COMPA Industries is searching for qualified candidates for an Associate Computer Security Engineer – Cyber Response position supporting SRNS in Aiken, SC.
Pay: $30–$40/hr
Location: Aiken, SC
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 6:30 AM–5:00 PM
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, 25%–100% onsite depending on project needs
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required
Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" clearance
Position Type: Contract
Projects Supported: All small and large projects
Interview Process: MS Teams
Candidates must have a strong interest in cybersecurity, cyber response, digital forensics, log review, alert management, email security, technical research, and security incident investigation.
This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level or early-career cybersecurity professional who is detail-oriented, analytical, ethical, and eager to gain hands-on experience supporting DOE/NNSA cybersecurity programs.
Ideal candidates will be interested in building experience with digital evidence handling, forensic analysis, phishing review, threat intelligence, security alert monitoring, NIST/FISMA/OMB requirements, and cyber response operations.
The Associate Computer Security Engineer – Cyber Response will assist with the investigation, design, development, and evaluation of software and/or hardware security technologies. This role supports the security of SRS resources through cybersecurity measures tied to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, including Identify, Detect, Respond, and Recover functions.
The selected candidate will work closely with experienced cybersecurity staff and receive mentorship in DOE, NNSA, and Environmental Management cybersecurity policies and standards related to FISMA, NIST, and OMB.
Assist senior analysts with cyber response activities, incident investigation, and security event review.
Assist with forensic examinations of digital devices, including computers, mobile phones, and storage media.
Support the collection, preservation, analysis, and documentation of digital evidence.
Document examination processes and findings while maintaining chain-of-custody protocols.
Help prepare detailed reports summarizing forensic analysis results for legal, technical, and business stakeholders.
Review external indicators of compromise and evaluate potential organizational impact.
Review quarantined and end-user reported emails for evidence of phishing, malware, or other malicious intent.
Monitor network security alerts and assist in responding to potential threats in real time.
Perform log review and alert management to identify and escalate potential security incidents.
Support administration of logging and security tools, including deployment-level support and policy configuration.
Ingest and apply threat intelligence to enhance organizational defenses.
Maintain and support cybersecurity toolsets to ensure effective operation.
Assist in preparing, updating, and implementing cybersecurity policies and procedures.
Collaborate with IT subject matter experts, cybersecurity response teams, management, and other stakeholders.
Stay current with developments in digital forensics, cybersecurity, forensic law, mobile devices, and encryption/decryption methods.
Communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical personnel.
Work under guidance from senior cybersecurity professionals while building technical knowledge and capability.
Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience combinations:
Bachelor's degree in an IT-related discipline such as Information Technology, Computer Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering; or
Non-related bachelor's degree with 2 years of proven performance in related assignments; or
Associate degree in an IT-related discipline with 2 years of proven performance in related assignments; or
Non-related associate degree with 4 years of proven performance in related assignments; or
High school diploma with at least 6 years of equivalent knowledge and experience.
Candidates should also have knowledge of computer and network digital systems used in business or process applications. Detailed knowledge in specific operating systems is desirable.
Must be able to participate in group problem solving, communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical personnel, respect the ideas of others, and accept the judgment of the group.
Must be familiar with available resource materials and able to conduct timely research.
Must know when to ask for help and be comfortable accepting guidance from more senior technical personnel.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Knowledge of basic cybersecurity principles, protections, or frameworks, such as NIST.
Demonstrated willingness to learn new technologies, frameworks, and regulatory environments.
Ability to work onsite with limited telework options.
Foundational knowledge of log review, alert management, and email security practices.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of security.
Ethical conduct and discretion when handling sensitive information.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" security clearance.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity, or another IT-related discipline.
Experience with forensic tools such as Cellebrite, Magnet Forensics AXIOM, or OpenText.
Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst.
Experience with Security Information and Event Management tools.
Internship experience in IT or cybersecurity.
Experience reviewing external indicators of compromise and evaluating impact.
Experience reviewing quarantined or user-reported emails for malicious activity.
Experience administering logging or cybersecurity tools, including deployment-level support and policy configuration.
Experience monitoring network security alerts and supporting real-time response.
Experience performing log review, alert management, or threat escalation.
Experience supporting cybersecurity toolsets and ensuring effective operation.
Experience developing or supporting basic security policies and procedures.
Ability to think critically and provide actionable guidance for technical or compliance-based challenges.
DOE, NNSA, federal, government contractor, or regulated-environment experience.
Active or previous DOE "L" or "Q" clearance.
The anticipated work schedule is Monday–Thursday, 6:30 AM–5:00 PM. Overtime may be expected at times to meet deliverables and will be used at the discretion of the manager.
This position is hybrid, with an onsite requirement ranging from 25% to 100% onsite depending on project needs. The work location is Aiken, SC.
Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" security clearance. An active DOE clearance is not initially required to perform assigned duties. After award, the selected candidate will be notified when to apply for a clearance based on specific work assignments.
Duration of the contract is six (6) months, with the option to extend for an additional six (6) months, followed by two (2) additional one-year option periods in accordance with the attached job title.
Option periods are not guaranteed and are executed at the discretion of the Hiring Manager. Yearly option periods will automatically include a 3.5% escalation.
The best candidate will be an early-career cybersecurity professional who is ethical, detail-oriented, highly analytical, and interested in cyber response, digital forensics, log review, alert management, phishing analysis, and threat intelligence.
This role is ideal for someone with exposure to forensic tools, SIEM tools, cybersecurity investigations, IT support, evidence handling, technical documentation, or cybersecurity internships.
Qualified candidates should submit an updated resume and availability for a call.
COMPA Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
No outside recruiting agencies. No C2C.
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