Security Operations Engineer

Vertex Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Inc. is seeking a Security Operations Engineer to enhance monitoring, incident response, detection engineering, and SecOps automation.

The role is hands-on, focused on threat investigation, incident handling, and building operational tooling to speed security teamwork. Because this function operates 24/7, you will participate in a rotating shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and collaborate across endpoints, cloud services, identities, and networks to improve detection and

Qualifications

• Hands-on security operations experience.
• Experience leading significant investigations across multiple environments.
• Proficiency with SIEM and EDR/XDR platforms; ability to write and tune detections.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, triage, investigate, and respond to security alerts across endpoints, identity, network, cloud services, and applications.
• Lead end-to-end incident response from detection to containment and recovery.
• Develop and maintain SecOps tooling, scripts, and integrations to speed investigation and response.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve detection coverage and telemetry gaps.
• Apply AI thoughtfully in SecOps workflows and explain AI-assisted outputs.

Skills

Security operations

Incident response

Threat hunting

MITRE ATT&CK

SIEM

EDR/XDR

Python

PowerShell

Bash

Cloud platforms

Identity security

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity or related field

Tools

Sentinel

Splunk

Chronicle

QRadar

Elastic

Defender for Endpoint

CrowdStrike

SentinelOne

Cortex XDR

Carbon Black

Job description

Job Description: Vertex Inc. is looking for a Security Operations Engineer role to strengthen our security monitoring, incident response, detection engineering, and SecOps automation capabilities. This role is ideal for a hands-on security practitioner who has a passion for investigating threats, responding to incidents, improving security tooling, and building operational solutions that help security teams work faster and more effectively. Given the 24/7/365 nature of the security operations function, the Security Operations Engineer participates in a rotating shift schedule designed to provide continuous security analysis and incident response coverage. Within the coverage, this will require working nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on the assigned coverage and operational needs.

Responsibilities

Monitor, triage, investigate, and respond to security alerts across endpoint, identity, network, cloud, SaaS, and application environments. Lead end-to-end incident response — detection through containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident improvement — including root-cause analysis and corrective action tracking. Build, tune, and maintain detection logic across SIEM, EDR, cloud, and network platforms; conduct proactive threat hunting aligned to MITRE ATT&CK. Develop and maintain SecOps tooling, scripts, API integrations, and workflow automations to improve investigation speed and response execution. Apply AI responsibly in SecOps workflows, with the ability to explain, validate, test, and maintain all AI-assisted outputs. Collaborate cross-functionally to close telemetry gaps, improve detection coverage, and translate incident findings into lasting security improvements.

Required Qualifications

Hands-on knowledge in security operations, incident response, detection engineering, or threat hunting, with demonstrated ability to lead significant investigations. Strong knowledge of attacker tactics and techniques across endpoint, identity, network, cloud, and email environments, including MITRE ATT&CK mapping and IOC analysis. Experience with SIEM platforms (Sentinel, Splunk, Chronicle, QRadar, or Elastic) and proficiency writing and tuning detection queries using KQL, SPL, Sigma, YARA, or equivalent. Experience with EDR/XDR platforms (Defender for Endpoint, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Cortex XDR, or Carbon Black), including triage, investigation, and containment. Scripting or automation experience using Python, PowerShell, or Bash; AI-assisted development acceptable provided the candidate can explain, validate, test, and maintain the code. Practical use of AI tooling for security — such as Claude, GitHub Copilot, or OpenAI Codex — to accelerate tooling development, detection drafting, and analysis workflows. Experience with at least one cloud platform (AWS, Azure, GCP, or OCI), including cloud logging, identity, and security monitoring. Solid understanding of identity security, including MFA, conditional access, privileged access, token abuse, and identity-based attacks. Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex security issues to technical and non-technical audiences. Independent, self-starter, analytical, evidence-driven work style with strong attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Computer Science, or a related field. Experience with threat intelligence, malware triage, digital forensics, or reverse engineering. Experience with vulnerability management or compliance-driven SecOps (SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, or HIPAA). Familiarity with detection-as-code, Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and code review practices. Relevant certifications such as GIAC (GCFA, GCIH, GCFR, GCLD, GDAT, or GEIR), OffSec (OSIR, OSTH, OSCP, or OSAI), AWS Security Specialty, Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer, Microsoft SC-200, or CompTIA CASP+. Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience accepted in lieu of a formal degree.

COMMENTS:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this position. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

Vertex Values:

Together We Win We're building a team of people who are passionate about making an impact for our customers and committed to how that impact is achieved. Our values define the behaviors, mindset, and culture that make Vertex a great place to grow and do meaningful work. Play to Win or We Don't Play — If we choose to do something, we're choosing to win. That mindset raises our bar on product quality, customer outcomes, and how we show up for one another. Work As a Team, Putting the Customer At the Core — Our customers are our true north. Whatever your role, ask: how will this help a customer succeed today? We earn trust through outcomes, not promises. Achieve Excellence With Integrity, Speed, and Agility — The market isn't slowing down. We'll move faster, adapt quickly, and never compromise on doing things the right way — for teammates, customers, and partners. Innovate Boldly With a Growth Mindset — Progress demands smart risk. We'll try new approaches, learn fast, and keep pushing the boundaries — especially where AI can remove friction and unlock value. Communicate with Care, Candor and Transparency — Honest, constructive conversations make us better. Let's speak plainly about what's working and what isn't and help each other improve.

Pay Transparency Statement:

US Base Salary Range: $91,200.00 - $118,600.00 Base pay offered to new hires may vary based upon factors including relevant industry and job-related skills and experience, geographic location, and business needs.* The range displayed does not encompass the full potential of the role, which allows for further growth and career progression. In addition, as a part of our total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Vertex Bonus Plan (VOB), a role-specific sales commission/bonus, and/or equity grants. Learn more about Life at Vertex and connect with your recruiter for more details regarding Vertex's compensation and benefit programs. *In no case will your pay fall below applicable local minimum wage requirements.

Join our Talent Community to stay updated on the latest job opportunities, news, and events tailored to your career interests.

Vertex is an affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the company's affirmative action plan, please email [e-mail]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact 610-640-4200 or [e-mail]. This telephone line and email address is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a response.