Network Security Analyst

Network Security Analyst

Type: Contract (Potential for Extension) Location: Columbia, SC 29201 Work Setting: Fully Onsite Candidate Location: Candidate must currently reside in South Carolina. No relocation is available.

Position Overview: We are seeking a Network Security Analyst to support day-to-day cybersecurity operations within a large, regulated enterprise environment. This is a hands-on technical position focused on network security, firewall and infrastructure assessments, routing and switching, network monitoring, alert investigation, vulnerability management, and security analysis across on-premise and cloud environments. The analyst will work alongside experienced cybersecurity professionals to investigate network alerts, evaluate infrastructure changes, analyze network traffic and telemetry, support firewall reviews, and strengthen security and compliance controls.

Key Responsibilities: Investigate and respond to daily network security alerts. Perform security assessments for proposed firewall, connectivity, and infrastructure changes. Review firewall rules, connectivity requests, and website-block requests for potential security risks. Analyze on-premise and cloud networks for potential threats and vulnerabilities. Conduct technical analysis supporting network security planning and engineering. Analyze logs, alerts, network traffic, and security telemetry. Develop and review network traffic reports involving ports, protocols, and services. Participate in firewall configuration reviews and ruleset recertification. Monitor emerging network threats and recommend appropriate countermeasures. Support network security monitoring and IDS/IPS technologies. Assist with vulnerability assessment and scanning activities. Support cloud and on-premise network changes and enhancement projects. Collaborate with technical teams to implement security controls and network security best practices. Assist with security KPI development and trend monitoring. Support cybersecurity compliance activities within a regulated enterprise environment. Perform additional SOC and network security responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications: Approximately 3–5 years of hands-on experience in network design, implementation, or support. Hands-on experience in IT security or system administration. Working knowledge of: Secure network design Network security architecture Routing and switching Enterprise firewalls Network auditing Data protection Access models Security and compliance tools Ability to analyze logs, alerts, network traffic, and telemetry. Experience or working knowledge across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. Strong understanding of network security best practices. Experience supporting on-premise and/or cloud networking environments. Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools. BS degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Network security-focused certification such as PCNSE or CCNA. Ability to work fully onsite in Columbia, SC. Candidate must be a current South Carolina resident.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with SIEM platforms such as Splunk or QRadar. Experience with IDS/IPS platforms. Experience with vulnerability scanning tools such as Nessus or Qualys. Experience securing cloud infrastructure or network environments in Azure or AWS. Experience working within regulated environments. Experience supporting healthcare IT or state government environments. Familiarity with FISMA, NIST, CMS ARC-AMPE, and HIPAA security and privacy standards. CISSP or Security+ certification.