Marine 0689 Cyber Space Chief to Civilian: Complete Senior Cybersecurity Career Guide (2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

As a Marine Corps 0689 Cyber Space Chief, you've got senior-level cybersecurity leadership, strategic planning, program management, and operational oversight experience that translates directly to six-figure civilian management roles. Cybersecurity Manager positions start at $130,000-$175,000, with Director and CISO roles hitting $175,000-$250,000+. Your TS/SCI clearance adds $40,000-$50,000 premium for defense contractor senior positions. With 10+ years managing Marine Corps cyber operations, you're not entry-level—you're competing for senior management and leadership positions requiring advanced certifications (CISSP, CISM) and proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and execute strategic cybersecurity programs. Your operational leadership experience is worth serious money if you translate it properly.

Let's address the elephant in the room

You've led cybersecurity operations for the Marine Corps. You've managed teams of 0651s, 0671s, and 0681s. You've coordinated with command and external agencies. You've been responsible for the security posture of entire networks supporting combat operations.

Here's the problem: civilian HR doesn't understand what "0689 Cyber Space Chief" means.

When you put that on a resume, they see "military tech job" and lump you in with entry-level applicants. They don't realize you were:

• Leading and supervising cybersecurity teams (10-30+ personnel)
• Managing defensive cyber operations and incident response programs
• Coordinating cyber operations with command, supporting agencies, and external stakeholders
• Developing and enforcing security policies, standards, and procedures
• Overseeing network security for critical Marine Corps communications systems
• Managing security compliance programs (RMF, NIST, DoD 8500)
• Planning and executing cyber readiness and training programs
• Advising senior leadership on cybersecurity strategy and risk
• Managing budgets and resources for cyber operations
• Responding to and coordinating major security incidents

That's senior cybersecurity management and program leadership. Companies pay $140,000-$180,000 for Security Managers with that background. Defense contractors pay $160,000-$220,000 for cleared senior positions. CISO and Director roles pay $180,000-$280,000+.

You're not competing for entry-level cybersecurity analyst positions at $80K. You're competing for Security Manager, Director of Security Operations, Senior Security Engineer, and eventually Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) roles.

The key is positioning yourself properly: emphasize leadership, program management, strategic planning, and results—not just technical skills.

Best civilian career paths for 0689

Let's break down senior-level roles with real 2024-2025 salary data.

Cybersecurity Manager / Security Operations Manager (most direct path)

Civilian job titles:

• Cybersecurity Manager
• Security Operations Manager
• Information Security Manager
• IT Security Manager
• Cyber Defense Manager

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Entry-level management (first civilian manager role): $110,000-$140,000
• Mid-level Cybersecurity Manager: $130,000-$165,000
• Senior Security Manager: $155,000-$190,000
• With active TS/SCI (defense contractors): $160,000-$210,000+

What translates directly:

• Leading cybersecurity teams (analysts, engineers, administrators)
• Managing security operations and incident response
• Developing security policies and standards
• Overseeing security compliance programs
• Coordinating with stakeholders and leadership
• Budget management and resource allocation
• Strategic security planning

Certifications needed:

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - Industry standard for management
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) - Management-focused alternative
• MBA or Master's in Cybersecurity - Increasingly valued for senior roles
• PMP (Project Management Professional) - Program management credential

Reality check: This is the most natural landing spot for 0689s transitioning to corporate or mid-size company cybersecurity leadership. You'll manage teams of 5-20 security professionals, oversee security programs, and report to a Director or CISO.

Starting salaries for experienced military cyber chiefs typically land in the $130K-$160K range depending on company size and location. Within 3-5 years, moving to $160K-$190K as Senior Security Manager or into Director roles is realistic.

Work-life balance is generally good compared to operational military roles—standard business hours with occasional incident response callouts. More meetings, less hands-on technical work.

You'll need to translate your leadership experience into business outcomes: "Reduced security incidents by 45%," "Managed $2M security budget," "Led team of 15 achieving 99% compliance."

Best for: 0689s who want corporate security leadership with good pay, stability, and work-life balance.

Defense Contractor Senior Cybersecurity Leadership (maximum clearance value)

Civilian job titles:

• Senior Cybersecurity Manager (DoD)
• Cyber Operations Lead
• Senior Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)
• Cybersecurity Program Manager
• Cyber Defense Operations Manager

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Senior Manager with Secret: $140,000-$175,000
• Senior Manager with TS/SCI: $165,000-$205,000
• Program Manager with TS/SCI: $180,000-$230,000
• Senior Technical Lead with TS/SCI + poly: $190,000-$250,000+

What translates directly: Everything. You're leading identical missions supporting DoD/IC customers as a contractor.

