Early Career Consult Program – Cybersecurity Defense Associate

Kyndryl Inc.; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Benefits package including medical and

Paid leave and PTO

Job summary

Kyndryl Inc. is seeking a Cybersecurity Defense Associate to protect client environments by supporting security operations, incident response, vulnerability management, threat hunting, and security intelligence.

You will monitor networks, endpoints, cloud workloads, and critical infrastructure while coordinating with cybersecurity specialists to strengthen resilience. The role emphasizes technical analysis, operational execution, and continuous learning to identify risks, support incident

Qualifications

• Foundational experience in cybersecurity, security operations, incident response, or a related security role.
• Knowledge of network, endpoint, cloud, and infrastructure security principles.
• Understanding of security monitoring, threat detection, and security event analysis.
• Foundational incident response and incident management skills.
• Understanding of vulnerability management and remediation processes.
• Familiarity with threat hunting concepts, methodologies, and common attacker techniques.
• Experience or working knowledge of EDR, NDR, SIEM, or related security technologies.
• Understanding of cyber threat intelligence, security investigations, and digital forensics fundamentals.
• Ability to troubleshoot security vulnerabilities, system security issues, and operational security events.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Ability to communicate security findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze security events across networks, endpoints, cloud environments, and enterprise systems.
• Investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents using established incident management processes.
• Support threat hunting activities to identify advanced threats, indicators of compromise (IOCs), and suspicious activity.
• Utilize Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Network Detection and Response (NDR) tools to detect, investigate, and contain threats.
• Identify, assess, and support the remediation of vulnerabilities across systems and infrastructure.
• Analyze threat intelligence and security data to identify risks and emerging attack patterns.
• Support digital forensics and security investigations to determine root cause and impact.
• Assist with the deployment, configuration, and operation of cybersecurity tools and technologies.
• Document incidents, findings, remediation activities, and security recommendations.
• Collaborate with security operations, infrastructure, cloud, and application teams to improve security posture and resilience.

Skills

Cybersecurity fundamentals

Security operations

Incident response

Vulnerability management

Threat hunting

EDR/NDR/SIEM

Security monitoring

Digital forensics basics

Communication with stakeholders

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

Tools

EDR

NDR

SIEM

Job description

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems that drive advantage for the world’s leading businesses. We are at the heart of progress; with proven expertise and a continuous flow of AI-powered insight, enabling smarter decisions, faster innovation, and a lasting competitive edge. For our people—Kyndryls—that means doing purposeful work that powers human progress. Join us and experience a flexible, supportive environment where your well-being is prioritized and your potential can thrive.

The Role

Your Role As a Cybersecurity Defense Associate, you will help protect Kyndryl and its customers by supporting security operations, incident response, vulnerability management, threat hunting, and security intelligence activities. You will monitor, investigate, and respond to potential security threats across networks, endpoints, cloud environments, and critical infrastructure while working closely with cybersecurity specialists to strengthen organizational resilience. This role combines technical analysis, operational execution, and continuous learning to identify risks, support incident response efforts, and help defend against evolving cyber threats.

What You Will Do

• Monitor and analyze security events across networks, endpoints, cloud environments, and enterprise systems.
• Investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents using established incident management processes.
• Support threat hunting activities to identify advanced threats, indicators of compromise (IOCs), and suspicious activity.
• Utilize Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Network Detection and Response (NDR) tools to detect, investigate, and contain threats.
• Identify, assess, and support the remediation of vulnerabilities across systems and infrastructure.
• Analyze threat intelligence and security data to identify risks and emerging attack patterns.
• Support digital forensics and security investigations to determine root cause and impact.
• Assist with the deployment, configuration, and operation of cybersecurity tools and technologies.
• Document incidents, findings, remediation activities, and security recommendations.
• Collaborate with security operations, infrastructure, cloud, and application teams to improve security posture and resilience.

