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

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 13th 2024

Knoxville cybersecurity employers hiring and candidate skills needed in Tennessee

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The cybersecurity job market in Knoxville is booming, with over 160 roles at the University of Tennessee and 80+ at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Salaries range from $86,000 to $118,000 for entry-level positions. Key employers seek candidates with CompTIA Security+ and CISSP certifications in sectors like healthcare and government defense. Leveraging Knoxville's unique mix of research institutions and tech companies, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand for roles in cloud security, incident response, and threat detection.

The cybersecurity field in Knoxville is absolutely taking off right now. According to CyberSeek's latest data, there are over 457,000 cybersecurity job openings nationwide, with Knoxville's market growing faster than ever.

Major employers are seriously ramping up their hiring - the University of Tennessee System has 160+ roles open, while Oak Ridge National Laboratory is looking to fill 80+ positions.

The NICCS Career Map shows that entry-level positions in Tennessee are offering competitive salaries ranging from $86,000 to $118,000.

Local growth areas include roles in healthcare cybersecurity, financial security, and government defense. According to recent market analysis, employers are specifically seeking candidates with CompTIA Security+ and CISSP certifications.

What makes Knoxville stand out is its unique mix of research institutions, tech companies, and government facilities, all needing cybersecurity talent. Organizations like SWORD Services and ORAU are expanding their teams, making this the perfect time to jump into cybersecurity in Knoxville.

Table of Contents

  • Leading Cybersecurity Employers in Knoxville
  • Skills and Qualifications Companies Seek in Knoxville
  • Job Search Tips for Cybersecurity Positions in Knoxville
  • Future of Cybersecurity Careers in Knoxville
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Leading Cybersecurity Employers in Knoxville

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Knoxville is a straight-up cybersecurity powerhouse, with some major players crushing it when it comes to protecting our digital world. Check this out - companies like Intraframe US, Zibtek, and Protiviti are leading the charge, offering top-notch cybersecurity services and solutions that'll keep your data locked down tighter than Fort Knox.

But it's not just the local firms getting in on the action.

We've got some heavy hitters like Fort Knox Cyber Defense based right here in Knoxville, providing advanced cybersecurity solutions like threat assessments, vulnerability management, and cutting-edge threat detection.

These guys are serious about keeping businesses secure, offering customized services that'll give you a solid return on your investment.

And let's not forget about the tech giants setting up shop in our city.

Companies like Cisco, Mastercard, and Siemens have all established cybersecurity operations in Knoxville, tapping into our talented workforce and strategic location.

These industry leaders are developing game-changing security solutions for everything from networking to digital payments and critical infrastructure.

Knoxville's cybersecurity scene is getting a boost from local universities like the University of Tennessee, where the Cyber Forensics Intelligence Center is pushing the boundaries of cybersecurity research and collaborating with industry experts to create innovative solutions.

It's a win-win situation, with Knoxville becoming a hub for both cybersecurity talent and cutting-edge advancements in the field.

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Skills and Qualifications Companies Seek in Knoxville

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When it comes to landing a cybersecurity gig in Knoxville, you gotta have the right skills and certs to impress these companies. Check it - they want you to be a total pro at cloud security, keeping all that cloud data and infrastructure locked down tight.

And don't even think about slacking on risk management - they need you to spot any potential threats before they become major issues.

Incident response is another big one - you gotta be ready to jump into action and handle any security breaches like a boss. Oh, and get familiar with cybersecurity analytics tools, 'cause analyzing all that data to hunt down threats is clutch.

But it's not just about the tech know-how.

Knoxville companies want to see you've got legit certifications to back up your skills. We're talking heavy hitters like CISSP, CEH, and CCSP.

These certs prove you're a cybersecurity expert and can handle anything thrown your way. As for education, most companies dig a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, but real-world experience and certs can definitely make up for that.

The cybersecurity job market in Knoxville is lit right now, so if you've got the right qualifications, you're gonna be in high demand.

Just make sure you're prepped with the skills companies want, and you'll be landing your dream cybersecurity role in no time.

Job Search Tips for Cybersecurity Positions in Knoxville

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Looking to break into the cybersecurity field in Knoxville? Networking and leveraging local resources are important.

Attend industry events like ones hosted by the University of Tennessee Knoxville to connect with potential employers and get the inside scoop on open roles.

The Knoxville Technology Council's regular meetings and workshops are also prime for expanding your professional circle.

To uncover openings, tap into Knoxville-specific job boards like the one maintained by the Knoxville Area Cybersecurity and Information Technology Alliance (KACITA).

The Jobs4TN portal is another solid resource, allowing you to search for local cybersecurity gigs and receive personalized job recommendations based on your skills.

When applying, highlight qualifications sought by Knoxville employers such as:

  • Bachelor's degree: A Bachelor's degree in computer science or cybersecurity.
  • Certifications: Certifications like Security+, CEH, or CISSP.
  • Experience: Hands-on experience in areas like network security and incident response.
  • Familiarity: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and tech.

Persistence is key in Knoxville's competitive cybersecurity job market, so keep grinding and stay proactive in your search.

Completing a reputable cybersecurity bootcamp can give you a serious edge by equipping you with in-demand skills and certifications sought by top employers in the area.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Future of Cybersecurity Careers in Knoxville

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The cybersecurity career scene in Knoxville is really heating up! According to this research from the University of Tennessee, the global cybersecurity workforce is expected to grow by a massive 8.7% year-over-year, with nearly half a million new jobs created by 2024.

The gap between the number of workers needed and the number available is widening at a rate of 12.6% annually. That means the job market is ripe for the picking, especially for those with the right skills and training.

But it's not just about snagging a job – the potential for earnings and career growth is off the charts too.

Cybersecurity roles span a wide range, from entry-level positions like information security analysts (one of the fastest-growing occupations in the US) to specialized roles in emerging areas like cloud security, DevSecOps, and operational technology.

And the report mentions a range of $83,250 to $198,500 for the most in-demand tech jobs in 2024, depending on your experience and skill level.

Knoxville is really stepping up its game in this space, with cutting-edge companies setting up shop and major industries like healthcare, energy, and transportation prioritizing robust cybersecurity measures.

Not to mention the collaborative efforts between academic institutions like UT and industry leaders to cultivate a skilled workforce. So, if you're looking to get in on the action, now's the time to start exploring entry-level cybersecurity roles and upskilling in areas like AI/ML, cloud security, and IoT security – these are the hottest growth areas according to the experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who are the top cybersecurity employers in Knoxville?

Top cybersecurity employers in Knoxville include the University of Tennessee System, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, SWORD Services, and ORAU. These organizations are actively hiring to fill a wide range of cybersecurity positions.

What skills and qualifications are companies looking for in Knoxville?

Companies in Knoxville are seeking candidates with skills in cloud security, threat detection, and incident response. Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH, and a bachelor's degree in computer science are highly valued.

What is the salary range for cybersecurity positions in Knoxville?

Entry-level cybersecurity positions in Tennessee offer competitive salaries ranging from $86,000 to $118,000. For more advanced positions, salaries can range from $83,250 to $198,500, depending on experience and skills.

How can I find a cybersecurity job in Knoxville?

To find cybersecurity jobs in Knoxville, attend industry events hosted by local organizations like the Knoxville Technology Council and use job boards like the Knoxville Area Cybersecurity and Information Technology Alliance (KACITA) portal.

What future growth is expected in the Knoxville cybersecurity job market?

The cybersecurity workforce is expected to grow by 8.7% annually, with nearly half a million new jobs created by 2024. Knoxville is focusing on developing talent in areas such as AI/ML, cloud security, and IoT security.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.