Associate Principal, Cyber Defense

The Options Clearing Corporation; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 112,700 - 186,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment assistance

Technology stipend

Generous paid time off

401(k) with employer match

Competitive health benefits

Job summary

The Options Clearing Corporation is seeking an Associate Principal, Cyber Defense to lead security incident analysis and response. This role involves investigating complex security threats and implementing preventive measures. Candidates should have over four years of information security experience and strong knowledge of security tools.

Benefits include a hybrid work model, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) matching, and competitive health benefits. The position requires shift work and on-call support.

Qualifications

• Experience with Cyber Threat Analysis and Incident Response.
• Hands-on security operations experience.
• Knowledge of security regulations like NIST Cyber Security Framework.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and events.
• Investigate security incidents and potential threats.
• Implement containment and recovery measures.
• Work with security team to improve processes.

Skills

Team player

Analytical judgment

Communication skills

Project management

Education

4+ years of information security experience

Tools

SIEM solutions like Splunk

Endpoint detection tools like CrowdStrike

Vulnerability assessment tools

Cloud security tools (AWS, Azure)

Job description

What You’ll Do

The Associate Principal, Cyber Defense is responsible for in‑depth analysis and response to security incidents escalated from Tier 1 analysts. This role involves investigating complex security events, identifying potential threats, and implementing measures to mitigate risks. The Tier 2 analyst maintains the organization’s security posture through advanced threat intelligence and incident response techniques.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and events from various security tools and technologies.
• Perform advanced analysis of security logs, network traffic, and endpoint data.
• Review and respond to security incidents escalated by Tier 1 analysts.
• Conduct thorough investigations to determine the scope and impact of security incidents.
• Implement containment, eradication, and recovery measures for confirmed incidents.
• Document and report findings, actions taken, and lessons learned.
• Work closely with the threat intelligence team to enhance detection and response capabilities.
• Collaborate with other security team members and IT staff to address security incidents.
• Provide guidance and support to Tier 1 analysts on complex security issues.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding security incidents and mitigation efforts.
• Participate in post‑incident reviews to identify areas for improvement.
• Stay current with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of SOC processes and procedures.

Qualifications

• Proven team player with experience working on long‑term projects and rapid response under tight deadlines.
• Experience leading initiatives and following through on solutions across various skill sets.
• Knowledge and experience implementing controls based on security regulation (e.g., NIST Cyber Security Framework).
• Excellent oral and written communication, analytical judgment, and consultation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management in formal and informal settings.
• Ability to work with local and remote IT staff, vendors, and consultants.
• Ability to work independently and possess strong project management skills.

Technical Skills

• Log analysis and security content development in SIEM solutions (Splunk, IBM QRadar, LogRhythm, etc.).
• SOAR products such as Splunk SOAR, Cortex XSOAR, FortiSOAR, etc. (SOAR playbook development experience is a plus).
• Endpoint detection and response tools (CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender, etc.).
• Incident response playbook development, managing security incident analysis and remediation.
• Network‑based preventative and detective technologies (IDS/IPS, firewalls, proxy servers).
• Standard technical writing tools (MS Word, Excel, Project, Visio).
• Vulnerability assessment tools (Qualys, Nessus, nmap, etc.).
• Directory services, LDAP, and their inherent security (Active Directory, CA Directory, Entra ID).
• Client/server platforms including Windows and Linux.
• Operating system hardening procedures (Solaris, Linux, Windows, etc.).
• Web application firewalls.
• Cloud‑based security tools and techniques (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.).
• Experience with scripting and API development to integrate security monitoring and analysis devices.

Education and Experience

Minimum four years of information security experience, preferably in the financial services industry. Hands‑on security operations experience with interdisciplinary exposure to at least three of the following areas: Cyber Threat Analysis, Incident Response, Application Security, Operating Systems Security, Cloud Engineering, Networking, Programming languages, AI Prompt engineering. Shift work and on‑call support for 24x7 availability are required. Previous project management experience is a plus.

Certificates or Licenses

Preference for at least one of the following certifications: CISSP, GCIA, GCIH, CHFI, GCFA, CASP+.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment with up to two days per week remote work.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Student loan repayment assistance.
• Technology stipend for remote equipment.
• Generous paid time off and parental leave.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Competitive health benefits (medical, dental, vision).

Compensation

Salary range: $112,700.00 – $186,900.00. Incentive range: 8% to 15% of base. Annual discretionary incentive compensation award is eligible. Benefits package includes a generous mix of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Options Clearing Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. OCC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, marital status, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applicants requiring a disability related accommodation for any part of the application process may email [e-mail].

Legal Notice

*****THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR VISA SPONSORSHIP*****