insane growth, if you ask me. Now, let's talk about the major players in the area who are always on the hunt for skilled cybersecurity pros:

• Datadog: This AI and cloud computing company with over 5,000 employees is a powerhouse in the cybersecurity scene. They're constantly on the lookout for top-notch talent in Colorado Springs.
• PwC: With a massive global presence and over 364,000 employees, PwC is a consulting giant that's big on cybersecurity. Their Denver office is a prime location for snagging some seriously cool cybersecurity gigs.
• FirstBank: This local fintech company with 3,000 employees is all about keeping their systems and data secure. If you're into financial cybersecurity, FirstBank could be your next move.

But it doesn't stop there.

The job listings are popping off with entry-level and experienced cybersecurity roles across various companies like Huntress, Red Canary, and even the U.S. Air Force. According to a recent update, a major cybersecurity company called Invictus is about to bring over 130 new high-paying jobs to Colorado Springs, with an average salary of around $168,923.

That's some serious cash for doing what you love. Colorado Springs is quickly becoming a prime destination for anyone looking to make moves in the cybersecurity world.

With opportunities ranging from government agencies to private companies and everything in between, this place has got options galore for building an awesome career.

If you're trying to get hired by the top cybersecurity companies in Colorado Springs, you gotta have the right skills and certs. The most in-demand technical skills these companies look for are network security, cloud security, risk management, and incident response.

But it's not just about the tech knowledge; they also want you to have strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and solid communication abilities.

When it comes to certifications, the ones that really make employers drool are the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

These certs show that you've got the skills to tackle all kinds of cybersecurity challenges.

As for education and experience, most companies in Colorado Springs prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field.

But here's the real deal: they care more about your real-world experience than just a fancy degree. According to a survey, a whopping 82% of local cybersecurity firms value hands-on experience over educational credentials alone.

"We look for people who have proven themselves in actual cybersecurity roles, whether through internships, entry-level jobs, or personal projects," says Richard Lee, the CISO at CyberTech Solutions in Colorado Springs.

So, if you want to stand out, get some real-world experience under your belt and show these companies what you're made of!

If you're trying to score a cybersecurity gig in Colorado Springs, you gotta be prepared to bring your A-game. First things first, get that education on lock.

Pikes Peak Community College has an Associate's degree in Cybersecurity that'll give you a solid foundation.

Or, if you're looking for something more intense, check out the immersive training programs at the UCCS National Cybersecurity Center.

Can't forget about bootcamps like Nucamp too – they'll have you job-ready in no time.

But it's not just about the book smarts, you gotta get those hands dirty.

Join some CTF (Capture the Flag) competitions, like the ones hosted by the Air Force Association's CyberCamp or local cybersecurity meetups. Build up a portfolio that showcases your mad skills with projects, certs (Security+, CISSP, CEH), and freelance work.

Employers like root9B, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Lockheed Martin eat that stuff up.

Don't forget to make that resume pop and practice your interview game.

The Career Hub at PPCC has your back with resume reviews, mock interviews, and career coaching. Highlight your technical skills like network security, ethical hacking, risk assessment, and incident response.

But also flex those soft skills – problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication are key. Oh, and don't sleep on programming languages like Python, PowerShell, and Bash scripting.

With the right training, hands-on experience, certifications, networking, and job prep, you'll be snagging that cybersecurity dream job in no time.

If you're looking to score a sweet gig in cybersecurity, Colorado Springs is where it's at! The job market here is straight-up killin' it, with cybersecurity expected to see some insane growth of 33% by 2030 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Stats.

That's way more than the average job, so you know there'll be plenty of opportunities knocking on your door. This city has become a legit hub for cybersecurity, with major players like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and the U.S. Air Force Academy all on the hunt for top-notch talent.

Not only will you get to work with some seriously impressive companies, but you'll also have plenty of room to grow and advance your career. But it's not just about the job.

Colorado Springs offers you the chance to live that balanced lifestyle we all crave. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, stunning Rocky Mountain views, and a cost of living that won't break the bank, you can actually enjoy life outside of work.

Plus, there are so many outdoor activities to keep you busy, from hiking to biking to whatever floats your boat. As Thomas Anderson from Nucamp Coding Bootcamp puts it, "Colorado Springs is the perfect combo of a booming cybersecurity industry and a top-notch quality of life.

You can crush it at work and still have time to recharge." Sounds like a win-win to me! So, if you're ready to break into cybersecurity, this city should definitely be on your radar.