SOC Analyst Junior
The SOC Analyst Junior supports the security of DHMS program information systems by monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. This role involves analyzing security alerts, performing initial incident triage, assisting with security assessments, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with cybersecurity policies and best practices. The position requires foundational cybersecurity knowledge, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks independently and collaboratively.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Assists in ensuring the security of the DHMS program's information systems, networks, and data by monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents and implementing protective measures. You will work closely with IT, operations, compliance, and risk teams to support program cybersecurity requirements, policies, and best practices.
- Monitor SIEM queues and alerts from firewalls, IDS/IPS, endpoint security tools, and related sources to identify suspicious activity.
- Triage initial alerts: evaluate severity, affected assets, user activity, and supporting evidence to separate true incidents from false positives.
- Review and correlate network, endpoint, and authentication logs to identify patterns and build preliminary incident timelines and scope.
- Follow incident response playbooks to perform authorized initial containment actions and escalate suspected or confirmed incidents with clear, evidence-backed notes.
- Assist senior analysts with security assessments, documenting identified weaknesses, and validating implemented mitigations.
- Maintain accurate incident records (affected systems, indicators of compromise, investigative steps, response actions, disposition) while following sensitive-data handling rules.
- Coordinate with IT, operations, compliance, and risk management to communicate findings and track corrective actions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field.
- 0–3 years of experience in cybersecurity, systems security, or related IT security activities; relevant training or supervised practical experience acceptable for entry-level readiness.
- Foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles, common attack methods, indicators of compromise, and safeguards for confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Ability to review security alerts and logs, follow incident response procedures, and recognize when to escalate to senior analysts.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, clear written communication, and good organizational skills (able to document technical findings and manage multiple tasks).
- Must have a current Secret clearance.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on or supervised experience with SIEM, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, or endpoint security tools.
- Experience supporting security assessments, mitigation verification, or incident documentation in a regulated IT environment.
- Familiarity coordinating security activities across IT, operations, compliance, and risk management teams.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range (provided by the source): $74,500 - $95,000 per year.
- The posting also displays an estimated annual figure of $61,025; actual pay will depend on location, experience, clearances, education, certifications, contract requirements, and other factors.
- Confidential Client offers compensation and benefits packages that may include other non-monetary elements; final offers vary by role and candidate.
Clearance & Citizenship Requirements
- Current Secret clearance is required.
- Candidate must be a U.S. citizen.
Physical Requirements & Accommodations
Physical requirements are role-dependent and representative of the job’s primary functions (for example: light office duties, occasional travel). Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable performance of essential functions.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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