Certifications needed:

• Active security clearance (TS/SCI extremely valuable at this level)
• CISSP or CISM - Required for senior IAM positions
• DoD 8570/8140 IAM Level II or III certifications
• PMP or program management experience - For PM roles

Reality check: Your TS/SCI clearance is worth $40,000-$50,000+ salary premium at the senior level. Defense contractors desperately need cleared senior cyber leaders who understand DoD operations.

Senior positions supporting NSA, Cyber Command, DISA, or IC agencies pay $170,000-$230,000 for experienced cleared leaders. Some specialized roles exceed $250,000.

Companies hiring: Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, Leidos, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, General Dynamics, Peraton, SAIC, ManTech.

You'll lead cyber defense programs, manage teams supporting DoD customers, coordinate incident response, and advise on security strategy—similar to your 0689 role but with better compensation.

Geographic concentration: Most positions in DC/Maryland/Virginia area, Colorado Springs, San Antonio, Augusta GA, Fort Meade area.

Contract risk: Positions are contract-based (2-5 year contracts), requiring some mobility. However, senior cleared professionals rarely struggle finding next contract.

Best for: 0689s with active TS/SCI clearances who want maximum immediate compensation and familiar mission environment.

Director of Security Operations / Security Engineering (senior leadership)

Civilian job titles:

• Director of Security Operations
• Director of Information Security
• Director of Cybersecurity
• Senior Director of Security Engineering
• VP of Security Operations (large orgs)

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Director (mid-size company): $155,000-$195,000
• Senior Director: $185,000-$235,000
• VP Security Operations (enterprise): $220,000-$300,000+

What translates directly:

• Strategic security leadership
• Multi-team management (SOC, incident response, security engineering)
• Executive communication and stakeholder management
• Security budget management ($1M-$10M+)
• Security strategy and roadmap development
• Cross-functional collaboration with IT, Legal, Compliance, Risk

Certifications needed:

• CISSP - Baseline expectation
• CISM - Management credential
• MBA or Master's degree - Often required for Director+
• Executive leadership training - SANS MGT courses, ISC2 leadership

Reality check: Director-level positions require proven civilian leadership experience in most cases. Very few 0689s transition directly into Director roles without first spending 2-4 years as Cybersecurity Manager.

Realistic path: 0689 → Security Manager ($130K-$160K) → Senior Manager/Associate Director ($160K-$190K) → Director ($180K-$220K) over 5-8 years.

However, some 0689s with exceptional background (managed large teams, high-visibility programs, advanced degrees) can land Associate Director or Director roles directly, especially at defense contractors or companies with veteran-friendly hiring.

Director roles involve significant business responsibility: reporting to C-suite, managing budgets, building teams, driving security strategy, presenting to board of directors.

Best for: 0689s with strong business acumen who want senior executive track and are willing to invest 2-5 years reaching Director level.

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) - Long-term goal

Civilian job titles:

• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• VP of Information Security
• Chief Security Officer (CSO)

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• CISO (mid-size company, $100M-$500M revenue): $180,000-$250,000
• CISO (large enterprise, $1B+ revenue): $250,000-$400,000+
• CISO (Fortune 500): $350,000-$600,000+

What translates directly:

• Enterprise-wide security leadership and strategy
• Executive communication and board reporting
• Security risk management and governance
• Regulatory compliance oversight
• Vendor and partner management
• Crisis leadership and incident response
• Building and leading security organizations

Certifications needed:

• CISSP - Expected baseline
• CISM - Management focus
• MBA or Master's degree - Often required
• Board certifications (NACD, ISC2 CISO programs)

Reality check: CISO is a long-term goal, not an immediate transition for most 0689s. Typical path: Military cyber chief → Security Manager → Director → CISO over 8-15 years.

However, some 0689s with exceptional backgrounds (senior enlisted leading large programs, multiple deployments, advanced degrees, strong business skills) have reached CISO roles within 5-10 years of transition.

CISO roles require business acumen, executive presence, board-level communication, and understanding of business risk—not just technical security expertise. You'll spend 80% of time on strategy, people, and communication; 20% on technical decisions.

Best for: 0689s with long-term executive aspirations willing to invest years building civilian leadership track record.

