Security Systems Analyst III

Job Title:                      Security Analyst III

Job Location:               Remote

Job Duration:               6+ months contract  

Job Description :

The IT Security Systems Analyst will leverage tools to perform vulnerability and threat monitoring. Investigates, responds to, and reports on network and security risks to tools which include but are not limited to SIEM, NIDS/NIPS, and HIDS/HIPS suites. This position is required to do shift work. The Senior level performs assigned tasks under minimal guidance from supervisor.  Additionally, this role is responsible for supporting firewall security operations, including interpreting, reviewing, and assessing firewall rules for security risk, ensuring alignment with cybersecurity standards, and least privilege principles.

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:
Performs a variety of complex assignments (may lead some projects) and analyzes and solves complex problems in the below areas.
Network and Cyber Threat Monitoring:
Conduct ongoing review of multiple systems and sources to detect network access, network intrusion, information integrity, and NERC CIP compliance risk
Investigate network security events, conducting root-cause analysis to identify threats for recurring incidents​
Monitor and track incidents related to network access, network intrusion, cybersecurity, and NERC CIP regulatory compliance

Corrective Actions:
Troubleshoot, diagnose network problems, and implement corrective action within prescribed guidelines to mitigate impact to business continuity
Support restoration of secure network services as quickly as possible while limiting business impact
Report network incidents, cybersecurity incidents, and NERC CIP compliance risks
Assist in minor network or system configuration changes to improve system security and meet NERC CIP compliance requirements
Recommend and implement firewall rule tuning or configuration changes to mitigate identified risks and improve security posture
Assist in firewall policy remediation efforts to address audit findings, compliance gaps, or identified vulnerabilities
Interpret, review, and analyze firewall rules to identify security risks, misconfigurations, overly permissive access, and compliance gaps
Perform risk-based reviews of firewall rule requests and existing rule sets to ensure adherence to security standards and least privilege access
Support firewall governance processes, including intake validation, rule lifecycle management (create/modify/remove), and periodic recertification activities
Conduct firewall rule reviews to identify redundant, shadowed, or unused rules and recommend remediation actions
Assess firewall configurations against security baselines and hardening standards to reduce attack surface
Collaborate with network, infrastructure, and OT teams to ensure firewall changes are properly designed, tested, and implemented with minimal business risk
Utilize firewall management and policy analysis tools (e.g., FireMon, AlgoSec) to evaluate rule effectiveness, policy compliance, and risk exposure
Support incident response efforts by analyzing firewall logs and rule behavior to determine potential threat activity or unauthorized access paths
Develop and maintain documentation related to firewall policies, standards, and review procedures
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all policies and standards


Qualifications

Required Experience:

Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of related work experience.
Deep knowledge and hands-on experience with enterprise firewall platforms, including Cisco ASA and Palo Alto Networks firewalls
Experience administering and managing Palo Alto Panorama for centralized firewall policy management
Familiarity with DLP, SIEM, NIDS/NIPS, HIDS/HIPS, and endpoint protection suite
Experience with firewall management, including rule lifecycle management, governance processes, and access control design
Strong understanding of firewall hardening practices, segmentation strategies, and least privilege network design
Ability to interpret complex firewall rule sets and translate findings into actionable security recommendations
Easily adapts to changing circumstances
Understands business goals and strategic priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

NERC CIP Compliance Analysis Certification, System Operator Certification, GIAC Critical Infrastructure Protection Security Certification
Possesses knowledge and understanding of specific testing tools (e.g., Windows automation tool)
Ability to establish and maintain the appropriate programs to recover the systems in the event of a disaster or security threat
Presents a creative approach to problems Experience supporting fast-changing business organizations.