Network Security Analyst

**Title: Network Security Analyst

Work Location: Columbia, SC 29201

Position Type: W2 contract

Experience: 5 years

Primary Skills Network Security, Network Design, Routing and Switching, Enterprise Firewalls, IDS/IPS, Network Security Monitoring, SIEM, QRadar, Splunk, Vulnerability Management, Nessus, Qualys, Network Auditing, Cloud Network Security, Azure, AWS, Windows, Linux, macOS, Security Architecture, Cybersecurity Compliance, NIST, FISMA, HIPAA, CMS ARC-AMPE, SOC Operations** Job Summary We are seeking a Junior Network Security Analyst to join the Office of Cybersecurity. This is a hands-on technical position supporting day-to-day cybersecurity operations and reporting to the SOC Lead.

The ideal candidate will have practical experience in network design, routing and switching, network security, firewalls, IDS/IPS, security monitoring, vulnerability assessment, and on-premises/cloud networking environments. The candidate should be able to work independently on technical assignments while supporting senior analysts on complex cybersecurity initiatives.

This is an ongoing project with aggressive timelines. Candidates should be highly productive, flexible, comfortable with changing priorities, and able to contribute with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in maturing network security and compliance solutions.
• Investigate and respond to daily network security alerts.
• Perform network security assessments for firewall and infrastructure changes.
• Conduct technical analysis for network security planning and engineering.
• Review connectivity, website-blocking, and firewall-rule requests for security risks.
• Analyze on-premises and cloud networks for potential threats.
• Develop and analyze network traffic reports involving ports, protocols, and services.
• Monitor emerging cybersecurity threats and recommend appropriate countermeasures.
• Collaborate with technical teams to implement security controls.
• Support cloud and on-premises network changes and enhancement projects.
• Participate in firewall configuration reviews and ruleset recertification.
• Assist with KPI development and security trend monitoring.
• Provide technical teams with guidance on network security best practices.
• Perform additional SOC responsibilities as assigned.

Required Technical Skills

• Secure network design principles
• Network architecture and security
• Routing and switching
• Enterprise firewalls
• IDS/IPS
• Network security monitoring
• Network auditing
• Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Vulnerability scanning tools such as Nessus and Qualys
• SIEM platforms such as QRadar and Splunk
• On-premises networking
• Cloud networking and security
• Log, alert, and network telemetry analysis

Security & Compliance Experience Experience with one or more of the following is strongly desired:

• CMS ARC-AMPE
• HIPAA
• NIST
• FISMA RMF
• Security and privacy standards
• Enterprise security compliance processes
• Multi-tenant cloud environments
• Vendor security integrations

Required Qualifications

• Approximately 3 5 years of hands-on experience in network design, implementation, or support.
• Hands-on experience in IT security or system administration.
• Working knowledge of secure network design, security architecture, compliance tools, data protection, and access models.
• Ability to analyze security logs, alerts, and network telemetry.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Network-security-focused certification such as CCNA or PCNSE.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in regulated environments.
• Experience supporting healthcare IT or state government environments.
• Familiarity with FISMA, NIST, CMS ARC-AMPE, and HIPAA.
• Experience with cloud network security controls, particularly Azure or AWS.
• CISSP or Security+ certification.