Tier 1 Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

About the Role

The Security Operator I is an entry-level member of the Security Operations Center (SOC). The role provides continuous monitoring and first-tier triage of security events across the customer's enterprise. The Operator watches SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS, and other security tool consoles, then evaluates alerts against established playbooks and standard operating procedures. They separate false positives from true security events and escalate confirmed or suspected incidents to Tier 2 analysts and incident responders. The Operator documents each event in the ticketing system and keeps records accurate and complete. They also support the SOC's situational awareness by tracking investigation status, reporting findings, and helping educate users on security procedures. The role works under close supervision, may involve shift work as part of 24x7 coverage, and builds the foundational skills needed to advance to Tier 2 analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS, firewall, email security, and other security tool consoles in real time for events that may point to an incident
• Perform initial triage of alerts using established playbooks and SOPs, and determine whether each is a false positive, benign activity, or a potential incident
• Escalate validated or suspected incidents to Tier 2 analysts and incident response staff on time, with the supporting evidence attached
• Create, update, and close tickets in the case management system, with clear and accurate documentation of actions taken
• Review user-reported phishing emails and suspicious activity reports, and perform basic analysis of headers, URLs, and attachments
• Conduct basic research on indicators of compromise (IPs, domains, file hashes) using threat intelligence sources and reputation tools
• Identify potential threats and respond to reported security violations under the direction of senior SOC staff
• Help determine the causes of security events, and recommend improvements to monitoring rules and procedures
• Track the status of open investigations and contribute to shift turnover reports, daily summaries, and metrics reporting
• Follow incident handling, data handling, and chain-of-custody procedures in line with customer policy and NIST SP 800-61 guidance
• Assist in educating users on security procedures and report suspicious trends to SOC leadership
• Maintain awareness of current threats, vulnerabilities, and attacker techniques relevant to the customer environment

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field
• 0 to 2 years of experience in IT, security operations, network operations, or a related technical field (internships, labs, and military experience count)
• A DoD 8140/8570-compliant baseline certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as CompTIA Security+ CE), or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire
• Foundational knowledge of TCP/IP, common ports and protocols, DNS, and network architecture
• A working understanding of Windows and Linux operating systems and their logs
• Familiarity with common attack types, including phishing, malware, brute force, and lateral movement
• Basic understanding of the incident response lifecycle and the MITRE Telecommunication&CK framework
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures consistently
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for ticket documentation and escalations
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed for 24x7 coverage

Qualifications

Additional certifications such as CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA Network+, GIAC GSEC, or Splunk Core Certified User

Basic scripting or query skills (PowerShell, Python, KQL, or SPL)

Familiarity with packet analysis tools such as Wireshark

Experience with ticketing and case management systems such as ServiceNow or Jira

Familiarity with federal security frameworks and guidance (NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-61, FISMA)

Experience in a SOC, NOC, or help desk environment

Completed hands-on training platforms or labs (TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or similar)

Hands-on experience with Microsoft Sentinel, SentinelOne, and Palo Alto XSOAR

Exposure to EDR tools such as CrowdStrike Falcon, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, or SentinelOne