Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

Leidos LLC; Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Illinois is seeking proactive SOC Analysts for a 24x7 front-line security operations team to defend mission environments against sophisticated cyber threats. Roles cover Level I & II, with responsibilities spanning alert investigation, deep-dive log analysis, and producing detailed findings for stakeholders.

You will work with SIEM platforms, assess IOCs, and coordinate with incident response teams on secure communications.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance required or ability to obtain.
• Level I requires a Bachelor's degree and 2+ years related experience; Level II requires 4+ years.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification or higher is required; CSSP-Analyst certification within 180 days.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and triage security alerts from endpoints, IDS/IPS, NetFlow, and sensors to identify threats.
• Perform deep-dive analysis of highly-classified logs, correlating evidence for incident investigations against nation-state actors.
• Produce detailed technical findings and reports for stakeholders, documenting TTPs.
• Integrate classified threat intelligence feeds and IOCs into sensors and SIEM platforms.
• Collaborate with incident response teams and communicate incidents to mission partners.

Skills

SOC Experience

Critical Thinking

Self-Motivation

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SIEM platforms

IDS/IPS

NetFlow analysis

Job description

We are seeking, proactive defenders for a critical role safeguarding the nation's most sensitive digital landscapes. As a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst on our 24x7 front-line security operations team, you will be directly responsible for defending mission environments against the world's sophisticated and persistent cyber threats. This role demands exceptional critical thinking, a deep-seated adversary mindset, and a self-motivated drive to excel in a high-stakes mission. Multiple Openings for SOC Analyst Level I & Level II

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct investigation and triage of security alerts from endpoints, IDS/IPS, NetFlow, and custom sensors to identify and neutralize threats within our mission spaces.

• Perform deep-dive analysis of extensive, highly-classified log files, pivoting between disparate datasets and correlating evidence to support complex incident investigations against nation-state actors.

• Produce detailed technical findings and reports for high-level stakeholders, documenting adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

• Integrate and operationalize highly-classified threat intelligence feeds and Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) into security sensors and SIEM platforms.

• Collaborate closely with specialized incident response teams and ensure timely, precise communication of security incidents to mission partners.

Key Skillsets We Are Looking For:

• SOC Experience: You understand the operational flow, high tempo demands, and rigorous standards of a 24x7 Security Operations Center, particularly those operating at the highest classification levels.

• Critical Thinking & Adversary Mindset: You possess the ability to look beyond the surface of an alert to uncover the TTPs of advanced persistent threats (APTs). You excel at correlating disparate data points, analyzing raw packet data, and conducting deep-dive investigations of complex security events.

• Demonstrated Self-Motivation: You are a self-starter who takes active ownership of your professional development. Whether pursuing advanced certifications, researching emerging threat vectors, or mastering new tools, you drive your own growth to stay ahead of the adversary.

• Thrives on Change: The threat landscape and tactical priorities shift constantly. You demonstrate high operational adaptability, viewing unexpected shifts as opportunities to excel, and seamlessly pivot to adopt new processes, security tools, and analytical methodologies.

Shift & Operational Requirements:

Predictable Work-Life Balance: To support your well-being, we utilize a predictable five-day, 8-hour shift structure.

Shift Options to Fit Your Lifestyle: Our 24x7 mission requires continuous coverage, but it also provides the opportunity to align your work hours with your personal routine. Key coverage windows include:

• Day Shift: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Swing Shift: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
• Mid Shift: 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Flexibility: We highly value your work-life balance and make every effort to honor your shift preferences whenever possible. While final assignments must ensure critical program requirements are met, we strive to manage scheduling with a balanced approach that respects our team members' personal needs alongside mission readiness.

Required Qualifications:

• Clearance: Must have an active DoD Top Secret security clearance.
• Level I: Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience (Equivalent professional work or military experience will be considered in lieu of a degree)
• Level II: Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience (Equivalent professional work or military experience will be considered in lieu of a degree)
• Baseline Certification: Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or higher) certification, such as CompTIA Security+ CE, ISC2 SSCP, or SANS GSEC (or equivalent 8140 requirements).
• Specialized Certification: Ability to obtain a DoD 8570 CSSP-Analyst level certification (e.g., CEH, CySA+, GCIA, or equivalent) within 180 days of hire.
• Technical Core: Solid foundation in networking principles, including packet analysis, common ports/protocols, traffic flow, the OSI model, and defense-in-depth architecture.
• Experience & Education: Location: Commutable distance (within 2 hours) or ability to self-relocate to Scott AFB, IL.
• Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience working within a TS/SCI operational environment, DISA, or other specialized DoD agencies. Experience applying intelligence-driven defense strategies utilizing the MITRE ATT&CK or Cyber Kill Chain frameworks against known APT intrusion sets. In-depth experience utilizing SIEM/SOAR platforms to perform behavioral and statistical analysis across multiple log types within a classified network. Knowledge or experience in defending classified cloud environments (e.g., AWS Secret/Top Secret, Azure Government Secret/Top Secret). Basic scripting and programming skills (e.g., Python, PowerShell) to automate routine analytical tasks.

This posting is for multiple opportunities ranging in years of experience. Level of opportunity, including compensation, will be matched to a candidate’s experience. If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling.

At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

September 18, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change... Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.