Associate Cybersecurity Engineer - Controls

Description:
Aiken, SC - mostly on site, hybrid role in the government / energy sector (on-site with limited remote flexibility)

Our client seeks an Associate Security Engineer to support cybersecurity controls within a highly regulated environment. This role focuses on assisting with the design, implementation, and evaluation of security measures aligned to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and supporting the protection of enterprise systems, networks, and data.

This is an excellent opportunity for early-career cybersecurity professionals who are eager to grow their skills in governance, risk, and compliance while working alongside senior engineers in a mission-critical environment.

The role will assist with investigation, design, and development of software and hardware security technologies, maintain access controls, and help ensure data integrity and confidentiality.

The position is hybrid in Aiken, SC with an anticipated schedule of 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The engagement is a six month contract with potential extensions.

Due to federal security clearance requirements, applicant must be a United States Citizen or Permanent Resident

Pay Rate: $25-$27 per hour W2.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the investigation, design, and implementation of cybersecurity controls across systems and networks
• Support security activities aligned to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (Identify, Detect, Respond, Recover)
• Help maintain the integrity of workstations, servers, and networks through access controls and secure lifecycle processes
• Support data confidentiality and integrity through encryption and data retention technologies
• Work with vendors and internal teams to develop and evaluate technical security solutions
• Participate in group problem-solving and collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Conduct research using available cybersecurity resource materials and apply findings to real-world use cases
• Contribute to documentation, policies, and procedures to ensure alignment with regulatory and customer requirements
• Maintain a strong safety mindset and follow all safety rules and training requirements

Experience Requirements:

• Foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles, protections, or frameworks
• Basic understanding of computer systems, operating systems, and networking concepts
• Strong written communication and documentation skills
• Ability to work primarily on-site with limited telework options
• Demonstrated willingness to learn complex cybersecurity requirements in regulated environments
• Comfortable asking for guidance and working under supervision from senior technical staff

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to NIST SP 800-series guidance or the Risk Management Framework (RMF)
• Experience supporting cybersecurity activities such as:
  • System categorization
  • Control selection and implementation
  • Security assessments and authorization support
  • Continuous monitoring
• Familiarity with governance, compliance, or technical security documentation
• Previous experience holding a federal or energy-sector security clearance within the past two years

Additional Details

• Full-time schedule with flexibility across standard workweek formats
• Overtime may be required at times to meet project deliverables
• Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance; an active clearance is not required to start ***Ability to obtain and maintain a USA government federal agency security clearance. Prior clearance within two years is preferred (requires US citizenship)***

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in an IT-related discipline (e.g., Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Software or Computer Engineering), or
• Non-IT Bachelor's degree with relevant cybersecurity experience, or
• Associate degree in an IT-related field with additional relevant experience, or
• High school diploma with significant equivalent hands-on experience in cybersecurity or IT
• *** Knowledge of computer and network digital systems used in business or process applications. Detailed knowledge in specific operating systems is desirable.