Junior Security Operation Centre (SOC) Analyst

Civil Aviation Authority; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A national safety agency in the UK is looking for a Junior SOC Analyst to assist in identifying and responding to cyber threats. This entry-level position is ideal for recent graduates or IT professionals with an interest in cybersecurity. The role offers a hybrid working model and supports career growth within a maturing security function.

Benefits

Flexible & hybrid working arrangements

28 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Onsite gym

Employee development courses

Qualifications

• Desire to build a career in security operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively during incidents.
• Experience in an IT department/role.

Responsibilities

• Support the SOC by identifying and escalating cyber threats.
• Handle investigations autonomously with good judgment.
• Contribute to ongoing development support within SOC.

Skills

Strong interest in cybersecurity

Basic understanding of networking fundamentals

Familiarity with Windows or Linux systems

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Education

Working towards a cyber security certification

Tools

SIEM or EDR tools

Job description

Overview

Salary: £29,000 to £33,258 - (depending on experience)

Contract Type: Permanent - Full time

Location: Gatwick - Hybrid

Closing Date: Sunday 12th October 2025

Interview Date: w/c 27th October 2025

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

The Role

With the establishment of a dedicated Security Operations Centre (SOC) at the CAA in early 2026, we are entering a transformative phase in our cyber defence capability. This strategic initiative marks a significant investment in strengthening our ability to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats in real time. The Junior SOC Analyst supports the in-house SOC by assisting in the identification, triage, and escalation of cyber threats. This entry-level role is ideal for someone starting their career in cybersecurity, such as recent graduates, apprentices or someone currently working in an IT role with a passion for security and strong analytical skills.

Core Accountabilities

Working in a team of analysts, the Junior SOC Analyst is expected to handle investigations with autonomy and good judgment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone without prior SOC experience to develop their technical depth while contributing to a fast-moving and maturing security function with ongoing development support, and a clear progression path within the SOC function.

About You

Minimum essential requirements for the role:

• A strong interest in cybersecurity and a desire to build a career in security operations
• Basic understanding of networking fundamentals (IP, DNS, HTTP, etc.)
• Familiarity with Windows or Linux systems and command-line tools
• Monitor dashboards and responding to low/medium severity alerts
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem solving
• Analytical skills to identifying false positives and escalating genuine threats
• Ability to follow structured workflows and accurately record investigation steps and outcomes
• Be able to communicate effectively to provide updates during incidents and handover periods
• Previous experience of working in an IT department/role
• Working towards a cyber security certification

Desirable skills for the role:

• Experience from cybersecurity bootcamps, apprenticeships, or university courses
• Completion of introductory certifications (e.g. CompTIA Security+, SC-900, or similar)
• Participation in CTFs, home lab environments, or cyber competitions
• Exposure to SIEM or EDR tools (even in a lab/home setting)
• Knowledge of MITRE ATT&CK, threat types, or the incident response lifecycle

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

SC - To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years\' time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.

We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.

We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028

Inclusivity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our diversity ensuring all are backgrounds included here at the CAA. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview.

Our Benefits

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as:

• Flexible & hybrid working arrangements available
• 28 days annual leave + public holidays (additional 5 days leave purchase scheme)
• Generous pension scheme (Up to 12% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing Room at Gatwick
• Mental Health and Suicide First Aiders
• Employee Assistance Programme, talking therapies and neurodiversity support via Occupational Health & access to Headspace for colleagues and 5 dependents
• Free onsite gym at Gatwick or discounted gym membership for London
• EV charging points
• Employee Development courses internally and via Skillsoft

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone - For more information please Click Here

Closing note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.