Job Description: SOC L2 Analyst

Role Overview

Key Responsibilities

1. Advanced Investigation & Incident Response

• Deep-Dive Analysis: Perform advanced threat analysis and investigate complex security incidents escalated from Tier 1.
• Incident Leadership: Lead incident response activities, including the containment of active threats, eradication of malicious actors, and recovery of systems.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Conduct comprehensive RCAs to identify how breaches occurred and recommend preventative controls.
• Threat Hunting: Proactively hunt for threats using IOCs (Indicators of Compromise) and TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) to uncover hidden malicious activity.

2. SIEM & Detection Engineering

• Tool Mastery: Analyze logs and correlate security events using complex queries within Splunk and IBM QRadar.
• Rule Optimization: Develop and optimize SIEM use cases, correlation rules, and alerts to reduce false positives and improve detection accuracy.
• Playbook Development: Create and refine incident response playbooks and automated detection logic to standardize response efforts.

3. Intelligence & Mentorship

• Threat Intel Integration: Monitor and integrate threat intelligence feeds into the SIEM to ensure the environment is protected against the latest known threats.
• Mentorship: Serve as a technical mentor for L1 analysts, providing guidance on investigation techniques and professional development.

Required Technical Skills

• SIEM Platforms: High proficiency in Splunk (Search Processing Language - SPL, dashboards, alerting) and IBM QRadar (Offense management, rules engine, AQL queries).
• Frameworks: Strong operational knowledge of the MITRE ATT&CK framework and the full Incident Response lifecycle.
• Security Tooling: Experience with EDR/XDR solutions, Firewall logs, and IDS/IPS systems.
• Threat Analysis: Expert knowledge of IOC analysis, malware behavior, and threat intelligence platforms.
• Scripting: Basic automation skills using Python, PowerShell, or Bash to streamline repetitive tasks.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Experience: 4–6 years of dedicated experience in a SOC environment or Cyber Security operations.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, or a related technical field.

Preferred Certifications:

• Core: CompTIA CySA+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
• Platform Specific: Splunk Certified User/Admin or IBM QRadar Certification.
• Advanced: GCIH, GCIA, or similar technical IR certifications.

Preferred Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills for documenting technical findings in clear business terms.
• A proactive "hunter" mindset focused on continuous security improvement.