Senior Cybersecurity Engineer (Remote-First)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Home office allowance

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer for a fully remote role. You will design, implement, and operate security across cloud and on‑premises infrastructure, with emphasis on threat detection and incident response.

You will lead security automation, vulnerability management, and collaborate with distributed teams to embed security into system design. Strong communication and self‑motivation required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity engineering and operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in network security, endpoint security, cloud security (AWS/Azure/GCP), and SIEM technologies.
• Strong proficiency in scripting and automation languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash.
• Experience with incident response procedures and digital forensics.
• Solid understanding of common security vulnerabilities, threats, and attack vectors.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fully remote setting.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, Security+, CEH, or cloud security certifications are highly desirable.
• Experience contributing to security strategy and architecture within a remote-first or hybrid work model.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage security solutions across enterprise infrastructure, including cloud environments.
• Develop and maintain security monitoring and alerting systems to detect and respond to incidents in real-time.
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests; coordinate remediation efforts.
• Develop and implement security automation scripts and tools to improve efficiency.
• Lead incident response activities: investigation, containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Collaborate with IT and engineering to embed security into system design and deployment.
• Create and maintain documentation for security systems, policies, and procedures.
• Research and evaluate new security technologies and trends to enhance capabilities.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff.
• Promote a security-conscious culture through awareness training.

Skills

Python

PowerShell

Bash

Cloud security

SIEM

Incident response

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is excited to announce an opening for a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, a pivotal role designed for a highly skilled professional within our remote-first culture. This position, operating entirely remotely, focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining robust security systems and infrastructure to protect our organization from evolving cyber threats. The Senior Cybersecurity Engineer will be responsible for a wide range of security operations, including threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and security automation. We are looking for an individual with a deep technical understanding, a proactive approach to security, and the ability to thrive in a distributed team environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute significantly to our security posture from the comfort of your home office, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication across geographical boundaries. The role requires self-motivation and a commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage security solutions and technologies across the enterprise infrastructure, including cloud environments.
• Develop and maintain security monitoring and alerting systems to detect and respond to security incidents in real-time.
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests, and coordinate remediation efforts.
• Develop and implement security automation scripts and tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness of security operations.
• Lead incident response activities, including investigation, containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Collaborate with IT and engineering teams to ensure security best practices are integrated into system design and deployment.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for security systems, policies, and procedures.
• Research and evaluate new security technologies and trends to enhance the organization's security capabilities.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior cybersecurity staff.
• Participate in security awareness training and promote a security-conscious culture across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity engineering and operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in network security, endpoint security, cloud security (AWS/Azure/GCP), and SIEM technologies.
• Strong proficiency in scripting and automation languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash.
• Experience with incident response procedures and digital forensics.
• Solid understanding of common security vulnerabilities, threats, and attack vectors.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fully remote setting.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, Security+, CEH, or cloud security certifications are highly desirable.
• Experience contributing to security strategy and architecture within a remote-first or hybrid work model.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Full benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company match.
• Allowance for home office setup and professional development.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects with a cutting-edge cybersecurity team.
• Collaborative virtual work environment fostering innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing, security-focused organization.
• Regular virtual team events and professional networking opportunities.