Associate Cybersecurity Engineer

Hybrid Tuesday – Thursday in Cary, NC

Our client is seeking an Associate Cybersecurity Engineer to support the protection of data and systems across core platforms. The role focuses on vigilant monitoring, operation, and continuous optimization of network security controls with an emphasis on firewalls and Zscaler. You will implement configuration changes, partner with IT and business teams for triage, and help improve policies, rules, and architecture to prevent and remediate incidents.

Due to client requirements, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $50.00 to $60.00/hr. w2

• Monitor and maintain enterprise firewall solutions, including Palo Alto NGFW, to enforce policies and mitigate advanced threats.
• Configure and administer SASE capabilities including secure web gateway, ZTNA, and CASB using Zscaler.
• Execute security configuration changes and support security triage in partnership with IT and business stakeholders.
• Leverage Microsoft Security tools such as Defender for Endpoint, Azure Sentinel, and Entra/Azure AD for detection and response across on‑prem and cloud.
• Develop and refine procedures, policies, and processes aligned to best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze security events and recommend remediation measures to strengthen the security posture.
• Communicate clearly with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders to drive security initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Must-Have Experience:

• 3 or more years of experience in Cybersecurity or Network Security-related disciplines
• Hands-on experience with Palo Alto Firewall / Panorama
• Experience supporting Zscaler ZPA and/or ZIA
• Experience with basic rule configuration and troubleshooting
• Ability to handle security tickets and escalate more complex issues appropriately
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Preferred Experience:

• Azure security experience
• Exposure to Azure Application Gateway or Azure WAF
• Microsoft security tools such as Defender, Sentinel, or Entra/Azure AD
• Basic scripting or automation exposure with PowerShell, Python, KQL, or Ansible

Recruitment Transparency Notice

Eliassen Group values transparency in our recruitment practices. Please be advised that Eliassen Group utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of its initial application screening  and hiring process. You may receive email and SMS notifications from the Eliassen Virtual Recruiting Team ( View email address on careers.eliassen.com , Show phone number) inviting you to complete a brief voice screening as part of your application process. These tools assist our hiring teams in different ways, including but not limited to, assistance in reviewing application materials to help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position. All AI-assisted evaluations and responses are reviewed by human recruiters before any hiring decisions are made. The use of AI in our process is intended to support fairness, efficiency, and consistency, and Eliassen Group takes measures to prevent bias or discrimination in connection with its hiring practices. By proceeding, you acknowledge, agree, and consent to Eliassen Group’s use of these tools, including AI tools, as part of the application and hiring process.

Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.

· When you work with Eliassen Group, all email communication will come from an Eliassen.com address, never Gmail, Yahoo, etc.

· Eliassen Group will never ask you for personal information (home address, bank account, or check routing number) until you have worked with someone clearly associated with Eliassen Group.

If you have any indication of fraudulent activity, please contact  View email address on careers.eliassen.com .

About Eliassen Group:

Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients’ capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.

Eliassen is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and all employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. Eliassen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual preference or orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, prohibited criminal record inquiries of applicants and employees, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Don’t miss out on our referral program! If we hire a candidate that you refer us to then you can be eligible for a $1,000 referral check!