Accenture plans to hire 1,000 tech workers in DC by 2020, opens Arlington cyber hub

Accenture announced plans to create 1,000 tech jobs in the region over the next two years. The global consulting giant described the jobs as “highly-skilled technology jobs,” and said they would be in areas including “security, digital and cloud.”

“The company’s investments in our workforce and our cybersecurity capabilities are helping advance our region’s leadership in solving one of the most challenging issues we face today,” Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement. “Accenture’s investments also support Virginia’s commitment to ensuring that our people have the skills they need to thrive in the 21st-century workforce.”

One of those areas was represented in the setting for the announcement. The firm unveiled a new “Cyber Fusion Center” in Arlington, Va., which brings together services that can help Accenture clients defend against cyberattacks. The 28,000 sq. ft. space at 1201 Wilson Blvd. has a “war room” for responding to threats, simulation of potential attacks and test center for security hardware. The firm is looking to tap into cybersecurity talent in the area.

https://twitter.com/accenturelabs/status/1009526855114911744

It’s also attached to an “Accenture Lab,” where the firm carries out R&D for new cybersecurity tools. Accenture said it operates similar centers in Bangalore, Prague and Tel Aviv.