Senior Security Engineer / Security Architect (technical leadership)

Civilian job titles:

• Senior Security Engineer
• Principal Security Engineer
• Security Architect
• Senior Security Architect
• Distinguished Security Engineer

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Senior Security Engineer: $135,000-$175,000
• Principal Security Engineer: $160,000-$200,000
• Security Architect: $150,000-$190,000
• Senior/Principal Architect: $175,000-$220,000+

What translates directly:

• Deep technical security expertise
• Security architecture and design
• Technical leadership and mentorship
• Security tool selection and implementation
• Complex problem solving
• Security standards and best practices

Certifications needed:

• CISSP - Foundation
• GIAC certifications (GCIA, GCIH, GPEN) - Technical depth
• Cloud certifications (AWS Security, Azure Security)
• SABSA or other architecture frameworks - For architect roles

Reality check: If you prefer staying technical rather than managing teams and budgets, senior engineering or architecture roles offer excellent compensation without full management responsibility.

These roles provide technical leadership—you're the expert others consult, you design security solutions, you mentor junior engineers—but you typically don't manage people directly or deal with budgets and business strategy.

Your 0689 experience managing cyber operations gives you technical breadth. You'll need to deepen specific technical areas (cloud security, security architecture, offensive security, etc.) to compete for principal/architect positions.

Pay is excellent and comparable to mid-level management, with less administrative burden and more technical focus.

Best for: 0689s who prefer technical leadership over people management and business strategy.

Incident Response Manager / CSIRT Lead

Civilian job titles:

• Incident Response Manager
• CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team) Manager
• Security Incident Response Lead
• Cyber Crisis Manager

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Incident Response Manager: $125,000-$165,000
• Senior IR Manager: $155,000-$190,000
• CSIRT Director: $175,000-$215,000+

What translates directly:

• Leading security incident response operations
• Crisis management and coordination
• Team leadership during high-pressure incidents
• Incident investigation and analysis
• Stakeholder communication during crises
• Post-incident analysis and improvement

Certifications needed:

• CISSP - Foundation
• GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler) - Specialized IR cert
• GCFA (GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst) - Forensics expertise
• CEH or OSCP - Understanding attacker techniques

Reality check: Your experience leading cyber defense operations and responding to security incidents translates directly to IR management roles. These positions are high-pressure but well-compensated.

IR Managers lead teams responding to breaches, ransomware, insider threats, and other security crises. You'll coordinate with Legal, PR, executives, and external parties during major incidents.

Work involves on-call rotations and responding to incidents 24/7, but base compensation is strong and incident bonuses are common for major events.

Best for: 0689s who thrive under pressure, enjoyed incident response aspects of the job, and want to specialize in crisis management.

GRC (Governance, Risk, Compliance) Manager / Director

Civilian job titles:

• GRC Manager
• Compliance Manager (Security)
• Risk Management Manager
• Security Governance Manager
• Director of Security Compliance

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• GRC Manager: $115,000-$150,000
• Senior GRC Manager: $140,000-$175,000
• Director of GRC: $165,000-$205,000+

What translates directly:

• Security compliance program management
• Risk assessment and management
• Policy development and enforcement
• Audit coordination and oversight
• Regulatory compliance (RMF translates to SOX, HIPAA, PCI, ISO)
• Security governance frameworks

Certifications needed:

• CISSP or CISM - Foundation
• CRISC - Risk management specialist
• CISA - Audit and compliance
• ISO 27001 Lead Auditor - International standard

Reality check: If your 0689 experience included significant RMF oversight, compliance program management, and security governance, GRC leadership offers excellent pay with less operational intensity than SOC management.

GRC roles are heavily process and documentation-focused—less technical, more framework and risk-based. Some technical leaders find this boring; others appreciate the structured nature and better work-life balance.

Pay is competitive with operational security management but typically 10-15% lower than Director of Security Operations roles.

Best for: 0689s who prefer governance and risk management over technical operations and incident response.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "0689 Cyber Space Chief" at the top of your resume. Translate for civilian hiring managers:

Military Experience	Civilian Resume Language
Led cybersecurity team of 20+ Marines	Managed cybersecurity team of 20+ professionals overseeing security operations for 2,000+ user environment
Oversaw defensive cyber operations	Directed security operations center and incident response programs; reduced security incidents 40%
Managed network security for MAGTF	Led network security program for enterprise infrastructure supporting critical operations; maintained 99.9% uptime
Coordinated RMF and security compliance	Managed enterprise security compliance program ensuring continuous authorization across 30+ systems
Advised command on cyber threats	Provided executive-level cybersecurity advisement to senior leadership on threats, risks, and mitigation strategies
Developed security policies and SOPs	Created and enforced security policies and standards aligned with industry frameworks (NIST, ISO)
Led incident response operations	Directed incident response for major security events; coordinated cross-functional teams and external agencies
Managed cyber training program	Developed and executed security awareness and training programs for 500+ personnel
Maintained security readiness	Established security metrics and continuous monitoring program; achieved 98% control compliance
Managed $1.5M equipment budget	Administered cybersecurity budget ($1.5M); optimized resource allocation and vendor management

