ARA · 18 hours ago
Cyber Security Specialist
Pinehurst, NC
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$55.06/hr - $71.81/hr
5+ years expApplied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company focused on providing superior solutions in the physical sciences. They are seeking a Cyber Security Specialist to support the implementation and operation of cybersecurity controls within a cloud-hosted TAK Server platform, ensuring security compliance and operational effectiveness.
ConsultingHealth CareInfrastructureManufacturingTraining
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Implementing and maintaining cybersecurity controls aligned with:
+ FISMA High
+ NIST 800-53 Rev. 5
Applying and maintaining secure configuration baselines using:
+ DISA STIGs
+ CIS Benchmarks
+ Program-approved hardening standards
Performing identity and access management (IAM) activities, including:
+ User onboarding and offboarding
+ Role-based access assignments
+ Support for federated TAK environments
Operating security monitoring tools by:
• Reviewing logs and alerts
• Triaging security events
• Escalating incidents per established procedures
• Supporting vulnerability scanning and configuration compliance checks
• Assisting with remediation efforts under the direction of Cyber Security Engineers
• Executing patching and security updates for TAK Server components and supporting infrastructure
Supporting incident response activities by:
• Collecting logs and evidence
• Executing containment or mitigation actions as directed
• Maintaining security artifacts and evidence to support RMF and ATO requirements
• Verifying backups, audit logging, and disaster recovery processes
Qualification
Required
US citizenship
Associate's or Bachelor's degree or higher in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Information Systems, Network or Systems Administration (or 13-15 years of experience in lieu of a degree)
9-11 years of progressive cybersecurity experience with an associates degree OR 5-7 years with a bachelors degree
Cybersecurity operations
System or network administration with security responsibilities
SOC or security monitoring roles
Practical experience performing user account and access management
Practical experience performing system hardening and patching
Practical experience performing log review and alert handling
Exposure to regulated or compliance-driven environments (FISMA, FedRAMP, or similar)
Working knowledge of NIST 800-53 security controls
Working knowledge of secure configuration practices
Working knowledge of basic incident response procedures
Hands-on experience with security monitoring or SIEM tools
Hands-on experience with vulnerability scanning tools
Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GovCloud preferred)
Familiarity with Kubernetes or containerized environments
Preferred
Prior experience supporting federal, state, or mission-oriented systems
Experience following runbooks, SOPs, and security playbooks
Comfort working in a 24/7 operational or on-call support environment
Strong written documentation skills
Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, AWS or Azure foundational certifications
Company
ARA
ARA provides research, engineering, and technical support services.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$12MKey Investors
Engineer Research and Development Center
2023-03-16Grant· $12M
Leadership Team
C
Curt Beckemeyer
President & CEO
Recent News
2026-01-22
2026-01-12
2025-12-06
Company data provided by crunchbase