Who You Are

• You're good at what you do and possess the required experience to prove it.
• However, equally as important – you have a growth mindset; keen to drive your own personal and professional development.
• You are customer-focused – someone who prioritizes customer success in their work.
• And finally, you're open and borderless – naturally inclusive in how you work with others.

Required Skills

• Foundational experience in cybersecurity, security operations, incident response, or a related security role.
• Knowledge of network, endpoint, cloud, and infrastructure security principles.
• Understanding of security monitoring, threat detection, and security event analysis.
• Foundational incident response and incident management skills.
• Understanding of vulnerability management and remediation processes.
• Familiarity with threat hunting concepts, methodologies, and common attacker techniques.
• Experience or working knowledge of EDR, NDR, SIEM, or related security technologies.
• Understanding of cyber threat intelligence, security investigations, and digital forensics fundamentals.
• Ability to troubleshoot security vulnerabilities, system security issues, and operational security events.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Ability to communicate security findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a managed security services, SOC, or cybersecurity operations environment.
• Experience with cloud security, Zero Trust architectures, cyber resiliency, DevSecOps, IoT security, or AI-related security technologies.
• Experience conducting threat hunting and advanced security investigations.
• Knowledge of current cyber threat landscapes, attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Experience with User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) or advanced security analytics.
• Experience supporting enterprise incident response and recovery activities.
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Industry certifications such as ECTHP (Certified Threat Hunting Professional), ECMAP (Malware Analysis Professional), Security+, CySA+, or other cybersecurity certifications.

The base compensation range for the position in the U.S. is $63,360, to, $114,120 based on a full-time schedule reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation Kyndryl, in good faith, believes it may pay for the role at the time of this posting.

There is a different applicable compensation range for the following work locations: California (San Francisco Bay Area): $76,080, to, $137,040, California (All Other): $69,720, to, $125,640, Colorado: $63,360, to, $114,120, Massachusetts/ Virginia: $63,360, to, $125,640, New York City: $76,080, to, $137,040, Washington: $69,720, to, $125,640, Washington DC: $69,720, to, $125,640

This position will be eligible for Kyndryl's discretionary annual bonus program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Kyndryl's applicable plans.

You may also receive a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical and dental coverage, disability, retirement benefits, paid leave, and paid time off.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Being You

The Kyn in Kyndryl means kinship, which represents the strong bonds we have with each other, our customers and our communities. We focus on ensuring all Kyndryls feel included and we welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We believe in growth, and we're excited to see what you can bring. At Kyndryl, employee feedback has told us that our number one driver of employee engagement is belonging. That sense of belonging - being a valued, respected, trusted member of the team - is fundamental to our culture and fueling great experiences for our customers. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you the ability to thrive and contribute to our culture of empathy and shared success. That's The Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

Your career with us isn't just a job- it's an adventure with purpose. We offer a dynamic, hybrid-friendly culture that supports your well-being and empowers you to grow. Our Be Well programs are thoughtfully designed to support your financial, mental, physical, and social health- because we know that when you feel your best, you do your best. From your very first day, you'll dive into impactful work that powers the systems our customers rely on every day. you'll won't just contribute—you'll make a difference, tackling meaningful projects that sharpen your skills and fuel your growth. We're here to champion your journey. With powerful tools to chart your career path, personalized development goals aligned with your ambitions, and continuous feedback to keep you inspired and on track, you'll have everything you need to thrive and evolve. You'll develop in-demand skills to grow your career and achieve your ambitions with access to cutting-edge learning opportunities - from certifications with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to coaching and hands-on experiences. And through it all, you'll be part of a culture that values empathy, restless learning, and a devotion to shared success. We want you to thrive here- and we're committed to helping you do just that.

At Kyndryl, we achieve progress the world depends on, with purpose. Beginning with the purpose that matters to you. Because here, you will be part of a culture designed with purpose. One that is restless, empathetic and devoted. Where we are committed to sustainable progress for our customers and supporting the communities where we work and live. All of you is what we want. And what we need. Join us, and together, we can advance the vital systems that power human progress.