Principal Security Analyst

Critical Start, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Unlimited PTO

Parental and Military Leave

401(k) Plan with Matching

Life Insurance and Disability coverage

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Critical Start, Inc. is seeking a Principal Security Analyst to triage MDR alerts, analyze events, and guide incident response with AI-augmented tools.

You will act as a SME in the MDR platform, work with EDR/SIEM suites (Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, CrowdStrike Falcon, Cortex XDR), and craft playbooks to improve detection and response. The role emphasizes strong analytical and communication skills, operating on high-severity incidents, and ensuring robust cyber defense measures across

Qualifications

• 12 months of SOC tenure or equivalent experience.
• CySA+ certification or equivalent.
• Understanding of AI usage within security workflows.

Responsibilities

• Initial triage of MDR alerts and 24x7 monitoring participation.
• Analyze events, alerts, and threat data to investigate potential attacks.
• Recommend and implement response actions with supervisor approval.
• Create and review playbooks and automations for MDR SOAR workflows.
• Engage in client communications during high-severity incidents.

Skills

SOC experience

CySA+ Certification

EDR

SIEM

AI in security

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

CrowdStrike Falcon

Palo Alto Cortex XDR

Microsoft Defender 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're looking 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!

Who You Are

The ideal candidate for thePrincipal Security Analystrole possesses at least12 months of SOC experience, aCySA+ certification or equivalent. They excel in triaging MDR alerts, analyzing events, and recommending or implementing response actions to mitigate threats effectively. As aSubject Matter Expertin our platformand proficient with EDR, SIEM, and security platforms like Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk, and CrowdStrike Falcon,they ensure accurate escalations and orchestration. They also contribute to creating and reviewing playbooks and automations to enhance efficiency and accuracy. With strong analytical and communication skills, they handle client communications for high-severity incidents and maintain operational integrity through meticulous review and verification processes. This candidate demonstrates technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to ensuring robust cybersecurity measures.

What You Will Be Doing?

• Initial Triage of MDR Alerts
• • Participate in shift-based teams performing 24x7 monitoring of customer networks to detect and stop attacks.
  • Analyze Events, Alerts, and Threat Intelligence data used in investigations of potential attacks against customer networks with the assistance of our Critical Start SOC AI.
  • Recommend response actions for active attacks
  • Implement response actions to stop attackers with approval of Supervisor/Sr. Analysts
• Orchestrationcreation & approval for MDR alerts
  • Create playbooks, knowledge objects, and other automations within the MDR SOAR platform
  • Review Security Analyst created orchestration for decision accuracy, sound logic, and proper documentation prior to adding it to the Trusted Behavior Registry.
• Client communications related to High & Critical investigations
  • Written and verbal when required
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) within our platform.
• Mid-level competence within MDR tool suite
  • EDR: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, CrowdStrike Falcon, Palo Alto Cortex XDR
  • Other: Microsoft Defender Suite (M365D, Outlook, Identity, Cloud)
• Verifier for Console Actions
  • Able to verify correct execution of Lead and Principal console protection actions to provide two-person integrity.

What You Will Bring?

• At least 12 months of SOC Tenure or equivalent experience.
• CySA + Certification or Equivalent
• Understanding on how to use AI within the work environment

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

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 may be required to move equipment or other items up to 20 lbs.

• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be 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 [$80,000 - $95,000 USD].

Additional Compensation:

This role is not eligible foradditional or 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 23, 2026.