SOC Security Engineer / Vulnerability Management Specialist

Engagement Type: Contract-to-Hire | Location: Hybrid, Wayne, NJ area

About the role

We are seeking a Security Engineer to work closely alongside the SOC team as a key contributor to day-to-day security operations. This is an entry-to-mid-level opportunity for someone with a strong security foundation and a genuine interest in growing into penetration testing, vulnerability management, and incident response. The role will provide some support around PCI compliance as needed, but the primary focus is hands-on cybersecurity operations rather than compliance administration. This position will begin as a consultant/contract role, with the potential to convert to a full-time internal position based on future business needs and headcount approval.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day SOC operations, including security monitoring and alert triage.
• Assist with incident response activities, including identifying, escalating, and helping contain security incidents.
• Perform vulnerability management, including scanning, tracking remediation, and coordinating with infrastructure and application teams to close security gaps.
• Gain hands-on exposure to penetration testing methodologies and tools, with room to grow into this area over time.
• Help maintain baseline security hardening across Windows, Linux, and cloud environments.
• Provide backup support during PCI audit cycles when coordination or documentation assistance is needed.
• Partner closely with the security operations team to improve processes and support higher-level security initiatives.

Requirements

• Foundational professional experience in cybersecurity.
• Entry-level candidates with relevant hands-on exposure will be considered.
• Strong interest in building a long-term career specifically in cybersecurity, particularly SOC operations, incident response, vulnerability management, and penetration testing.
• Basic familiarity with security fundamentals across Windows, Linux, and cloud environments such as AWS or Azure.
• Comfortable learning new security tools, technologies, and processes.
• Strong communication and follow-through, with the ability to coordinate with stakeholders and drive issues through resolution.
• Collaborative team-player mindset and comfort working closely with other security professionals.

Skills

• Exposure to penetration testing tools, labs, or coursework.
• Familiarity with PCI DSS or compliance audit processes.
• Relevant security certifications such as Security+, CEH, or similar.