OT Security Analyst

VDart Inc; United States; On-site; USD 96,000 - 138,000; Part time

Job summary

VDart Inc. is seeking an OT Security Analyst to join a Dallas-based SOC on a contract (6+ months) onsite engagement. The role focuses on overseeing SOC operations for OT/ICS, leading investigations, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to protect industrial networks.

The candidate will analyze OT-specific alerts, develop detection rules for OT protocols, and mentor Tier 1 and 2 analysts. Strong experience with SIEM, SOAR, and OT security standards is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field is required; master's preferred.
• 5–7 years of experience in a cybersecurity-focused role; SOC experience strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of direct OT/ICS experience with hands-on knowledge of SCADA, PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Advanced OT security certifications (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443) are highly desired.
• Strong understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS) and Windows/Linux security fundamentals.
• Experience with OT protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, IEC 104, OPC UA and related vulnerabilities.
• Hands-on with SIEM, SOAR, IIDS/IPS, EDR, and network analysis tools.
• Ability to mentor junior analysts and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders.
• Willingness to work in a 24/7 SOC environment and support after-hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee SOC operations during assigned shifts and ensure escalation procedures and SLAs are met.
• Lead investigations and responses to OT/ICS security incidents, coordinating with Networking, Architecture, and CIP teams.
• Analyze OT/ICS security alerts and logs to identify IOCs and anomalies.
• Decide on incident severity, containment, and escalation strategies for Tier 1 & 2 analysts.
• Evaluate and optimize SIEM/SOAR/IIDS/IPS configurations to reduce false positives.
• Develop and test custom detection rules and use cases for OT protocols and environments.
• Produce clear incident reports for management and document SOPs and runbooks.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior analysts and participate in training sessions.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

24/7 shift work

Education

Bachelor's Degree in IT / CS / Cybersecurity

Master's degree

Tools

SIEM

SOAR

IIDS/IPS

Endpoint detection

Network traffic analysis tools

Job description

ob Title: OT Security Analyst

Location: Dallas TX 75202

Mode : Contract (6+ Months) - Onsite

Job Responsibilities

Oversee SOC operations during assigned shifts, ensuring efficient workflow, proper escalation procedures, adherence to SLAs, and effective communication between analysts.

Lead investigations and response to complex security incidents impacting OT systems, networks, and applications. This includes coordinating efforts with other teams and business units (e.g. Networking, Architecture, CIP Compliance).

Perform in-depth analysis of security alerts and logs common in IC S/SCADA systems to identify indicators of compromise (IOCs).

Make real-time decisions on incident severity, containment strategies, and escalation paths and actions taken by Tier 1 & 2 analysts for incidents.

Evaluate and provide feedback on the performance of security technologies (e.g. SIEM, SOAR, IIDS/IPS) used in the SOC. Identify and oversee the optimization of detection rules to reduce false positives.

Develop, test, and implement custom detection rules, correlation searches, baseline drift and use cases within the toolset to improve threat detection capabilities specifically tailored to OT protocols and environments.

Proactively search for IOCs and misconfigurations within the OT environment using threat intelligence, anomaly detection techniques, and knowledge of attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) relevant to IC S/SCADA systems.

Create, maintain, and refine incident response playbooks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and runbooks based on lessons learned from incidents, threat intelligence, and industry best practices.

Ensure all actions, findings, and decisions made during incident handling are thoroughly documented in the SOC's ticketing system. Prepare clear and concise reports for management on security incidents and trends.

Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to Tier 1 & 2 analysts on incident handling, analysis techniques, tools, and OT security concepts.

Participate in training sessions and simulations to stay current on cyber threats, OT security best practices, and monitoring tools.

Stay current on NERC-CIP standards (specifically 2/3), NIST CSF, Purdue Model for Industrial Control Systems, ISO 27001 frameworks, and other relevant OT security regulations.

Education, Experience, & Skill Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.

Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a cybersecurity-focused role; SOC experience strongly preferred.

3+ years of direct experience working with Operational Technology (OT) / Industrial Control Systems (ICS) environments including hands-on knowledge of SCADA systems, PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and industrial networks.

Advanced certifications strongly desired. Examples include: CySA+, CEH, OSCP, GICSP, CCNA Security, or relevant OT security certifications (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).

Deep understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals such as networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS), operating systems (Windows, Linux), and security architecture principles.

Strong knowledge of OT Protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, IEC 104, OPC UA, including packet analysis and understanding protocol vulnerabilities.

Experienced with Security Technologies such as SIEM, SOAR, IIDS/IPS, endpoint detection solutions, network traffic analysis tools.

Exceptional analytical mindset and attention to detail. Ability to analyze complex data sets, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Ability to create clear and concise reports.

Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior analysts.

Ability to work in a 24/7 shift-based SOC environment, including covering for teammates and occasional after-hours support.

Measures of Success

Demonstrates leadership in handling complex security incidents and coordinating response efforts.

Significant improvement in key performance indicators (e.g., reduction in mean time to detect (MTTD), mean time to respond (MTTR), false positive rate).

Successful development and implementation of new detection rules and use cases that improve threat coverage.

Ensures Oncor's timelines, budgets, and deliverable objectives are met.

Ensures the DGM SOC's SLAs are met or exceeded.

Works closely with multiple business units to improve cross-functional communication and efficiencies.

Demonstrates skills in prioritization and multi-tasking, and success in adapting to change in a fast-paced environment.

Demonstrates ability to interface with internal and external business partners in a professional manner.