Junior Network Security Analyst

DP Professionals (DPP); Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DP Professionals (DPP) in Columbia, SC is seeking a Junior Network Security Analyst for a 12-month W2 contract onsite. The role emphasizes hands-on network design, security best practices, and on‑premise and cloud networking.

Responsibilities include responding to daily network alerts, performing security assessments for firewall and infrastructure changes, reviewing connectivity and firewall requests, and collaborating with senior analysts on complex initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• PCNSE or CCNA certification is preferred or recommended.
• Hands-on experience in IT security or system administration and security design principles.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maturing network security and compliance solutions.
• Investigate and respond to daily network alerts.
• Perform network security assessments for firewall and infrastructure changes.
• Conduct technical analysis for network security planning and engineering.
• Review connectivity, website block and firewall rule requests for risk.
• Analyze on-premises and cloud networks for potential threats.
• Develop, review, and analyze network traffic reports per standards.

Skills

Network design

Routing & switching

Network security

Cloud networking

Log analysis

Threat monitoring

Firewall administration

SIEM (QRadar/Splunk)

Vulnerability tools

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Information Systems/Cybersecurity

Certifications: PCNSE and CCNA recommended

Tools

QRadar

Splunk

Nessus

Qualys

Firewall management tools

Cloud security tools

Job description

DPP is seeking a Junior Network Security Analyst for an opportunity with our client in Columbia, SC.

Work Location: Onsite in Columbia, SC Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension Terms: W2 Contract Candidate Location: Must be a SC resident; no relocation

Position Summary:

• The Office of Cybersecurity ensures the confidentiality, integrity and availability of systems and services. Strong candidate must have hands-on experience with:
  • Data network design best practices
  • Routing and switching protocols
  • Network security best practices
  • On-premises and/or cloud networking environments
• This role requires someone who can contribute independently on technical tasks and support more senior analysts on complex initiatives.
• This is an ongoing project with aggressive timelines.
• A majority of the team is made up of experienced professionals, and we are seeking individuals who are highly productive, flexible, and comfortable working in an environment where priorities can shift.
• Team members are expected to contribute with minimal supervision.
• Candidates who enjoy complex, change-driven projects and collaborating with motivated colleagues will find this position appealing.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in maturing network security and compliance solutions.
• Investigate and respond to daily network alerts.
• Perform network security assessments for proposed firewall and infrastructure changes.
• Conduct technical analysis for network security planning and engineering.
• Review and assessment of connectivity, website block and firewall rule requests to ensure they do not present an elevated risk to the agency.
• Analyze on-premises and cloud networks for potential threats.
• Develop, review, and analyze network traffic reports that violate the agency's approved standards governing Ports, Protocols and Services.
• Monitor emerging threat vectors and recommend countermeasures.
• Collaborate with other areas of the agency to implement security controls.
• Support cloud and on-premises network changes and enhancement projects.
• Ensure compliance with ARC-AMPE, HIPAA and SCDIS-200.
• Assist with KPI creation and trend report monitoring.
• Participate in firewall configuration reviews and ruleset recertification.
• Provide guidance on best practices to technical teams.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

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 securenetwork design, security architecture, compliance tools, data protection, and access models.
• Ability to analyze logs, alerts, and network telemetry.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Security Program Experience: Strongly desired experience includes:
  • CMS ARC-AMPE, HIPAA, NIST or other FISMA RMF frameworks
  • Performing repeatable security processes supporting compliant enterprise architectures
  • Supporting security considerations for multi-tenant cloud environments and vendor integrations
• Technical Experience: Candidates should have hands-on experience with:
  • Secure network design principles
  • Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems
  • Switching and Routing
  • Enterprise Firewalls
  • Network auditing
  • IDS/IPS platforms
  • Network security monitoring
  • SIEM platforms such as QRadar, Splunk (Preferred)
  • Vulnerability scanning tools (Nessus, Qualys, etc.)
  • Cloud Infrastructure Security (Preferred)

Required Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• A network security centric certification such as PCNSE or CCNA.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in regulatory environments.
• Experience supporting health IT or state government.
• Familiarity with FISMA, NIST, CMS ARC-AMPE, and HIPAA security and privacy standards.
• Cloud network security controls(Azure or AWS).

Preferred Certifications:

• CISSP or Security+.

Authorized US Worker

US Citizens and those authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply. We are unable to sponsor at this time.

DP Professionals (DPP) offers a range of compensation and benefits packages to our employees and their eligible dependents. DPP is a certified Woman-owned Small Business Enterprise (WBE and WOSB) with more than 25 years in the staffing industry. EOE/AA/V/D