Security Analyst

Software People, Inc.; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Software People, Inc. is seeking a hands-on Network Security Analyst to bolster day-to-day cybersecurity operations for the U.S. federal/state-college ecosystem in Columbia, SC.

The role supports the Office of Cybersecurity SOC lead and requires strong experience across secure network design, multi‑tenant cloud security, and compliance with FISMA/NIST frameworks. Responsibilities include maturing security and compliance solutions, examining daily alerts, performing risk-based firewall and

Qualifications

• BS degree in Computer Science, information systems, Cybersecurity, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• A network security centric certification such as PCNSE or CCNA

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 assess connectivity, website block and firewall rule requests to ensure no elevated risk.
• Analyze on‑premise and cloud networks for potential threats.
• Develop, review, and analyze network traffic reports that violate approved standards.
• Monitor emerging threat vectors and recommend countermeasures.
• Collaborate with other agency areas to implement security controls.
• Support cloud and on‑premise 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.

Skills

Secure network design

Windows

macOS

Linux

Switching & routing

Enterprise firewalls

Network auditing

IDS/IPS

SIEM (QRadar)

Nessus/Qualys

Cloud security

Education

BS degree in Computer Science/Information Systems/Cybersecurity

Tools

QRadar

Splunk

Nessus

Qualys

Azure

AWS

Job description

Phone/Skype Hire. Onsite from day 1.

Location: Columbia, SC

Duration: 12+ months

This is a hands‑on technical role reporting to the Office of Cybersecurity SOC lead.

The analyst will support leadership, business units, partners, and vendors in day‑to‑day cybersecurity operations.

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)

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‑premise 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‑premise 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

Skills Needed

• Approximately 3-5 years of hands‑on experience in network design, implementation, or support
• Hand‑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 logs, alerts, and network telemetry.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
• 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).

Required Education/Certifications:

BS degree in Computer Science, information systems, Cybersecurity, or related field; or equivalent experience

A network security centric certification such as PCNSE or CCNA

Preferred Education/Certifications:

CISSP or Security+