Cybersecurity Analyst (5 days onsite)

6-month contract-to-hire opportunity

The Cybersecurity Analyst performs network and endpoint security, system hardening, and incident response. The ideal candidate will have deep technical knowledge of Cisco and Fortinet security products and will play a key role in protecting and monitoring the organization’s information systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.

Position Overview :

The Cybersecurity Analyst will be responsible for safeguarding the organization’s information systems, infrastructure, and data through proactive monitoring, analysis, and in supporting the implementation of advanced security solutions. This position plays a vital role in maintaining a secure technology environment by leveraging tools such as Cisco XDR, Cisco Firepower, Cisco Endpoint, Cisco ASA, Fortinet Gateways, Cisco Endpoint, and Duo MFA.

The ideal candidate will possess 3–5 years of hands-on experience in network and server hardening, threat detection and response, and disaster recovery planning and execution. Working closely with IT operations, this role ensures that all systems are resilient, compliant, and protected against evolving cyber threats.

Key Responsibilities :

Security Operations & Monitoring

• Implement, configure, and manage Cisco XDR, Cisco Endpoint Security, and Fortinet Gateways to ensure proactive threat detection and response.
• Monitor network and endpoint activities for security incidents using advanced SIEM and XDR tools.
• Investigate, analyze, and respond to security breaches, threats, and vulnerabilities.

Network & Infrastructure Security

• Manage and maintain Cisco Firepower and Cisco ASA firewalls to ensure secure and efficient traffic management.
• Administer Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for secure user access and identity protection.
• Perform network hardening to reduce the attack surface, following best practices and compliance standards.

Server & System Hardening

• Conduct server hardening across Windows and Linux systems, ensuring compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
• Review and implement secure configurations, patch management, and vulnerability remediation.

Disaster Recovery & Continuity

• Participate in DR drills and testing to validate readiness and response effectiveness.

Policy, Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain up-to-date documentation of network security configurations, standards, and incident response procedures.
• Support compliance initiatives (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, or CIS Controls) through audits and reporting.

Required Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience managing and securing enterprise networks and systems.
• Proven experience with :
• Cisco XDR, Cisco Firepower, Cisco ASA, Cisco Endpoint
• Fortinet Gateways
• Duo MFA
• Server and Network Hardening
• Disaster Recovery implementation and testing
• Strong understanding of TCP / IP, VPNs, IDS / IPS, and secure network design principles.
• Familiarity with incident response, threat intelligence, and vulnerability management processes.
• Cisco certifications  such as CCNA, CCNP (Enterprise, Security, or equivalent).
• Experience with other routing protocols (EIGRP, BGP) and advanced firewall features.
• Familiarity with  automation tools  (Python, Ansible, Netmiko) for network management.
• Experience in high-availability enterprise or government environments.

Soft Skills :

• Strong communication skills for collaborating with IT teams and leadership.
• Ability to work independently and handle high-pressure situations.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities effectively.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS :

To perform this position successfully, an individual(s) must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

Knowledge :

• Theory and methods of computer networks, operation, security, and operating systems.
• Data processing availability, recovery and backup techniques.
• Prefer knowledge of public sector technologies for municipal governments.

Skills :

• Strong inter-personal and communication skills.
• Must be capable of writing proposals or papers.
• A solid skillset of Cisco Security Products, VPN, and Fortinet products.
• Familiarity with microwave and cellular data networking is a plus.
• Can proactively monitor systems and familiar with patterns.
• A solid understanding of servers, communications, and data security.
• Requires initiative, independent thinking, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Abilities :

• Prepare clear, comprehensive and concise reports and instructions.
• Solve problems quickly and completely.
• Identify tasks which require automation and automate them.
• Read and interpret technical reference materials.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Plan and monitor assigned activities.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING :

The preferred way to obtain the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position are listed below.

Formal Education :

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or other relevant STEM field or equivalent technical training backed by industry recognized credentials and certifications.

Relatable Work Experience :

• Three years of information technology experience with an emphasis on infrastructure and operations.
• Experience in the following technologies / products is required, Cisco security and firewall applications and appliances, Fortinet security applications and appliances, XDR / MDR, SIEM, NAC, IPS / IDS, IAM, and MFA

Training (License and / or Certification) :

• Valid Texas Driver License.

Normal hours / days of work :

8 : 00 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Will be subject to a weekly on-call phone after hours on rotation.

Description of daily work environment :

Work area is located in the Information Technology Department.

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