SOC Security Engineer / Vulnerability Management Specialist

Objective Partners; Pequannock Township (NJ); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Objective Partners is seeking a SOC Security Engineer / Vulnerability Management Specialist to join our hybrid team in the Wayne, NJ area. The role starts as a contract-to-hire engagement with potential to convert to a full-time internal position based on business needs.

You will support day-to-day SOC operations, assist with incident response, and lead vulnerability management efforts while growing toward penetration testing.

Qualifications

• Foundational professional experience in cybersecurity.
• Interest in SOC operations, incident response, vulnerability management and penetration testing.
• Familiarity with Windows, Linux and cloud environments (AWS/Azure).
• Willingness to learn new security tools and processes.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day SOC operations, including monitoring and alert triage.
• Assist incident response activities, escalating and containing incidents.
• Perform vulnerability management, track remediation and coordinate with teams.
• Gain exposure to penetration testing methodologies and tools.
• Help maintain baseline security across Windows, Linux and cloud environments.
• Support PCI audit activities with documentation when needed.
• Collaborate with security operations to improve processes and initiatives.

Skills

Cybersecurity basics

SOC operations

Incident response

Vulnerability management

Penetration testing

Education

Entry-level cybersecurity experience

Tools

Penetration testing tools

Security testing tools

Job description

SOC Security Engineer / Vulnerability Management Specialist

Engagement Type: Contract-to-Hire
Location: Hybrid, Wayne, NJ area

Overview

We are seeking a Security Engineer to work closely alongside the SOC team as a key contributor to day-to-day security operations. This is an entry-to-mid-level opportunity for someone with a strong security foundation and a genuine interest in growing into penetration testing, vulnerability management, and incident response.

The role will provide some support around PCI compliance as needed, but the primary focus is hands-on cybersecurity operations rather than compliance administration.

This position will begin as a consultant/contract role, with the potential to convert to a full-time internal position based on future business needs and headcount approval.

What You'll Do

• Support day-to-day SOC operations, including security monitoring and alert triage.

• Assist with incident response activities, including identifying, escalating, and helping contain security incidents.

• Perform vulnerability management, including scanning, tracking remediation, and coordinating with infrastructure and application teams to close security gaps.

• Gain hands‑on exposure to penetration testing methodologies and tools, with room to grow into this area over time.

• Help maintain baseline security hardening across Windows, Linux, and cloud environments.

• Provide backup support during PCI audit cycles when coordination or documentation assistance is needed.

• Partner closely with the security operations team to improve processes and support higher‑level security initiatives.

Who You Are

• Foundational professional experience in cybersecurity. Entry‑level candidates with relevant hands‑on exposure will be considered.

• Strong interest in building a long‑term career specifically in cybersecurity, particularly SOC operations, incident response, vulnerability management, and penetration testing.

• Basic familiarity with security fundamentals across Windows, Linux, and cloud environments such as AWS or Azure.

• Comfortable learning new security tools, technologies, and processes.

• Strong communication and follow‑through, with the ability to coordinate with stakeholders and drive issues through resolution.

• Collaborative team‑player mindset and comfort working closely with other security professionals.

Nice to Have

• Exposure to penetration testing tools, labs, or coursework.

• Familiarity with PCI DSS or compliance audit processes.

• Relevant security certifications such as Security+, CEH, or similar.

**We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, ethnic origin, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.**

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