Junior Security Specialist- Incident Response
The Junior Security Specialist supports the Information Security team by assisting with incident response coordination, vulnerability scanning, and system monitoring to enhance the organization's security posture. This hybrid role involves collaborating with senior staff on security projects, monitoring alerts, and participating in security awareness initiatives, providing a growth opportunity for candidates with foundational cybersecurity knowledge seeking to advance their skills.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Compensation & Employment Type
- $74,000 - $79,000 annual
- Employment type: Contract / Full-time
- Hybrid schedule (typically 2 days in-office / 3 days remote after training and probationary period)
What You’ll Do
- Support incident response efforts by collecting event data, assisting with ticket triage, and escalating as appropriate
- Assist with system event triage, non-conformance tracking, and documented response activities
- Run and document internal and external vulnerability scans and assist with follow-up tracking
- Coordinate remediation activities with system owners and IT teams to close identified findings
- Monitor security tools and alerts; escalate incidents to senior analysts when needed
- Participate in phishing simulations, security awareness activities, and training coordination
- Maintain and update documentation for security policies, procedures, and standards
- Collaborate with IT, compliance, and risk teams to support regulatory and risk-management needs
- Stay current on cybersecurity trends and threats through training and self-directed learning
Minimum Qualifications
- 1–3 years in IT or cybersecurity-related roles
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Entry-level certification preferred (e.g., CompTIA Security+, GIAC GSEC, Microsoft SC-900)
- Basic understanding of network devices, operating systems, and fundamental security concepts
- Strong desire to learn and grow in cybersecurity
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to SIEM, EDR, IAM, or MDR platforms
- Familiarity with NIST, CIS, or ISO security frameworks
- Experience with cloud environments and mobile device management
- Hands-on experience with troubleshooting and system monitoring
Skills & Tools
- Familiarity with penetration-testing tools/methodologies and the incident response lifecycle
- Experience with vulnerability scanning tools and remediation tracking
- Understanding of network and endpoint security fundamentals
- Strong written documentation, communication, and teamwork skills
- Analytical thinking and attention to detail
Benefits & Perks
- Paid training and continuing education reimbursement
- Medical and dental insurance eligibility starting on your first day
- Generous employer 401(k) contribution
- Competitive paid time off (PTO) plan
- Ongoing job development and career support
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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