Cybersecurity Jobs in European Defence

Among the startups and SMEs tracked on DefenceJobs, companies hiring include Stormshield (network and endpoint security, France), Sekoia.io (cyber threat intelligence platform, Paris), Quarkslab (reverse engineering and software protection, Paris), Filigran (open-source CTI tooling, France), Pradeo (mobile security, Montpellier) and Blackwall (bot management, Tallinn). Reverse engineering, malware analysis and threat intelligence are more prevalent here than in commercial cybersecurity, where GRC and cloud security roles tend to dominate. Knowledge of military communication protocols, SCADA/ICS security or classified network architectures is valued for more senior positions, though typically learned on the job.

Security clearance is more commonly required in cybersecurity than in other defence tech domains, given the proximity to classified networks and intelligence material. The process varies by country but the employer typically sponsors the clearance application, and candidates without existing clearance can still apply to most positions. For candidates coming from commercial cybersecurity, the transition is relatively direct. The technical skills transfer well, and the main adjustment is working within stricter information-handling rules and longer procurement timelines.