Security Engineer Jobs in South Carolina
Security Engineer jobs in South Carolina are in strong and growing demand, concentrated in defense contracting, financial services, healthcare systems, and state government IT, with openings at every level from analyst-track entry roles to senior architects. Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville are the primary hiring centers, anchored by employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, and Prisma Health that maintain lasting operations across the state. Cloud security, network security, and compliance-focused roles such as risk and vulnerability management are the most consistently active specialties. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Overview
The SOC Engineer is the technical lead for the organization's SIEM platform and serves as the SOC's Tier 3 escalation resource. This role owns the design, tuning, and continuous advancement of detection content, drives SOAR playbook creation and adherence, and provides deep investigative expertise for the most complex security incidents. The ideal candidate combines strong hands-on SIEM engineering and query-language skills with the judgment and leadership to mentor Tier 1/2 analysts and shape the SOC's detection strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and advance the organization's SIEM platform, including analytics/correlation rules, dashboards, data connectors, ingestion/cost management, and the overall detection roadmap.
- Lead detection engineering efforts: design, build, tune, and validate analytics rules across identity, endpoint, cloud, and network telemetry.
- Serve as the SOC's Tier 3 escalation point, performing deep technical investigation, root-cause analysis, and forensic collection on the most complex or high-severity incidents.
- Design, build, and maintain SOAR playbooks and drive consistent analyst adherence to documented playbook procedures.
- Build automation and enrichment pipelines (including AI-assisted triage where applicable) to reduce manual effort and improve mean time to detect/respond.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to Tier 1/2 SOC analysts, including reviewing investigations and coaching on playbook execution.
- Evaluate, onboard, and tune new log sources, data connectors, and threat intelligence feeds to expand detection coverage.
- Partner with IAM, endpoint, and network security teams to ensure detection coverage keeps pace with control and infrastructure changes.
- Track and report on detection engineering and SOC performance metrics (e.g., MTTD, MTTR, playbook adherence, false-positive rates).
- Maintain thorough documentation of detection logic, playbooks, and incident response procedures. Participate in on-call rotation and respond to security incidents after hours when necessary.
Minimum Requirements
- 4+ years of experience in cybersecurity, including at least 2 years of hands-on experience with an enterprise SIEM platform and its query language(s).
- Demonstrated experience leading or serving as a senior/Tier 3 resource within a SOC or incident response function.
- Strong hands-on experience building and tuning SIEM analytics rules and detection content.
- Experience designing and maintaining SOAR playbooks or equivalent security orchestration/automation tooling.
- Solid incident response and forensics experience, including investigation, evidence handling, and documentation.
- Proficiency with scripting/automation (PowerShell, Python, or similar).
- Experience integrating security tooling (EDR, email security, identity, network) into a SIEM for detection and correlation.
- At least one relevant security certification (e.g., GCIA, GCIH, CySA+, Security+, or vendor-specific SIEM certifications).
- Strong understanding of the MITRE ATT&CK framework and common adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures. Able to respond to security incidents after hours when necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Experience with SIEM dashboard/reporting development and executive/board-level reporting on security metrics.
- Experience with AI/LLM-assisted alert enrichment or triage pipelines.
- Familiarity with common enterprise security stack components (EDR, secure web gateway/CASB, identity providers, email security) and how they integrate into detection workflows.
- Familiarity with SOC 2, risk assessments, and other GRC functions.
- Advanced certifications (e.g., GCFA, GCTI, OSCP, CISSP) are a plus.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to lead through ambiguity under pressure. Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Physical Demands:
W h il e p er f o rm i n g t he d u t i es o f t h i s j o b , t he e m p l o y ee i s r e g u l a r l y r e q u i r e d t o t a l k o r h e a r . T he emp l o y ee i s fr e q u e n t l y r e q u i r e d t o s t a n d; w a l k; use h a n d s t o f i n g e r s, h a n dl e , a n d f e el ; a n d r e a c h w i t h ha n ds and a r m s , and operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms.
Work E n v i ro n men t :
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work). The employee may be subject to one or more of the following atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
Competencies:
Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively interact with internal customers and department staff.
Self-Motivated
Team-Oriented
Customer Oriented
Must be able to follow Company safety rules and all other Company policies.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as requested to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
See All 19 Security Engineer Jobs in South Carolina
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Find Security Engineer JobsSecurity Engineer Jobs by City in South Carolina
Where South Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Engineer Job Market in South Carolina
A snapshot from current South Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Non-Profit & Social Services
What South Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security engineer jobs across South Carolina.
- Active security clearance or eligibility for DoD secret clearance preferred by major employers
- Relevant certification such as CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+, or CISM required
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanning tools, and incident response
- Familiarity with NIST, FISMA, or HIPAA compliance frameworks depending on sector
- Proficiency in scripting or programming languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell
Security Engineer Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security engineer in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not require a state-issued license specific to security engineers, so the path runs through education, certification, and employer screening. Most roles require at minimum a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology. From there, earning a vendor-neutral certification like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH is the clearest way to meet baseline requirements across defense, healthcare, and state agency employers in the South Carolina market.
How much do security engineers make in South Carolina?
Security engineers in South Carolina earn a median of about $112,260 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $53,840 for the lowest 10% to over $165,640 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security engineers in South Carolina?
Employers hiring security engineers in South Carolina right now include M.C. Dean, RTX, and SAIC, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. South Carolina's concentration of defense contractors, large hospital networks, and state government agencies creates sustained demand that keeps hiring relatively steady regardless of broader tech market cycles.
Which South Carolina cities have the most security engineer jobs?
Charleston, Fort Mill, and Columbia account for the most security engineer openings in South Carolina. Columbia leads because it is home to state government agencies, Fort Jackson, and the University of South Carolina health system, while Charleston's dense defense and aerospace contractor presence and Greenville's expanding advanced manufacturing and financial sector drive demand in those metros.
Are there remote security engineer jobs in South Carolina?
Yes, and more than many technical fields, since much of the work involves monitoring systems, analyzing alerts, and managing cloud environments that do not require physical presence. About 56% of security engineer openings tied to South Carolina are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, though roles tied to classified government systems or on-site infrastructure typically require in-person or cleared facility access. Cloud security, threat intelligence, and compliance-focused positions carry the highest likelihood of remote flexibility.
How can I get hired as a security engineer in South Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving from a help desk, IT support, or network technician role into a junior security analyst position, which is the feeder track most South Carolina defense contractors and hospital systems use for early-career hires. Earning CompTIA Security+ before applying gives candidates a concrete credential that satisfies baseline requirements at employers like Booz Allen Hamilton and SAIC. State agencies and larger health systems in Columbia and Charleston also post associate-level security roles that explicitly welcome recent graduates from South Carolina's computer science and cybersecurity programs.
Where can I find and apply to security engineer jobs in South Carolina?
You can find and apply to security engineer jobs in South Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, specialization, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 19 Security Engineer Jobs in South Carolina
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