Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Salary : $93,804.00 - $123,084.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 2026-23
Department: Administrative Office of the Courts
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Senior Cybersecurity Engineer is a key technical contributor to the AOC's Information Security Program and is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security controls that protect Washington's Judicial Branch systems and services.
This role focuses on engineering and operationalizing security solutions across infrastructure, cloud, applications, and endpoints. The Cybersecurity Engineer works closely with internal teams, external partners, and court stakeholders to strengthen the agency's security posture through proactive defense, automation, and continuous improvement.
Primary responsibilities include implementing and managing security technologies, supporting secure system design, improving detection and response capabilities, and ensuring alignment with established cybersecurity frameworks and best practices. This position also supports vulnerability management, incident response, and secure development initiatives.
The incumbent serves as a member of the organization's Incident Response Team.
Washington Courts Employment Opportunity

Administrative Office of the Courts
Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Information Services Division - Cyber Security Unit
Our Mission: To advance the timely, effective, and equitable operations of the Washington State judicial branch.
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values integrity, inclusion, accountability, and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance.
Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.
POSITION DETAILS
Job #: 2026-23

Status: Regular, Full-Time*

Location: Olympia, Washington

Salary: Range 72: $93,804 - $123,084 per year (DOQ).

Opens: May 12, 2026

Closes: June 12, 2026. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time but no sooner than seven calendar days after posting. If you have applied to this position in the last 60 days there is no need to reapply.
WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENCY AND TELEWORK INFORMATION
AOC requires employees to reside in Washington State. Any exceptions must be approved. If you are invited to interview and currently reside outside of Washington State, seek more information about residency requirements from the AOC hiring manager of this recruitment.
This position requires at least 2 days per week working onsite at AOC facilities

Duties
Security Engineering & Architecture

• Design, implement, and maintain security controls across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Engineer secure solutions for identity and access management, endpoint protection, network security, and data protection.
• Collaborate with infrastructure and development teams to integrate security into system and application architecture.
• Develop and maintain security baselines, configurations, and hardening standards.

Cloud & Platform Security

• Implement and manage security controls within Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Azure DevOps environments.
• Configure and optimize Microsoft Defender security tools (Endpoint, Identity, Cloud Apps, etc.).
• Validate cloud security posture and ensure alignment with best practices and compliance requirements.
• Support secure cloud architecture and zero-trust initiatives.

Vulnerability Management & Remediation

• Operate and enhance the vulnerability management program using tools such as Tenable.
• Analyze, prioritize, and coordinate remediation of vulnerabilities across systems and applications.
• Automate vulnerability scanning, reporting, and tracking where possible.
• Partner with system owners to ensure timely remediation and risk reduction.

Threat Detection & Response Engineering

• Develop and tune detection rules, alerts, and analytics across security platforms.
• Integrate threat intelligence into detection and response workflows.
• Support security monitoring and incident response activities.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement improvements following security incidents.

Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Develop scripts, workflows, and automation to improve security operations efficiency.
• Reduce manual processes in vulnerability management, alerting, and reporting.
• Continuously evaluate and improve security tooling and processes.

Compliance & Security Alignment

• Implement technical controls aligned with NIST CSF, CIS Controls, NIST SP 800-53, CJIS, StateRAMP, and FedRAMP.
• Support audits by providing technical evidence and documentation.
• Work with risk and compliance teams to operationalize security requirements.

Incident Response & Preparedness

• Serve as an active member of the AOC Enterprise Incident Response Team.
• Participate in incident triage, containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Help improve incident response playbooks and detection capabilities.
• Support post-incident reviews and implementation of lessons learned.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with IT, development, and business teams to promote secure solutions.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert on cybersecurity engineering topics.
• Contribute to a culture of security awareness and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
A combination of education, experience, and certifications demonstrating a working knowledge of the functions and work of the SISA may substitute for qualifications listed.
A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software/Computer Engineering, or a closely allied field; AND:
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in a combination of the following:

1. Maintaining security standards for a medium or large government agency or organization (state or federal)
2. Addressing complex issues such as application security, access management, risk analysis, security assessments, and vulnerability analysis.

Certifications, Memberships, Licensure or Permits:

Acceptable professional IT certifications that are current can be substituted for up to three (3) years of experience with each certification equivalent to one (1) year of experience.
Acceptable certification(s) include, but are not limited to:
(ISC)2 - CISSP, CCSP, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, CISSP-ISSMP, CSSLP
ISACA - CISA, CISM, CSX-P
CompTIA - Security+ CE, CySA+, CASP+, PenTest+
SANS - GIAC advanced certifications
THE IDEAL APPLICANT WILL ALSO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear and compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
• In depth experience with conducting audits or risk assessments, implementing controls, and managing remediation efforts.
• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST, CIS, etc.
• Familiarity with systems and network infrastructure security technologies, including application/OS hardening techniques, network protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, etc.
• Basic understanding of fundamental security and network concepts (Windows security: OS lockdown; logging and monitoring; application security; user access; perimeter protection principles, network communication rules; intrusion detection and analysis methods; etc.)
• Experienced working with the following tools, risk assessment, vulnerability management, threat modeling, network analysis tools, etc.

Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY
For more information about the position, to review the job description, application submission requirements, supplemental questions, inquire about benefits, or to apply for the position:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• The workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency needs.
• Overnight travel may be required based on business needs.
• This position is not overtime eligible.

The AOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, pregnancy, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical, mental or sensory disability (actual or perceived), use of a service animal, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, age, HIV or Hepatitis C status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, please contact the AOC Human Resource Office, at , or fax , or via email to
Candidates who are offered a job with AOC must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
AOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal government eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identify and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements for that form.
AOC does not use E-verify; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit ;br>Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
SPECIAL NOTE: Before a new hire, a background check, including criminal history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026