Freelance Data Security Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Security Engineer

Type: Staff Augmentation (W2 employee of Innovation Consulting)

Location: San Jose, CA (Onsite – Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM PST)

Estimated Duration: Approximately 6 months (estimating August 2026 – February 2027)

Salary: $209K – $310K per year, DOE

About the Role

Innovation Consulting LLC is partnered with California’s largest investor-owned water utility to staff a Senior Security Engineer for a six-month onsite security engineer engagement in San Jose, CA, running from August 2026 through February 2027. This security engineer role designs, implements, and continuously improves security controls to strengthen both internal and external security posture, with a focus on SaaS integrations and third-party risk.

The ideal candidate is a highly technical, proactive senior security engineer able to independently identify, analyze, and mitigate security risks across a modern enterprise environment supporting critical infrastructure. As a W2 employee of Innovation Consulting, you will be placed on assignment with our client for the duration of the contract.

Key Responsibilities

Security Engineering & Architecture

•     Design and implement security solutions across enterprise environments, including endpoint, identity, data protection, and vulnerability management

•     Evaluate and integrate security controls for third-party SaaS platforms

•     Partner with IT, infrastructure, and application teams to embed security into system design and deployment

•     Drive improvements aligned to Zero Trust and least-privilege principles

Security Operations & Threat Management

•     Independently review and analyze security logs across multiple platforms

•     Perform alert triage, investigation, and escalation as needed

•     Conduct proactive threat hunting to identify suspicious or malicious behavior

•     Identify, validate, and respond to security incidents with minimal oversight

Offensive Security / Red Teaming

•     Perform red team and adversary simulation exercises to test detection and response capabilities

•     Identify gaps in controls, detections, and processes, and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen defenses

•     Monitor and analyze dark web and underground forums for threat intelligence, including credential exposure, data leaks, and targeting of critical infrastructure or enterprise assets

Platform Ownership & Operations

•     Administer and optimize CrowdStrike (EDR/XDR), Okta (IAM), Varonis (Data Security/Governance), Nessus (Vulnerability Management), AlienVault, and Palo Alto Firewall / Zscaler

•     Monitor, analyze, and remediate vulnerabilities and security findings

•     Maintain secure configurations and operational procedures

Automation, Collaboration & Communication

•     Develop scripts and automation to streamline security operations and integrate workflows across security tools

•     Communicate risks, findings, and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders

•     Provide guidance to internal teams on secure design and implementation, and support audits, compliance efforts, and security assessments

Work Model and On-Site Requirements

•     Fully onsite in San Jose, CA – this position is not eligible for remote work

•     Standard business hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM PST, Monday through Friday

•     Relocation required if not within commutable distance of San Jose, CA

Qualifications

Required

•     Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification required

•     9+ years of experience in cybersecurity or security engineering

•     Strong hands-on experience with CrowdStrike, Okta, Varonis, Nessus, AlienVault, Palo Alto, and Zscaler

•     Proven ability to independently monitor, triage, and investigate security events

•     Experience performing threat hunting and incident response

•     Experience conducting red team or offensive security activities

•     Strong scripting and automation skills (e.g., Python, PowerShell)

•     Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

•     Experience in regulated environments (e.g., utilities / critical infrastructure)

•     Familiarity with NIST CSF, NIST 800-171, and Zero Trust Architecture

•     Experience with SaaS and cloud security environments

Compensation & Employment

Employment Type: Staff Augmentation. As a W2 employee of Innovation Consulting, you will be placed on assignment with our client.

Salary: $209K – $310K per year, DOE.

Contract Duration: Approximately 6 months (August 2026 – February 2027).

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision, 401(k) with safe-harbor matching, HRA, and PTO. No waiting period – benefits are available immediately and accrual items begin accruing immediately.

Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. We review candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.