Lead SOC Engineer (Devops)

CPX; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 330,517 - 440,690; Full time

Job summary

CPX is looking for a senior technical leader specialized in OT detection and cybersecurity in Abu Dhabi. The role involves designing advanced detection capabilities and enhancing visibility across ICT/SCADA systems, requiring deep expertise in OT cybersecurity and threat hunting.

Ideal candidates should have a proven track record in SOC operations, with strong hands-on experience in OT protocols and SIEM platforms. A Bachelor's degree in a related field and certifications like CISSP or GICSP are essential.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years in SOC operations with experience in OT cybersecurity.
• Experience in a lead engineering role within a SOC or industrial cybersecurity environment.
• Proven ability to design detection logic tailored to OT environments.

Responsibilities

• Design detection use cases within SIEM to enhance threat visibility.
• Build and optimize SOAR playbooks for automation of response workflows.
• Create and document SOC alert logic for high-fidelity detection.

Skills

Detection Engineering

SIEM Use Case Development

Cross-Domain Collaboration

Scripting & Automation

Deep Protocol Expertise

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field

Master’s degree or equivalent recognized cybersecurity certifications

Tools

QRadar

Splunk

Dragos

Nozomi

Job description

Job Purpose

OT Detection is a senior technical and engineering leader role focused on designing and implementing advanced threat detection capabilities within OT environments. Operating within CPX’s hybrid Security Operations Centers (SOCs), this role emphasizes engineering detection logic, integrating OT telemetry, and enhancing visibility across ICT/SCADA systems. The position requires deep expertise in OT cybersecurity, threat hunting, and SOC operations, with a strong understanding of regional industrial sectors and compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Detection Engineering: Design, develop, and fine‑tune OT‑specific detection use cases, correlation rules, and analytics within SIEM platforms to enhance threat visibility and reduce false positives.
• SOAR Playbook Engineering: Build, maintain, and optimize SOAR playbooks to automate investigation and response workflows for OT and IT security events.
• Alert Development & SOC Enablement: Create, refine, and document SOC alert logic to ensure high‑fidelity detection and smooth operational handover to analysts.
• Tool Integration: Deploy, configure, and optimize OT security platforms such as Dragos, Claroty, and Nozomi to improve monitoring coverage and asset visibility.
• Telemetry Onboarding: Integrate OT data sources—including PLC logs, historian data, network telemetry, and asset inventories—into SIEM/SOAR and broader SOC workflows.
• SOC Collaboration: Partner closely with SOC analysts and IT/OT teams to validate detections, enhance triage processes, and ensure seamless integration of OT monitoring capabilities.
• Compliance Alignment: Ensure all detection and response strategies align with relevant regulatory and industry frameworks, including NESA, SAMA, NIST 800‑82, and IEC 62443.
• Incident Support: Lead or support technical investigations involving OT assets, providing deep expertise during incident response activities and post‑incident reviews.

Qualifications

• Advanced OT Detection Engineering: Proven ability to design and implement high-fidelity detection logic tailored to OT environments, including ICT/SCADA systems and industrial protocols.
• Deep Protocol Expertise: Strong hands‑on experience with OT/ICS protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, OPC, IEC 61850, and their behavioral patterns in threat scenarios.
• SIEM Use Case Development: Extensive experience building and tuning OT-specific use cases and correlation rules in SIEM platforms (e.g., QRadar, Splunk), with a focus on minimizing false positives and enhancing alert fidelity.
• Telemetry Integration: Skilled in onboarding OT telemetry sources (e.g., PLC logs, historian data, network traffic) into SOC workflows for enhanced visibility and detection.
• Scripting & Automation: Proficient in Python and PowerShell for automating detection workflows, parsing OT logs, and building custom alerting mechanisms.
• Cross‑Domain Collaboration: Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with SOC analysts, OT engineers, and incident response teams.
• Operational Awareness: Deep understanding of SOC operations, OT threat landscapes, and the unique challenges of securing industrial environments in the Middle East.

Certifications

• CISSP, CISM, or equivalent.
• GICSP, GRID, ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificate, Dragos, Nozomi.
• CCNP/CCIE.
• Additional certifications related to SOAR or SIEM solutions would be considered an advantage.

Minimum Work Experience

• Minimum of 8–10 years in SOC operations, with significant experience in OT cybersecurity.
• Prior experience in a lead engineering role within a SOC or industrial cybersecurity environment.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent recognized cybersecurity certifications preferred.