Lead Cybersecurity Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Cybersecurity Engineer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, offering remote flexibility for a major industrial sector. You will architect enterprise security, guide a team of security professionals, and ensure resilience of digital infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments.

The role requires 8+ years in cybersecurity with 3+ years in leadership, strong expertise in network/cloud security and incident response, and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, IT or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in cybersecurity with 3+ years in leadership.
• Expertise in network security, cloud security and application security.
• Proven incident response, forensics and threat intelligence experience.
• Strong knowledge of NIST CSF, ISO27001/27002 and SOC 2.
• Experience with scripting/automation (Python, PowerShell).
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM or GIAC are required.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement enterprise cybersecurity architecture and solutions.
• Lead and mentor a team of security engineers and analysts.
• Oversee deployment of security technologies (firewalls, VPNs, SIEM, EDR).
• Develop and manage incident response plans and lead investigations.
• Conduct regular security audits, penetration tests and vulnerability assessments.
• Collaborate with IT and OT teams to integrate security across systems.
• Define and enforce security policies, standards and procedures.
• Stay abreast of emerging threats and adapt security strategy.

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

SIEM

EDR

Firewall

IDS/IPS

Python

PowerShell

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent entity in the maritime and industrial sector, is actively seeking a Lead Cybersecurity Engineer to spearhead their security initiatives in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This pivotal role demands a visionary leader capable of architecting and implementing advanced cybersecurity strategies to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in network security, cloud security, and incident response, coupled with strong leadership and strategic planning abilities. You will be responsible for defining the security roadmap, managing a team of security professionals, and ensuring the resilience of our client's digital ecosystem against evolving threats. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of cybersecurity for a major industrial operation in Richards Bay. We are looking for an individual who can inspire confidence, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional security outcomes in a demanding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and implementing enterprise-wide cybersecurity architecture and solutions.
• Leading and mentoring a team of cybersecurity engineers and analysts.
• Overseeing the deployment and management of security technologies, including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, SIEM, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems.
• Developing and managing incident response plans, leading major incident investigations, and coordinating remediation efforts.
• Conducting regular security audits, penetration tests, and vulnerability assessments.
• Collaborating with IT and operational technology (OT) teams to ensure security integration across all systems.
• Defining security policies, standards, and procedures, and ensuring their effective implementation and enforcement.
• Staying informed about emerging cybersecurity threats, trends, and best practices, and adapting strategies accordingly.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, with at least 3 years in a leadership or lead engineer role.
• Demonstrated expertise in network security, cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP), and application security.
• Proven experience in incident response, digital forensics, and threat intelligence.
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, ISO 27001/27002, SOC 2).
• Experience with scripting and automation tools for security tasks (e.g., Python, PowerShell).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or GIAC certifications are required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, executive-level benefits package, significant bonus potential, and opportunities for advanced training and certification.

This remote role provides unparalleled flexibility while contributing to the security of a vital South African industry. Join a forward-thinking organization that invests in its people and technology.