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.
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 ship)***
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.
Recruitment Transparency NoticeEliassen Group values transparency in our recruitment practices. Please be advised that Eliassen Group utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of its initial application screening and hiring process. You may receive email and SMS notifications from the Eliassen Virtual Recruiting Team (, ) inviting you to complete a brief voice screening as part of your application process. These tools assist our hiring teams in different ways, including but not limited to, assistance in reviewing application materials to help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position. All AI-assisted evaluations and responses are reviewed by human recruiters before any hiring decisions are made. The use of AI in our process is intended to support fairness, efficiency, and consistency, and Eliassen Group takes measures to prevent bias or discrimination in connection with its hiring practices. By proceeding, you acknowledge, agree, and consent to Eliassen Group's use of these tools, including AI tools, as part of the application and hiring process.Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.
W2 employees of Eliassen Group who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for the following benefits: medical (choice of 3 plans), dental, vision, pre-tax accounts, other voluntary benefits including life and disability insurance, 401(k) with match, and sick time if required by law in the worked-in state/locality.
If anyone reaches out to you about an open position connected with Eliassen Group, please ensure that you are working directly with us by confirming the following: When you work with Eliassen Group, all email communication will come from an Eliassen.com address, never Gmail, Yahoo, etc. Eliassen Group will never ask you for personal information (home address, bank account, or check routing number) until you have worked with someone clearly associated with Eliassen Group.If you have any indication of fraudulent activity, please contact .About Eliassen Group:Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients' capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.Eliassen is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and all employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. Eliassen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual preference or orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, prohibited criminal record inquiries of applicants and employees, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.Don't miss out on our referral program! If we hire a candidate that you refer us to then you can be eligible for a $1,000 referral check! 
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