Job description

Job Title: Senior Cloud Security Operations Analyst / Engineer. Location: Washington, DC (On-site). Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff — No C2C or 1099). About the Opportunity: ZipStaff is seeking an experienced Cloud Security Operations Analyst / Engineer to support cloud security operations for a major transportation organization. In this role, you will maintain, monitor, and enhance cloud security postures across AWS environments, ensuring continuous compliance with established security baselines and operational standards. You will collaborate closely with senior security engineers to execute vulnerability remediation, manage IAM configurations, respond to security alerts, and support automated infrastructure deployments. What You’ll Do: • Monitor, analyze, and respond to alerts from GuardDuty, Security Hub, CloudWatch, and SIEM tools; assist with incident response investigations and evidence gathering. • Execute daily IAM administration, including user, role, and policy management following least-privilege access principles. • Perform vulnerability remediation activities identified through AWS Inspector; assist in managing AWS Config rules, security baselines, and audit compliance reviews. • Implement AWS security controls and configurations under guidance from senior engineers; maintain operational security tasks, security documentation, and patching routines. • Assist with infrastructure deployments and automation using Terraform and CloudFormation across core AWS services (EC2, S3, VPC, RDS, Lambda). Required Qualifications: • Minimum of 5 years in IT with broad knowledge across architecture, infrastructure, networking, operating systems (Linux administration/troubleshooting), and databases. • 3+ years of hands-on experience in cloud infrastructure and applications, with deep familiarity with AWS security tools (IAM, Control Tower, Security Hub, GuardDuty, Config, CloudTrail, KMS, Secrets Manager). • Practical knowledge of networking concepts (firewalls, security groups, VPCs) and scripting capability in Python, PowerShell, or Bash. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within an integrated team environment. • Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC. Preferred Qualifications: • Prior experience supporting AWS security operations in a large enterprise or transportation environment. • Hands-on experience with Terraform and CloudFormation for security-related infrastructure deployments. • Background assisting with incident response, vulnerability management, and compliance activities in cloud environments. • Exposure to additional AWS security or monitoring services beyond the core tools listed. Benefits: • Health Insurance. • Dental Insurance. • Vision Insurance. • 401(k) + 401(k) matching. • Paid time off. • Referral Program. About ZipStaff: ZipStaff partners with leading organizations to connect skilled technology professionals with high-impact contract opportunities. We focus on quality matches, clear communication, and long-term success for candidates and clients. To apply, submit your resume highlighting your AWS cloud security experience (IAM, GuardDuty, Security Hub, Config, and related tools), vulnerability remediation, IAM administration, and any Terraform/CloudFormation work. Pure research or junior experience will not be considered. Pay: $43 - $44 per hour

Requirements

Must-haves

Job Title: Senior Cloud Security Operations Analyst / Engineer.
Location: Washington, DC (On-site).
Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff — No C2C or 1099).
Monitor, analyze, and respond to alerts from GuardDuty, Security Hub, CloudWatch, and SIEM tools; assist with incident response investigations and evidence gathering.
Execute daily IAM administration, including user, role, and policy management following least-privilege access principles.
Perform vulnerability remediation activities identified through AWS Inspector; assist in managing AWS Config rules, security baselines, and audit compliance reviews.
Implement AWS security controls and configurations under guidance from senior engineers; maintain operational security tasks, security documentation, and patching routines.
Assist with infrastructure deployments and automation using Terraform and CloudFormation across core AWS services (EC2, S3, VPC, RDS, Lambda).
Minimum of 5 years in IT with broad knowledge across architecture, infrastructure, networking, operating systems (Linux administration/troubleshooting), and databases.
3+ years of hands-on experience in cloud infrastructure and applications, with deep familiarity with AWS security tools (IAM, Control Tower, Security Hub, GuardDuty, Config, CloudTrail, KMS, Secrets Manager).
Practical knowledge of networking concepts (firewalls, security groups, VPCs) and scripting capability in Python, PowerShell, or Bash.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within an integrated team environment.
Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC.

Nice-to-haves

Prior experience supporting AWS security operations in a large enterprise or transportation environment.
Hands-on experience with Terraform and CloudFormation for security-related infrastructure deployments.
Background assisting with incident response, vulnerability management, and compliance activities in cloud environments.
Exposure to additional AWS security or monitoring services beyond the core tools listed.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

awspython

Platform: betterteam
Effort: medium

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Health Insurance

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Paid Time Off