Remote Security Engineer Jobs in Centralia, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $8,275.00 - $11,134.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06543
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Title- Security Operations Engineer
Classification- IT Security - Senior/Specialist
Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent
WDFW Program- Directors Office - Information Technology Services Division (ITS) - Cybersecurity Unit (CSU)Duty Station- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station on a weekly basis.
This recruitment has been re-opened and extended. If you applied previously your application is still under consideration and you do not need to re-apply.
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Cougar in tree - Photo Credit: WDFW
As the WDFW Enterprise Security Operations Engineer, you will play a key role in protecting the agency's technology environment by designing, implementing, and monitoring application security solutions across both on-premises and cloud-based systems.
In this role, you will serve as a trusted resource for IT teams, providing technical guidance and support related to application security and security operations. You will collaborate with other security and technology leaders, including the Incident Response Engineer, SEAL Team Supervisor, Data Center Architect, and Application Development Architect, to help address security risks, strengthen configurations, and support the agency's overall cybersecurity mission.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Security Operations Engineer will,
Solutions Development:

• Independently design, implement, and support WDFW Enterprise application security solutions for both on-premises and cloud-hosted environments, utilizing expertise in Windows Group Policy (GPO) configuration, system baseline configuration, registry edits, and scripting languages.
• Identify gaps in the agency's security capabilities in comparison to industry standard threat research and best business practices such as the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls (CSC).
• Conduct capability and integration assessments of commercial and custom solutions to ensure deployment and integration compliance.
• Coordinate with the Incident Response Engineer to ensure reviewed applications and services are integrated into the agency's centralized monitoring and logging platform.
• Participate in "Tiger Team" architectural efforts to provide technical solutions to address agency problem sets.

Security Review:

• Lead and mentor team of Analysts in conducting internal security reviews for new and existing software and hardware requests, including agency systems such as the WILD licensing system, which issues commercial and recreational hunting and fishing licenses, and the Enforcement Records Management System (RMS) utilized for the processing and storing of Criminal Justice Information (CJI).
• Conduct project-specific risk assessments of WDFW applications and systems, developing and implementing remediation actions as needed.
• Review system architecture, configurations, and processes to identify potential security risks, recommend corrective actions, and develop custom configurations through scripting to support business units.
• Maintain Plans of Action and Milestones (POAM).
• Analyze WDFW vulnerability assessment reports to evaluate agency risk and develop remediation actions.
• Conduct Washington State Office of Cybersecurity (OCS) Design reviews for infrastructure and functional areas supported by this position.

Security Operations (Risk Assessment, Vulnerability Management, and Configuration Management):

• Provide senior-level guidance to the staff responsible for risk assessment, vulnerability management, and configuration management activities.
• Mentor team members and contribute to the continuous improvement of security operations processes and practices.
• Ensure staff maintain accurate documentation and performance metrics that clearly reflect completed work and the agency's risk and vulnerability posture to support informed management decisions.
• Collaborate with peer engineers and architects to resolve prioritization conflicts related to security operations initiatives.

Policy Administration:

• Review and provide feedback for security-related policy while documenting processes, procedures, and techniques that support the security policy.
• Produce and maintain accurate security documentation, including processes, procedures, and techniques for both on-premises and cloud solutions.

Surge Support:

• Provide operational support to the CSU Incident Response Engineer during periods of increased workload caused by scheduled or unscheduled staff absences, year-end budget activities, or other operational demands. Support may include threat detection, incident response, and mentoring staff as needed.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
Work in an office setting which may also include data closets and datacenter. May be required to work in tight spaces.
Schedule:
Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Travel Requirements:
Some travel may be required to regional and other remote offices.
Tools and Equipment:
Hand tools and networking equipment.
Customer Interactions:
Interact with WDFW staff and WaTech vendors.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Option 1 - All of the following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in computer science or a closely related field.
• Seven (7) or more years of recent professional experience (within the last 10 years) working with infrastructure systems and cybersecurity risk assessment methodologies.

Option 2 - All of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Seven (7) or more years of recent professional experience (within the last 10 years) working with infrastructure systems and cybersecurity risk assessment methodologies.
• Four (4) or more years of recent professional, hands-on infrastructure administration experience (within the last 5 years), including experience with server configuration, virtualization platforms, and cloud services.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Must pass fingerprint and background check due to working with law enforcement and sensitive data.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
Experience:

• Experience working in cloud-based environments, such as AWS and Azure.
• Experience managing a monitoring solution that includes the centralized collection of log file data.

Certifications:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
• CompTIA Security+ certification.
• Microsoft certification(s).

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information
In addition to and other , there are other that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the "Benefits" tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
Important Note:
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:
Union- WFSE:
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:
Per Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at
• Veterans only - Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 - Biologist 1 - Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
As part of WDFW's efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to and reference job #2026-06543.
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of t