Key resume tips for senior roles:

• Lead with outcomes: "Reduced security incidents by 45% while managing 12-person team"
• Emphasize scale: "Oversaw security for 3,000-user environment across 8 geographic locations"
• Show strategic impact: "Developed 3-year security roadmap aligned with business objectives"
• Quantify budget/resources: "Managed $2M security budget and team of 15 professionals"
• Use business language: Focus on risk reduction, business enablement, compliance, not just technical fixes

Certifications that actually matter (for senior roles)

At the 0689 level, certifications matter but leadership experience and results matter more. Here's what's worth pursuing:

Critical (must have):

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - Non-negotiable for senior cybersecurity management. You should already have this. If not, get it immediately. Cost: $750. Average salary: $120K-$135K, but for senior roles it's expected baseline.

CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) - Alternative or complement to CISSP with stronger management focus. Highly valued for manager/director roles. Cost: $575 for members. Average salary: $115K-$130K.

High value (pursue within 12-24 months):

Master's degree (MBA or MS Cybersecurity) - Increasingly expected for Director+ roles in corporate environment. Use GI Bill. Opens executive track. Many online programs (Johns Hopkins, SANS Technology Institute, Georgetown).

PMP (Project Management Professional) - Validates program management skills. Useful for large security program management. Cost: $555.

CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) - Risk management specialist cert. Excellent for GRC-focused leadership. Cost: $575 for members.

CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) - If overseeing compliance and audit programs. Cost: $575 for members.

Nice to have (if pursuing specific paths):

GIAC Leadership certifications (GSTRT, GSE) - SANS leadership and expert-level certs. Expensive ($2,000-$8,000) but prestigious.

CCISO (Certified Chief Information Security Officer) - If targeting CISO role. Relatively new cert, growing recognition. Cost: $950.

SABSA or TOGAF - Security architecture frameworks. For architect track.

Executive education - Harvard, MIT, Stanford executive programs in cybersecurity or leadership. Expensive but excellent for networking and executive presence.

Low priority at this level:

Entry-level certs (Security+, CySA+, etc.) - You're beyond these. Focus on senior credentials.

Vendor-specific certs - Less valuable for management roles unless managing specific technology programs.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

You're strong on operational cybersecurity and team leadership. Here's what you need to develop for senior civilian roles:

Business acumen: Understanding P&L, ROI, business risk, revenue impact. Senior security leaders must speak business language, not just technical security.

Financial management: Budget development, variance analysis, capital vs. operational expenses, vendor negotiations, contract management at scale.

Executive communication: Board-level presentations, executive summaries, communicating risk in business terms, influencing without authority.

Corporate politics and stakeholder management: Navigating matrix organizations, building coalitions, managing up, cross-functional collaboration with peers.

Industry-specific regulations: SOX (financial), HIPAA (healthcare), PCI-DSS (retail/payments), GDPR (international), industry-specific compliance frameworks.

Modern security technologies: Cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP), DevSecOps, container security, AI/ML security, zero-trust architecture, SASE.

Metrics and reporting: Security metrics, KPIs, KRIs, dashboards, board reporting, demonstrating security program value.

Change management: Leading organizational change, security culture transformation, gaining buy-in from non-security teams.

Resume and interview skills for senior roles: Executive-level resume writing, behavioral interviews, case studies, panel interviews, salary negotiation at senior levels.

Real 0689 success stories

Brian, 38, former 0689 (20 years total, 12 as cyber) → Security Manager → Director

Brian retired as a Master Sergeant with extensive cyber leadership. Had CISSP and TS/SCI. Started as Security Manager at defense contractor (Leidos) at $145,000. Got MBA using GI Bill (online, Penn State). Promoted to Director of Security Operations after 4 years at $195,000. Leadership experience and clearance were key. Now manages team of 35 supporting IC customers.

Michelle, 35, former 0689 (14 years) → Senior Security Engineer → Security Architect

Michelle got out as a Master Sergeant preferring technical work over management. Joined Amazon Web Services as Senior Security Engineer at $165,000. Got AWS Security certifications and CISSP. Promoted to Security Architect after 3 years at $195,000. Chose technical leadership over people management—loves the work and compensation is excellent.

