The Senior Cybersecurity Engineer is a key technical contributor to the AOC’s Information Security Program and is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security controls that protect Washington’s Judicial Branch systems and services.
This role focuses on engineering and operationalizing security solutions across infrastructure, cloud, applications, and endpoints. The Cybersecurity Engineer works closely with internal teams, external partners, and court stakeholders to strengthen the agency’s security posture through proactive defense, automation, and continuous improvement.
Primary responsibilities include implementing and managing security technologies, supporting secure system design, improving detection and response capabilities, and ensuring alignment with established cybersecurity frameworks and best practices. This position also supports vulnerability management, incident response, and secure development initiatives.
The incumbent serves as a member of the organization’s Incident Response Team.
Washington Courts Employment Opportunity
Administrative Office of the Courts
Senior Cybersecurity Engineer
Information Services Division – Cyber Security Unit
Our Mission: To advance the timely, effective, and equitable operations of the Washington State judicial branch.
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values integrity, inclusion, accountability, and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance.
Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.
Job #: 2026-23
Status: Regular, Full-Time*
Location: Olympia, Washington
Salary: Range 72: $93,804 - $123,084 per year (DOQ).
Opens: May 12, 2026
Closes: June 12, 2026. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time but no sooner than seven calendar days after posting. If you have applied to this position in the last 60 days there is no need to reapply.
WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENCY AND TELEWORK INFORMATION
AOC requires employees to reside in Washington State. Any exceptions must be approved. If you are invited to interview and currently reside outside of Washington State, seek more information about residency requirements from the AOC hiring manager of this recruitment.
This position requires at least 2 days per week working onsite at AOC facilities
Security Engineering & Architecture
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Design, implement, and maintain security controls across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
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Engineer secure solutions for identity and access management, endpoint protection, network security, and data protection.
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Collaborate with infrastructure and development teams to integrate security into system and application architecture.
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Develop and maintain security baselines, configurations, and hardening standards.
Cloud & Platform Security
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Implement and manage security controls within Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Azure DevOps environments.
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Configure and optimize Microsoft Defender security tools (Endpoint, Identity, Cloud Apps, etc.).
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Validate cloud security posture and ensure alignment with best practices and compliance requirements.
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Support secure cloud architecture and zero-trust initiatives.
Vulnerability Management & Remediation
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Operate and enhance the vulnerability management program using tools such as Tenable.
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Analyze, prioritize, and coordinate remediation of vulnerabilities across systems and applications.
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Automate vulnerability scanning, reporting, and tracking where possible.
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Partner with system owners to ensure timely remediation and risk reduction.
Threat Detection & Response Engineering
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Develop and tune detection rules, alerts, and analytics across security platforms.
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Integrate threat intelligence into detection and response workflows.
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Support security monitoring and incident response activities.
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Conduct root cause analysis and implement improvements following security incidents.
Automation & Continuous Improvement
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Develop scripts, workflows, and automation to improve security operations efficiency.
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Reduce manual processes in vulnerability management, alerting, and reporting.
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Continuously evaluate and improve security tooling and processes.
Compliance & Security Alignment
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Implement technical controls aligned with NIST CSF, CIS Controls, NIST SP 800-53, CJIS, StateRAMP, and FedRAMP.
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Support audits by providing technical evidence and documentation.
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Work with risk and compliance teams to operationalize security requirements.
Incident Response & Preparedness
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Serve as an active member of the AOC Enterprise Incident Response Team.
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Participate in incident triage, containment, eradication, and recovery.
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Help improve incident response playbooks and detection capabilities.
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Support post-incident reviews and implementation of lessons learned.
Collaboration & Communication
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Partner with IT, development, and business teams to promote secure solutions.
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Serve as a technical subject matter expert on cybersecurity engineering topics.
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Contribute to a culture of security awareness and continuous improvement.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
A combination of education, experience, and certifications demonstrating a working knowledge of the functions and work of the SISA may substitute for qualifications listed.
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software/Computer Engineering, or a closely allied field; AND:
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in a combination of the following:
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Maintaining security standards for a medium or large government agency or organization (state or federal)
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Addressing complex issues such as application security, access management, risk analysis, security assessments, and vulnerability analysis.
Certifications, Memberships, Licensure or Permits:
Acceptable professional IT certifications that are current can be substituted for up to three (3) years of experience with each certification equivalent to one (1) year of experience.
Acceptable certification(s) include, but are not limited to:
- (ISC)2 – CISSP, CCSP, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, CISSP-ISSMP, CSSLP
- ISACA – CISA, CISM, CSX-P
- CompTIA – Security+ CE, CySA+, CASP+, PenTest+
- SANS – GIAC advanced certifications
THE IDEAL APPLICANT WILL ALSO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear and compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
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In depth experience with conducting audits or risk assessments, implementing controls, and managing remediation efforts.
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In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST, CIS, etc.
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Familiarity with systems and network infrastructure security technologies, including application/OS hardening techniques, network protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, etc.
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Basic understanding of fundamental security and network concepts (Windows security: OS lockdown; logging and monitoring; application security; user access; perimeter protection principles, network communication rules; intrusion detection and analysis methods; etc.)
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Experienced working with the following tools, risk assessment, vulnerability management, threat modeling, network analysis tools, etc.
For more information about the position, to review the job description, application submission requirements, supplemental questions, inquire about benefits, or to apply for the position: CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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The workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency needs.
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Overnight travel may be required based on business needs.
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This position is not overtime eligible.
The AOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, pregnancy, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical, mental or sensory disability (actual or perceived), use of a service animal, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, age, HIV or Hepatitis C status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, please contact the AOC Human Resource Office, at (360) 704-4143, or fax (360) 586-4409, or via email to [email protected].
Candidates who are offered a job with AOC must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
AOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal government eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identify and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements for that form.
AOC does not use E-verify; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
SPECIAL NOTE: Before a new hire, a background check, including criminal history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.
