Junior Security Analyst - Onsite,In Person Interview
The Junior Security Analyst will support the Confidential Client Security Team in enhancing the organization's security posture by monitoring threats, conducting threat hunting, analyzing logs, and assisting in incident response. This entry-level role involves hands-on training in security tools and processes, with responsibilities spanning vulnerability management, security automation, and awareness training, all performed onsite to protect sensitive citizen data and critical systems.
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.
Role overview
Confidential Client (via Careertakes) is hiring a Junior Security Analyst to join an IT-focused security team supporting motor vehicle licensing and titling systems. This is an entry-level, onsite role based in Blythewood, SC. The team will provide training; we are looking for candidates with basic server or network administration skills that can be developed into security capabilities.
What you’ll do
- Monitor and analyze threat intelligence feeds and open-source intelligence (OSINT) to identify emerging threats.
- Conduct proactive threat hunting across network and endpoints using provided tools and playbooks.
- Review and interpret logs from firewalls, endpoints, and servers to identify indicators of compromise (IOCs).
- Assist in initial triage and escalation of security incidents following frameworks (e.g., NIST, MITRE ATT&CK).
- Collaborate with senior analysts to create and refine detection rules (SIEM queries, Defender for Endpoint rules).
- Support vulnerability management: analyze reports and help prioritize patching according to NIST best practices.
- Use SCCM, Group Policy (GPO), and PowerShell for patch deployment and routine automation; build scripts to improve efficiency.
- Configure and monitor endpoint protection, analyze alerts, and help tune network/firewall policies.
- Prepare clear documentation, incident reports, and after-action reviews; contribute to training materials and awareness programs.
- Assist with basic digital forensics tasks and develop cloud security awareness as cloud adoption grows.
Minimum qualifications
- High school diploma required (Associate/Bachelor’s in IT, Computer Science, Cybersecurity or related field is a plus).
- Understanding of security concepts and basic computer and network fundamentals.
- Comfortable working onsite in Blythewood, SC.
- Authorization to work in the United States (employment will be W2 direct-hire – see Employment Details).
- Willingness to learn, follow documented playbooks, and collaborate with a mid-sized team.
Preferred skills & certifications
- 1+ year experience in server or network administration (preferred).
- 1+ year experience in an IT security–focused role (preferred).
- Experience with SIEM platforms and endpoint security tools.
- Experience with PowerShell, Group Policy (GPO), SCCM or other endpoint management tools.
- Knowledge of vulnerability management, cloud security basics, and threat-hunting techniques.
- Certifications prioritized (not required): Security+ (CompTIA), Network+ (CompTIA), GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), GIAC Incident Handler (GCIH).
Employment details
- Employment type: Full-time, Onsite (Blythewood, SC).
- Hiring model: W2 direct-hire only — no C2C or independent contractor arrangements.
- Estimated pay (from source): $81,908 per year (estimated).
- Training: On-the-job training will be provided; the role is suitable for entry-level candidates who have basic server/network skills and a strong interest in cybersecurity.
Why apply
- Structured on-the-job training and mentorship from experienced security analysts.
- Hands-on experience across threat intelligence, threat hunting, incident response, and endpoint/network security.
- Work contributing to critical public-facing systems that protect citizen data and service integrity.
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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