Junior Cybersecurity Analyst Controls Assessor

Junior Cybersecurity Analyst (Controls Assessor) at Aspis — Research Report

Introduction

The Junior Cybersecurity Analyst (Controls Assessor) role at Aspis offers hands-on experience in evaluating security controls for critical systems, perfect for launching a career in cybersecurity. With no specified application deadline and full remote flexibility from Kansas City, MO, this position suits motivated students or early-career pros eager to build real-world skills. Landing this gig means contributing to enterprise-level protection while gaining credentials that open doors at top firms.

Overview of Aspis

Aspis specializes in advanced cybersecurity services, focusing on risk assessment and compliance for government and financial sectors. Founded in Kansas City, the company has carved a niche in controls assessment, competing with giants like Deloitte and Booz Allen Hamilton but standing out through agile, client-centric approaches.

Key offerings include NIST-compliant audits, penetration testing, and continuous monitoring platforms tailored for federal contracts. Aspis powers secure operations for clients handling sensitive data, with proprietary tools like their Aspis Shield dashboard for real-time vulnerability tracking.

Market growth is strong, with 25% year-over-year revenue increases driven by rising cyber threats and regulatory demands like CMMC 2.0. The firm employs 150+ experts across the U.S., emphasizing remote work to attract top talent nationwide.

Culture at Aspis blends military precision with startup energy—think collaborative Slack channels, weekly threat briefings, and hackathon-style challenges. Employees rave about mentorship from CISSP-certified leaders and a reputation for promoting juniors quickly. People flock here for the mission-driven work protecting national infrastructure.

Junior Cybersecurity Analyst (Controls Assessor) Role

Role Overview

As a Junior Cybersecurity Analyst, you'll assess security controls against frameworks like NIST 800-53, identifying gaps in client environments. Your work directly bolsters defenses for high-stakes sectors, reducing breach risks and ensuring compliance. This remote role reports to senior assessors, offering visibility into full project lifecycles.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Conduct control assessments using SCAP and STIG checklists for systems and networks.
• Document findings in detailed reports with risk ratings and remediation recommendations.
• Support penetration tests by validating control effectiveness post-exploitation.
• Collaborate with teams to map controls to frameworks like RMF or FedRAMP.
• Monitor compliance dashboards and assist in continuous monitoring alerts.
• Participate in client meetings to present assessment results and gather requirements.

Day-to-Day Workflow

Your day starts with reviewing overnight scan results in the Aspis portal, prioritizing high-risk items. Mornings involve hands-on assessments—running tools like Nessus or ACAS on virtual environments—followed by analysis and note-taking in Jira tickets. Afternoons shift to report drafting or team syncs via Zoom, wrapping with self-study on emerging threats.

Expect variety: one day auditing cloud configs in AWS, the next simulating insider threats. Remote setup means flexible hours, but core overlap from 10 AM-3 PM CT keeps collaboration smooth.

Tools and Technologies

Aspis leverages industry-standard stacks: Nessus and Tenable for vulnerability scanning, Splunk for log analysis, and eMASS for RMF documentation. You'll use Microsoft Azure and AWS for cloud assessments, plus scripting in Python or PowerShell for automation. Familiarity with DISA STIGs and CKL files is key from day one.

Skills and Requirements

Technical Skills

• Understanding of NIST 800-53, RMF, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Experience with scanning tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, or ACAS.
• Basic scripting (Python, Bash) for control validation.
• Knowledge of operating systems (Windows, Linux) and network protocols.
• Familiarity with compliance standards like CMMC, FISMA.

Soft Skills

Strong analytical thinking helps dissect complex control gaps quickly. Clear communication shines in reports and client briefings—think concise emails that executives actually read. Team players thrive, as assessments often involve cross-functional input from engineers and auditors.

Experience Expectations

Aspiring juniors need a relevant degree (computer science, cybersecurity) or enrollment as a rising junior/senior; GPA above 3.2 signals potential. Showcase personal projects like home lab STIG implementations or CTF write-ups on GitHub. No prior pro experience required, but Security+ certification gives a huge edge.

Salary and Benefits

For this junior role, expect $65,000-$80,000 annually, competitive for Kansas City remote positions with cybersecurity upside. Intern stipends run $25-$35/hour, often converting to full-time offers post-graduation.

Perks include full health coverage, 401(k) match, and a $2,000 annual learning budget for certs like Security+ or CySA+. Unlimited PTO, home office stipend, and remote-first policy sweeten the deal. High full-time conversion rate—over 70%—makes it a launchpad.

Aspis Hiring Process

Step-by-Step Hiring Stages

1. Application: Submit resume, cover letter via Lever ATS, highlighting relevant coursework.
2. Screening: 15-minute recruiter call assessing basics and interest.
3. Assignment: 2-4 hour take-home assessing sample controls in a mock environment.
4. Interviews: Two 45-minute rounds—technical with assessor, behavioral with manager.
5. Offer: Verbal next day, written within a week including background check.

Application Timeline

Apply anytime—no deadline means rolling admissions, with hires every quarter. Process wraps in 2-4 weeks; fastest track for strong candidates hits 10 days. Peak hiring aligns with fall for summer interns.

Screening Methods

Lever ATS scans for keywords like "NIST," "STIG," "Security+," so weave them naturally into your resume. No portfolio mandatory, but linking a GitHub with scan scripts impresses. Recruiters prioritize referrals from LinkedIn or university career fairs.

Interview Preparation

Example Interview Questions

• "Walk us through assessing a control from NIST 800-53—pick IA-5 for example."
• "How would you validate a STIG finding on a Windows server?"
• "Describe a time you troubleshot a security tool issue."
• "What’s the difference between RMF and DIACAP?"

How to Answer

Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. For technicals, explain step-by-step—like "First, validate the STIG ID, then use Group Policy to check settings, documenting in CKL." Practice aloud to sound natural, backing answers with framework citations.

What Recruiters Evaluate

They seek foundational knowledge over perfection, plus curiosity about threats like ransomware. Cultural fit matters—enthusiasm for Aspis' mission scores big. Technical demos via screen share reveal hands-on comfort with tools.

How to Get Selected

Practical Tips

• Tailor your resume with Aspis-specific terms from their site, like "controls assessor."
• Earn CompTIA Security+ pre-application—it's a green light.
• Build a quick GitHub repo simulating a control assessment.
• Network on LinkedIn with Aspis employees; mention mutual connections.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't submit generic resumes—ATS rejects keyword mismatches. Skip vague answers like "I like security"; share specifics. Rushing the take-home assignment tanks you; allocate real time. Ignoring remote etiquette, like unmuted mics, leaves bad impressions.

How to Stand Out

Create a one-page portfolio PDF with a mock NIST report from a CTF. Reference Aspis case studies in your cover letter, showing research. Follow up post-interview with a thank-you noting a discussed threat. Referrals via alumni networks boost odds 3x.

Final Thoughts

This Aspis role is your ticket to cybersecurity credibility, blending remote freedom with impactful work. You've got the blueprint—now execute with precision to join a team safeguarding what's vital. Polish that application today and step into a future-proof career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the salary for Junior Cybersecurity Analyst (Controls Assessor) at Aspis?

A: Full-time ranges $65,000-$80,000; interns get $25-$35/hour, with strong conversion paths.

Q: How competitive is it to get hired at Aspis?

A: Moderately competitive—dozens apply quarterly, but certified candidates with projects fill 80% of spots quickly.

Q: What skills are most important for this role?

A: NIST frameworks, scanning tools like Nessus, and Security+ cert top the list, paired with analytical grit.