Security Engineer (AWS/IAM) with HIgher Education - Remote

Job Title: Cloud Security Engineer (AWS/IAM)

 

Location: Remote 

 

Industry: Higher Education 

 

Type: Contract 

 

Client is seeking an experienced Security Engineer to support a confidential Higher Education client on strategic enterprise security initiatives. This role will focus on strengthening security controls across infrastructure, cloud environments, enterprise applications, and identity and access management systems. 

 

The Security Engineer will collaborate with IT leadership, security partners, and executive stakeholders to drive security improvements, remediate vulnerabilities, enhance cloud security, and support ongoing security operations. This engagement is designed to accelerate key security initiatives and strengthen the client's overall cybersecurity posture.  

 

Key Responsibilities 

 

Lead server and application security patching efforts across enterprise environments. 

 

Assess, test, and implement operating system and application security updates. 

 

Support vulnerability remediation initiatives and recommend risk reduction strategies. 

 

Review and strengthen security configurations across infrastructure, applications, and cloud platforms. 

 

Evaluate and recommend security improvements for enterprise systems and integrations. 

 

Assess AWS security posture and implement cloud security best practices. 

 

Support AWS security tools including GuardDuty, Security Hub, IAM, and security monitoring capabilities. 

 

Conduct security assessments, configuration reviews, and security hardening activities. 

 

Assist with Identity and Access Management (IAM), access governance, and role-based access reviews. 

 

Partner with internal teams, vendors, and security stakeholders to resolve security-related issues. 

 

Develop technical documentation, remediation plans, and operational procedures. 

 

Provide knowledge transfer to support long-term operational sustainability. 

 

Required Qualifications 

 

5+ years of experience in Information Security, Security Engineering, Infrastructure Security, or Systems Administration with a strong security focus. 

 

Hands-on experience supporting Windows and/or Linux server environments. 

 

Experience managing enterprise operating system and application patching programs. 

 

Strong understanding of vulnerability management and remediation practices. 

 

Experience performing security assessments and security configuration reviews. 

 

Knowledge of Identity and Access Management (IAM) principles and access governance best practices. 

 

Proven ability to analyze security risks and develop practical remediation recommendations. 

 

Strong troubleshooting, communication, and documentation skills. 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

 

Experience securing AWS environments. 

 

Familiarity with AWS security services such as GuardDuty, Security Hub, CloudTrail, and IAM. 

 

Experience supporting Higher Education, Public Sector, or large enterprise environments. 

 

Security certifications such as Security+, CISSP, SSCP, AWS Security Specialty, GIAC, or similar credentials. 

 

Experience working alongside security consulting organizations or virtual/fractional CISO teams. 

 

Nice to Have 

 

Experience supporting ERP and enterprise application security. 

 

Security engineering experience within complex application environments. 

 

Familiarity with third-party vendor management and security coordination.