Junior SOC Analyst: Defender & Incident Response

Apt; Birmingham (AL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Apt in Birmingham, AL is seeking a Junior Security Analyst to support security operations by monitoring events, assisting incident response, and strengthening endpoint, identity, and cloud protections.

Ideal candidates have hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender or similar, are clear communicators, and are eager to grow in a collaborative, hybrid environment with IT, Help Desk, and Infrastructure teams.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in IT, security operations, SOC, or a related role.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender or similar (endpoint, identity, or cloud).
• Hands on experience with Microsoft Entra ID and Active Directory.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to document technical issues clearly and accurately.
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts such as malware, phishing, endpoint security, and incident response.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment with on-site presence in Birmingham, Alabama.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and triage security alerts from Microsoft Defender and related tooling.
• Assist with investigation of endpoint, identity, and cloud security events.
• Escalate incidents to senior analysts per procedures.
• Document security findings, incidents, and remediation steps.
• Support containment and remediation under guidance of senior staff.
• Participate in post-incident reviews and lessons learned.
• Coordinate with IT, Help Desk, and Infrastructure to resolve security issues.
• Provide timely updates on alert status and investigations.

Skills

Communication

Documentation

Cybersecurity basics

Hybrid work

Tools

Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Entra ID

Active Directory

Job description

Apt in Birmingham, AL is seeking a Junior Security Analyst to support security operations by monitoring events, assisting incident response, and strengthening endpoint, identity, and cloud protections.

Ideal candidates have hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender or similar, are clear communicators, and are eager to grow in a collaborative, hybrid environment with IT, Help Desk, and Infrastructure teams.