Security Operations Center Analyst

Queen Square; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 101,000 - 138,000; Part time

Job summary

Queen Square is seeking a Level 2 SOC Analyst to lead incident investigations and proactive threat hunting across enterprise environments. You will leverage Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, CrowdStrike, Defender, and other tools to enhance detection and response capabilities.

The role requires 6-8+ years in cybersecurity, strong forensic skills, scripting for automation, and relevant security certifications. This is a hybrid Reading-based contract position with a 6-month duration and extension

Qualifications

• 6-8+ years in cybersecurity, preferably in SOC.
• Hands-on experience with modern SIEMs & EDR.
• Solid forensic and malware analysis skills.
• Strong scripting for automation (Python, PowerShell).
• Relevant certs preferred (CISSP, GCIH, GCFA, GCIA).

Responsibilities

• Lead Tier 2 incident investigations and manage escalations.
• Hunt for threats proactively using threat intel and behavior analytics.
• Perform forensic analysis and malware assessments.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve detection & response.
• Create detailed reports and post-incident reviews.

Skills

Threat hunting

Forensic analysis

Malware analysis

Python

PowerShell

Automation scripting

Education

CISSP

GCIH

GCFA

GCIA

Tools

Splunk

Microsoft Sentinel

CrowdStrike

Defender

Job description

Are you a seasoned SOC Analyst ready to lead complex investigations and respond to cyber threats across enterprise environments? We're hiring a Level 2 SOC Analyst to join a cutting-edge security operations team, leveraging tools like Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, CrowdStrike, Defender, and more. As a Tier 2 Analyst, you will handle escalations, perform threat hunting, forensic analysis, and collaborate with internal teams to strengthen cyber defense.

Key Technologies You'll Use

Responsibilities

• Lead Tier 2 incident investigations and manage escalations
• Hunt for threats proactively using threat intel and behavior analytics
• Perform forensic analysis and malware assessments
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve detection & response
• Create detailed reports and post-incident reviews

Requirements

• 6-8+ years in cybersecurity, preferably in SOC
• Hands-on experience with modern SIEMs & EDR
• Solid forensic and malware analysis skills
• Strong scripting for automation (Python, PowerShell)
• Relevant certs preferred (CISSP, GCIH, GCFA, GCIA)

Location: Hybrid - 2 days onsite in Reading

Duration: 6 months (likely extension)

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Contract

Job function: Information Technology

Industries: Staffing and Recruiting