Associate Computer Security Engineer

COMPA Industries is searching for qualified candidates for an onsite Associate Computer Security Engineer position supporting SRNS in Aiken, SC.

Pay: $60–$70/hr
Location: Aiken, SC
Schedule: Onsite, 40-hour work week
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required
Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” clearance
Position Type: Contract / Staff Augmentation

Mandatory Experience Requirement – Read Before Applying

Candidates must have a strong interest in cybersecurity, cloud security compliance, technical research, and supporting DOE/NNSA cybersecurity programs. This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level or early-career cybersecurity professional who is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and interested in building experience with FedRAMP, RMF, NIST, cloud security authorizations, compliance documentation, and cyber governance.

About the Role

The Associate Computer Security Engineer 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, standards, governance processes, and compliance activities.

Key Responsibilities

Support cloud security authorization activities and FedRAMP documentation.
Assist with cybersecurity compliance activities tied to DOE/NNSA policies, standards, and governance processes.
Conduct research on cybersecurity standards, compliance requirements, NIST guidance, and DOE/NNSA directives.
Assist in preparing and maintaining security documentation, system security plans, and related compliance materials.
Participate in security assessments, reviews, compliance evaluations, and continuous monitoring activities.
Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of security measures tied to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Work with vendors and senior cybersecurity personnel to help develop technical solutions for site computer security needs.
Help maintain the integrity of computer workstations, servers, and networks through access controls and software lifecycle support.
Support data integrity and confidentiality through encryption, data retention, and related security technologies.
Communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical personnel.
Follow guidance from senior cybersecurity professionals while building technical knowledge and capability.

Required Qualifications

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.

Required Skills

Strong written communication and composition skills.
Familiarity with cloud security concepts or compliance frameworks such as FedRAMP, RMF, or NIST SP 800-series.
Knowledge of basic cybersecurity principles, protections, or frameworks such as NIST.
Demonstrated willingness to learn new technologies, frameworks, and regulatory environments.
Ability to conduct thorough research and synthesize findings.
Ability to work onsite with limited telework options.
Knowledge of computer and network digital systems used in business or process applications.
Ability to participate in group problem solving and communicate with both technical and nontechnical personnel.
Ability to research available resource materials in a timely manner.
Willingness to ask for help and accept guidance from senior technical personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in any field; IT-related degree preferred.
Exposure to working in an enterprise IT environment.
Experience working on collaborative technical or research projects.
Proactive desire to stay current with evolving cloud technologies and cybersecurity trends.
Ability to think critically and provide actionable guidance for technical or compliance-based challenges.
Educational or work-related experience with Microsoft cloud services, including Azure, M365, or other major SaaS platforms.
DOE, NNSA, federal, government contractor, or regulated-environment experience.
Active or previous DOE “L” or “Q” clearance.

Work Schedule

A 40-hour work week is scheduled. SRNS utilizes various work schedules, including:

5/8s: eight hours per day, five days per week
4/10s: ten hours per day, four days per week
9/80s: nine hours per day, five days one week and four days the next week

Work weeks exclude SRNS holidays. Each workday includes a 30-minute lunch. Overtime may be expected at times to meet deliverables and will be used at the discretion of the manager.

Security Requirements

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.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The best candidate will be an early-career cybersecurity professional who is highly organized, strong in written communication, comfortable researching technical and regulatory requirements, and eager to learn DOE/NNSA cybersecurity processes. This role is ideal for someone with exposure to FedRAMP, RMF, NIST, cloud security, Microsoft Azure/M365, compliance documentation, system security plans, or enterprise IT environments.

How to Apply

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.