Senior Cloud Security Specialist (AWS)

Senior Cloud Security Specialist (AWS)Custom Software Systems, Inc. (CSS) is seeking a highly experienced Senior Cloud Security Specialist (AWS) to support the Security Engineering team within our client's IT division. This team is responsible for the strategy, design, implementation, and continuous improvement of security solutions across cloud, on-premise, and hybrid environments.This role is ideal for a hands-on cloud security expert with deep experience in AWS security, compliance frameworks, and secure architecture design. The selected candidate will play a critical role in assessing and strengthening cloud security posture, ensuring alignment with federal cybersecurity standards, and enabling engineering teams to build secure, scalable solutions. You will work closely with architects, engineers, and stakeholders to identify risks, implement controls, and drive security best practices across the enterprise.ResponsibilitiesConduct regular security reviews of cloud infrastructure deployed by engineering teamsEvaluate infrastructure-as-code against security standardsReview and validate compliance with security policies and best practicesAssess adherence to AWS Well-Architected Framework security pillarIdentify and document security misconfigurations and non-compliant controlsDevelop and maintain security posture dashboardsCreate or update security configuration guides and playbooksOffer technical consultation to engineering teams on secure implementationImplement AWS security controls and services to ensure proper security hardening and other security engineering tasks.Develop and update AWS security configuration standardsConduct security training sessions for engineering teamsPresent findings and recommendations in team meetingsIdentify opportunities to automate security assessmentsRecommend security tooling improvements.Work with Enterprise Architects, other functional area architects, and security specialists to ensure adequate security solutions are in place throughout cloud IT systems and technical expertise and support to customers, IT management and staff in cloud security threat risk assessments, development, testing and the implementation and operation of appropriate information security plans, procedures, and control techniques designed to prevent, minimize, or quickly recover from cyber-attacks or other serious cloud events.Develop and maintain security architecture artifacts (e.g., models, templates, standards, and procedures) that can be used to leverage security capabilities in projects and as a cloud security expert, integrating sound practices from Identity and Access management, monitoring, platform standards, network segmentation and interconnection, encryption, and more into the cloud QualificationsMinimum of 6 years' experience in cybersecurity, including cloud security, compliance, and risk management with a background in system and network security engineering.Minimum 5 years hands-on AWS security experienceDemonstrated experience implementing secure, scalable AWS cloud architectures following industry best security practices and security frameworks.Demonstrated federal experience and comprehensive knowledge in adopting and implementing federal cybersecurity requirements, including but not limited to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, OMB Memorandum M-22-09, NIST SP 800-53Possess deep analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting experience, to independently resolve complex security challenges.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesProven ability to provide technical security consultation and advisory services with a proactive approach to identifying potential issues, raising questions, and engaging in open dialogue with team members and stakeholders to ensure security objectives are met.Strong understanding of security concepts and technologies related to Identity and Access Management (IAM), security engineering, network security design, security operations, security architecture, general engineering processes, cloud security, data loss protection, zero trust, DevSecOps and vulnerability management.Technical skills in AWS cloud security, security engineering, DevSecOps, scripting, and Infrastructure-as-code (IaC)Self-motivated and able to work independentlyStrong attention to detailBroad knowledge of information systems such as Windows security, network security, systems development, communication networks, security software/hardware, and operating systems.CertificatesAWS Certified Security - Specialty (strongly preferred)AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional or AssociateAt least one of the following certifications preferred:CISSPCISMCISCCertified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)CompTIA Security+Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)Professional Cloud ArchitectProfessional Cloud Security EngineerCertified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)EducationBachelor's degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Management of Information Systems, or related field required.Compensation & BenefitsWage Range: $160,000 - 200,000General Benefits: Custom Software Systems, Inc. offers our employees a competitive benefits package that may include:Health insurance plansHealth Savings Account (HSA)DentalVisionLong-term disabilityShort-term disabilityBasic term life insuranceSupplemental term life insurance for employees, spouses, and dependentsSimple IRAParking/Commuting expense reimbursementTraining/Education[1] Compensation range must be coordinated with and approved by the CSS Chief Operating Officer (COO).[2] Compensation & Benefits information is required for all Maryland Employers effective October 1, 2024.