Lead Security Analyst

Critical Start, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Health benefits

Unlimited PTO

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Critical Start, Inc. is seeking a Lead Security Analyst to supervise SOC analysts and provide information security monitoring and response in the DFW, TX region with no travel. The role requires strong communication, interview, and screening skills and a commitment to confidentiality.

You will mentor senior staff, review incidents, and ensure quality through escalation reviews, while driving training initiatives to improve SOC efficiency and performance in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in Information Security.
• CASP+ or equivalent certification.
• Certifications in MDR Tool Suite from relevant vendors.

Responsibilities

• Lead Security Analyst acts as first-line supervisor for SOC analysts.
• Receive and respond to potential security incidents escalated by analysts.
• Review case notes and conduct in-depth analysis of payloads, IOCS, attackers, and threat intel.
• Mentor Senior and Principal Analysts with on-the-job and structured technical training.
• Conduct escalation and orchestration reviews to ensure QA.
• Lead team training initiatives to improve SOC efficiency.

Skills

Information Security

Mentoring/Training

Communication

Tools

MDR Tool Suite

Job description

Who We Are

Ready to make a real impactincybersecurity? At Critical Start,we'renot just protecting organizations;we'reredefining howit'sdone.We'rea team united by an inspiring purpose: to stop breaches, simplify security, and shape the future of cyber defense. Ifyou'repassionate aboutcutting-edgetechnology, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want your work to truly matter,you'vefound your home.

We deliver 24x7 AI-accelerated, human-validated detection, investigation, and response across IT and OT. This means we cut through the noise, investigate real threats, and take trusted, SLA-backed action—all powered by the brightest minds and the latest AI. Since 2012,we'vebeen helping organizations outpace evolving attacks with fasterresponse, fewer escalations, and measurable risk reduction.

Innovationisn'tjust a buzzword here;it'sour DNA. We pioneered the first MOBILESOC app for on-the-go detection and response, infused AI into automated alert resolution toeliminatenoise, and slashed investigation time by an astounding 99.3%.We'retransforming how security teams work, and you could be a part of it. From AI-assisted triage to analyst copilots that elevate humanexpertise, we combine machine intelligence with human judgment to deliveroutcomesourcustomer’strust.

Ifyou'relooking for a high-trust, high-impact team where your ideas are amplified by AI and valued by colleagues and customers alike, Critical Start is the place for you. Come build the future of cybersecurity with us.

Wantto hear from our team? Watchthese videosto gain insights into life at Critical Start or check out our Glassdoor reviews for an inside look.

Who You Are

Critical Start is actively seeking a Lead Security Analyst to support a team of analysts in their learning and professional development within our Managed Security Services business. In this role, you will be responsible for providing information security monitoring and response in the DFW, TX region, with no travel required. The ideal candidate will excel in communication, confidently engaging with individuals at all levels of management within the organization. Additionally, they should demonstrate exceptional interview and screening skills, be comfortable multitasking in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment, and consistently uphold a high level of confidentiality

What You Will Be Doing?

• The Lead Security Analyst assumes the role of the first-line supervisor for analysts within the SOC.
• They receive and respond to potential security incidents that have been escalated by the security analysts.
• Review the case notes provided by analysts, and if necessary, conduct further in-depth analysis. This may involve analyzing payloads, signatures, attackers, IOC's, and threat intelligence.
• Act as mentors and trainers for Senior and Principal Analysts, providing on-the-job training (OJT) and structured technical training.
• Conduct escalation and orchestration reviews to ensure quality assurance.
• Take responsibility for team training initiatives aimed at improving the overall efficiency of the SOC.

What You Will Bring?

• 2-3 years of experience in Information Security.
• Possession of CASP+ certification or an equivalent or higher certification.
• Certifications in MDR Tool Suite from relevant vendors.

What It's Like Working Here

Imagine a dynamic, enjoyable, and rewarding work environment. We are professionals, and the work we do holds immense significance, like saving our customers from potential disasters. However, we believe in not taking ourselves too seriously.

Prefer a casual dress code every day? No problem, as we find comfort enhances our thinking.

Our workplace in Plano, TX offers open offices, collaborative meeting spaces, phone rooms, and wellness rooms. In the breakroom, friendly competition arises with games like ping-pong, bubble hockey machine, foosball, orthe gamingmachine. What harm does a little healthy competition among friends do?

What does our Compensation and Benefits package entail?

• Competitive salary with bonus potential

• Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions for medical, dental, andvision

• Additional Ancillary Benefits offered at 100% employee contribution

• Unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy

• Paid Parental and Military Leave

• Dental and Vision Plan

• Employer-provided Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability coverage

• Additional Voluntary Life Insurance coverage

• 401(k) Plan with Matching Program

• Mines Employee Assistance Program

• Monthly Wellness Initiatives

• Optional Pet Benefits Discount Plan

We prioritize your privacy and security.Please note that Critical Start will never request financial information or sensitive personal data during the interview process.If youencounterany suspicious requests, do not respond and contact us directly at [e-mail]. Thank you for helping usmaintaina safe and trustworthy hiring experience.

Critical Start welcomes people from all backgrounds andwalks of life. One of our core values is to “Do what’s best for our employees,” and that starts with the hiring process by finding the best candidates and providing an environment that upholds equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants, strictly prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy encompasses all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Mental and Physical Requirements

It'simportant to note that specific physical and mental requirements may vary depending on the nature of theofficejob, organization, and individual responsibilities.

Physical:

• Stationary position for extended periods of time.

• Constantlyoperatea computer.

• Occasionally you maybe requiredto move equipment or other items up to 20 lbs.

• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.Mustbe able to exchangeaccurateinformation in these situations.

Mental:

• Must be able to apply established protocolsin a timely manner.

• Maketimelydecisions in the context of workflow.

• Ability to complete tasks and perform in situations requiring speed deadlines, or productivity quota.

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in high stress situations.

• Ability to simultaneously address multiple complex problems.

For positions that can or will be performed, in whole or in part, remotely within the U.S., range and benefits information for this position are being includedin accordance withrequirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, experience, performance in the role and potential for revenue generation (sales roles only).

Compensation:

The total compensation range (base) being offered for this role is [$90,000 - $105,000 USD].

Additional Compensation:

This role is not eligible foradditionalor other forms of compensation.

Employment Benefits:

Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions for medical, dental, and vision, unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy, paid Parental and Military Leave, dental and vision plan, Employer-provided Life Insurance (up to $100K coverage), Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability coverage, 401(k) Plan with Matching Program, 24/7/365 availability of Employee Assistance Program.

Application Deadline:

The application deadline for this position is Oct 26, 2026.