HSM Engineer (Hardware Security Module)

HSM Engineer (Hardware Security Module) – Contract – Pensacola, FL – $50.00 - $58.00/hr.

The final salary or hourly wage, as applicable, paid to each candidate/applicant for this position is ultimately dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s/applicant’s qualifications, skills, and level of experience as well as the geographical location of the position.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship not available.

Our client is seeking a HSM Engineer (Hardware Security Module) in Pensacola, FL.

Role Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated HSM Engineer to join our Cybersecurity Engineering team. This role will support the implementation, management, and operational oversight of Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and related cryptographic systems. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working with data encryption technologies, secure key management, and enterprise-scale infrastructure.

The engineer will also support secure room operations, including physical device handling, inventory control, and chain-of-custody protocols. This is a hands-on, onsite role located in Pensacola, FL, requiring physical presence for secure room access and compliance activities.

• Research, evaluate, design, implement, and maintain HSM-based security solutions

• Support secure room operations, including device handling, physical access control, and chain-of-custody management

• Implement encryption solutions for data at rest and in transit, including TDE for databases (Oracle, SQL Server, etc.)

• Administer and maintain Hardware Security Modules (Futurex, Thales, Entrust, etc.)

• Develop and document processes for HSM lifecycle management, key ceremonies, and system hardening

• Support cryptographic key management systems (KMS) and key lifecycle practices

• Respond to incidents, perform troubleshooting, and contribute to secure operational uptime

• Maintain strong documentation, inventory control records, and asset tracking within the secure environment

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to stand up new security solutions and ensure alignment with compliance standards

• Develop and maintain technical diagrams, SOPs, and procedural documentation

• Monitor systems and implement alerting mechanisms for operational awareness

• Participate in audits, access reviews, and operational process assessments

Skills & Requirements

• 5 years of experience in cybersecurity, system engineering, or HSM management

• Strong experience with encryption solutions (data at rest/in transit, TDE, TLS, etc.)

• Experience with HSMs and cryptographic infrastructure in large enterprise environments

• Solid understanding of encryption, key management, and cryptographic ciphers

• Hands-on experience with Windows and Unix/Linux operating systems

• Familiarity with virtualized environments and server management

• Experience supporting daily operations in a highly secure, regulated environment

• Working knowledge of ServiceNow, Microsoft Office, and Excel (complex formulas and charting)

• Experience with physical security tools, including safes, access control systems, and video surveillance

• Experience with chain of custody protocols and physical asset control

• Strong procedural writing skills and experience with process documentation

• Conceptual understanding of network architecture, firewalls, and subnets

• CISSP or other cybersecurity certification (preferred, not required)

• Experience with Key Management Systems (KMS) and key lifecycle platforms

• Familiarity with tools like Venafi, CipherTrust, or CodeSign Protect

• Knowledge of integrity monitoring, alerting, and operational security tooling

• Background in supporting regulated environments (e.g., PCI DSS, NIST, FFIEC)

Benefits/Other Compensation

This position is a contract/temporary role where Hays offers you the opportunity to enroll in full medical benefits, dental benefits, vision benefits, 401K and Life Insurance ($20,000 benefit).

Why Hays?

You will be working with a professional recruiter who has intimate knowledge of the industry and market trends. Your Hays recruiter will lead you through a thorough screening process in order to understand your skills, experience, needs, and drivers. You will also get support on resume writing, interview tips, and career planning, so when there’s a position you really want, you’re fully prepared to get it.

Nervous about an upcoming interview? Unsure how to write a new resume?

Visit the Hays Career Advice section to learn top tips to help you stand out from the crowd when job hunting.

Hays is committed to building a thriving culture of diversity that embraces people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better we serve our candidates, clients, and employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer, and we comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, HIV-positive status, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. One of Hays’ guiding principles is ‘do the right thing’.

We also believe that actions speak louder than words.

In that regard, we train our staff on ensuring inclusivity throughout the entire recruitment process and counsel our clients on these principles. If you have any questions about Hays or any of our processes, please contact us.

In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, Hays will attempt to reasonably accommodate those individuals unless doing so would create an undue hardship on the company. Any qualified applicant or consultant with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should call or text 813.336.5570.

Drug testing may be required; please contact a recruiter for more information.