Junior ICS/OT Cybersecurity Engineer

About the Role

Sentar is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior ICS/OT Cybersecurity Engineer to join our team in Huntsville, AL. This role focuses on the post-construction security hardening of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) environments, ensuring compliance with UFGS 25 05 11 standards. The successful candidate will work with fellow Sentar engineers, prime/sub contractors, and the government to secure facility-related control systems, implement cybersecurity best practices, and support the Authorization to Operate (ATO) process for mission-critical infrastructure. Frequent travel is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the post-construction cybersecurity hardening of ICS/OT systems, including PLCs, SCADA, Security Systems, Fire Alarms, Electrical Panels, HVAC, and other control system components.
• Implement security controls and configurations in accordance with UFGS 25 05 11 requirements, including hardening operating systems to configure system boundary protection, access control, and audit logging.
• Run Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) scans to assess system compliance and identify vulnerabilities in ICS/OT environments.
• Apply DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to harden operating systems, applications, and network devices within control system architectures.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and risk analyses on control systems using various automated and manual techniques to identify and mitigate potential security gaps.
• Collaborate with architecture and engineering teams to ensure cybersecurity measures are integrated into system designs both pre and post-construction.
• Support the development, documentation, and submission of System Security Plans (SSPs), Risk Management Framework (RMF) artifacts, and compliance reports aligned with UFGS standards to achieve and maintain Authorization to Operate (ATO).
• Utilize eMASS to input, track, and manage cybersecurity controls, vulnerabilities, and ATO packages under senior engineer guidance.
• Perform security testing (e.g., system scans, penetration testing, configuration reviews) to validate hardening measures and ensure ATO readiness.
• Stay up-to-date on emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and industry standards affecting ICS/OT environments.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• CompTIA Security+ certification is required.
• CISSP certification or willingness to obtain within the first year is strongly preferred.
• Secret Clearance is a requirement. Must be eligible to obtain security clearance or possess an active clearance already.
• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed for hands-on hardening and validation activities, including international locations. Passport holders are preferred.
• CISCO command line interface

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of ICS/OT protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, OPC).
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST 800-53, NIST 800-82, UFGS 25 05 11, and IEC 62443.
• Familiarity with eMASS for managing RMF workflows and generating/updating ATO documentation.
• Experience with network security scanning tools (e.g., ACAS, Nessus) and system hardening techniques.
• Knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems in industrial environments.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability or willingness to learn UFGS 25 05 11 compliance requirements, including:
• Hardening control system components post-construction (e.g., disabling unnecessary services, applying secure configurations).
• Implementing and securely configuring boundary protection (e.g., firewalls, data diodes) for ICS networks.
• Basic understanding of the ATO process, including preparing systems for assessment, addressing Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&Ms), and maintaining compliance post-authorization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills for documenting findings and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work under supervision and learn quickly in a multi-project environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with post-construction phases of facility-related control system projects.
• Experience with Risk Management Framework (RMF) or DoD cybersecurity compliance processes, including ATO lifecycle management.
• Hands-on experience using eMASS for control implementation, documentation, or reporting.
• Experience running SCAP scans and applying DISA STIGs in a technical environment.
• Basic scripting skills (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for automation of hardening tasks.