Robert, 40, former 0689 (18 years) → Cybersecurity Manager → CISO

Robert retired as a Master Sergeant with TS/SCI and strong business skills. Started as Cybersecurity Manager at healthcare company at $135,000. Got CISM and completed executive MBA. Promoted to Director after 3 years ($175,000), then CISO of mid-size healthcare organization after another 4 years ($225,000). Seven years from retirement to CISO—exceptional but possible with right skills and drive.

Angela, 36, former 0689 (15 years) → Program Manager (Defense Contractor)

Angela got out as a Master Sergeant with program management experience. Joined Booz Allen as Cybersecurity Program Manager supporting DoD at $175,000 (TS/SCI clearance). Got PMP. Moved to senior PM role at Northrop Grumman after 3 years at $210,000. Clearance plus leadership plus program management experience = premium compensation.

Action plan: your first 90 days out

As a senior leader, your approach differs from junior personnel:

Month 1: Strategic positioning

Week 1-2:

• Get DD-214 and clearance documentation
• File for VA disability and retirement benefits
• Build executive-level LinkedIn profile (emphasize leadership, scale, results)
• Join senior veteran networks: Honor Foundation, American Corporate Partners
• Research target companies and roles (manager vs. director level)

Week 3-4:

• Develop executive resume (focus on leadership outcomes, team size, budget, strategic impact)
• Target senior-level positions (avoid applying to entry/mid-level roles)
• Identify gaps (MBA? CISSP? CISM?)
• Research salary expectations for target roles ($130K-$180K+ depending on level)
• Prepare executive references (former commanders, peers, subordinates who became officers)

Month 2: Networking and targeting

Week 5-6:

• Network aggressively (LinkedIn, veteran groups, professional associations like ISSA, ISC2)
• Target defense contractors if you have clearance (use ClearanceJobs for senior roles)
• Apply selectively (10-15 senior positions per week, highly targeted)
• Reach out to recruiters specializing in senior cybersecurity roles
• Attend veteran hiring conferences (often have dedicated senior military track)

Week 7-8:

• Enroll in MBA or master's program if needed (use GI Bill)
• Get CISSP or CISM if you don't have one (you should by now)
• Continue targeted applications and networking
• Set up informational interviews with other senior military cyber transitioners
• Prepare for executive-style interviews (behavioral, case studies, strategic thinking)

Month 3: Interview and negotiate

Week 9-10:

• Interview for senior positions (expect multiple rounds including panel and executive interviews)
• Prepare executive presentation or case study if requested
• Research company leadership, security posture, business model
• Understand total compensation (base, bonus, equity, benefits)

Week 11-12:

• Negotiate offers aggressively (senior roles have 15-25% negotiation room)
• Leverage clearance value ($40K-$50K premium for TS/SCI at senior level)
• Consider long-term opportunity, not just starting salary
• Evaluate company culture, growth potential, executive pathway
• Accept position and plan onboarding

If no offers by day 90:

• Consider taking Security Manager role even if targeting Director (build civilian resume)
• Expand geographic search or target remote senior positions
• Get executive resume review from professional specializing in senior military transitions
• Pursue interim consulting/contract work through your network
• Consider starting slightly lower (manager vs. director) to prove civilian capability

Bottom line for 0689s

You're not entry-level. You're a senior cybersecurity leader with 10-15+ years managing cyber operations. That experience is worth $130,000-$220,000 depending on role, company size, and clearance.

Immediate opportunities:

• Cybersecurity Manager: $130,000-$165,000 corporate, $160,000-$195,000 defense contractor with clearance
• Senior Security Engineer: $135,000-$175,000 for technical leadership
• Director roles (after 3-5 years): $175,000-$220,000+
• CISO (long-term, 8-12 years): $200,000-$400,000+

Your biggest assets:

1. Leadership experience managing cyber teams
2. Strategic program management
3. TS/SCI clearance (worth $40K-$50K premium)
4. Operational cyber experience (not just theory)
5. Crisis management and incident response

Critical requirements:

• CISSP or CISM (non-negotiable for senior roles)
• Executive resume (emphasize outcomes, not tasks)
• Business communication skills (translate technical to business impact)
• Consider MBA (increasingly expected for Director+)

You've led Marines in cyber operations. You've managed complex security programs. You've advised senior leadership. That leadership experience translates to civilian security management—you just need to position yourself properly.

Don't apply for entry-level roles. Target manager, senior engineer, and program lead positions. You've earned senior-level compensation—negotiate accordingly.

Hundreds of senior enlisted cyber leaders have successfully transitioned before you. Many are now Directors, VPs, and CISOs earning $180K-$400K+. The path is proven.

Position properly. Network strategically. Negotiate confidently. Execute.

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Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to translate your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.