Cyber Security Engineer

The Cyber Security Engineer designs, implements, and manages advanced security controls to protect organizational systems and data, with a strong focus on two-factor authentication, vulnerability detection, and compliance with defense-related cybersecurity standards. This role works closely with development and engineering teams to embed security best practices into the software development lifecycle, supports security audits and certifications, and proactively addresses emerging threats across on-premises and cloud environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage two-factor authentication (2FA) solutions and other authentication controls to safeguard organizational systems and applications.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and use code scanning tools to identify security weaknesses, ensuring software passes third-party and defense-related code scans without backdoors or exploitable vulnerabilities.
• Support and enhance compliance efforts related to cybersecurity standards such as CMMC Level 2 and other defense or government contracting requirements.
• Collaborate with development teams to integrate security best practices into the software development lifecycle, including secure coding standards and security-by-design principles.
• Monitor security systems and tools to detect potential incidents, investigate security alerts, and respond effectively to security threats and breaches.
• Assist in preparing detailed documentation, evidence, and artifacts required for security audits, certifications, and Authority to Operate (ATO) processes.
• Apply Risk Management Framework (RMF) methodologies to assess, document, and manage cybersecurity risks across systems and environments.
• Ensure alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity requirements and support efforts to achieve and maintain necessary authorizations.
• Guide and mentor teams on secure coding practices, code review processes, and remediation of identified vulnerabilities.
• Conduct or oversee penetration testing activities to identify and validate security vulnerabilities and recommend appropriate mitigations.
• Stay current on cybersecurity trends, tools, threat landscapes, and best practices, and recommend improvements to existing security controls and processes.
• Support security audits and compliance initiatives by coordinating technical evidence, system configurations, and policy documentation.
• Collaborate with hardware and display engineering teams when needed to address security considerations related to visual systems, sensors, and optical components.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of secure communications using protocols such as TLS, SSH, and IPsec.
• Assist in securing cloud environments, including platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, by implementing appropriate controls, monitoring, and configuration hardening., The Cyber Security Engineer works in a highly technical environment focused on securing software, systems, and infrastructure that may support defense or government contracting activities. The role involves close collaboration with software development, hardware, and display engineering teams, as well as compliance and audit stakeholders. You will regularly use vulnerability scanning tools, penetration testing utilities, and security monitoring solutions, and work with security frameworks such as RMF, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls, and ISO/IEC standards. The environment includes both on-premises and cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, with an emphasis on secure communications using protocols like TLS, SSH, and IPsec. Work is typically performed in an office or hybrid technical setting with standard professional attire, and may involve structured documentation, formal review processes, and adherence to strict security and compliance procedures.

• Proven cybersecurity expertise with hands-on experience implementing two-factor authentication solutions and other authentication mechanisms.
• Experience with code scanning and vulnerability detection tools, particularly in contexts where software must pass security or defense-related code scans.
• Working knowledge of Risk Management Framework (RMF) and its application to assessing and managing system risk.
• Experience supporting Authority to Operate (ATO) processes and related documentation for secure systems.
• Understanding of Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity requirements and associated compliance activities.
• Experience with security audits and compliance initiatives, including preparing technical evidence and documentation.
• CompTIA Security+ certification requirement.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Clearance.
• Advanced knowledge of security protocols such as TLS, SSH, IPsec, and similar technologies used to secure communications.
• Familiarity with security frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls, and ISO/IEC standards.
• Hands-on experience conducting or overseeing penetration testing to identify and validate vulnerabilities.
• Strong knowledge of secure coding practices and the ability to review and guide development teams on secure coding standards.
• Experience with cloud security and securing environments in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with hardware and display engineering, particularly involving visual systems, sensors, and optical components, is beneficial for roles touching these domains.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+).
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).
• Ability to work effectively within defense or government contracting environments and address complex cybersecurity challenges.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional technical and non-technical stakeholders.

This is a Contract position based out of Hazelwood, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.