Senior Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

ISO New England Inc.; Holyoke (MA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment (4 days/week)

Distance-based relocation assistance

Onsite gym / wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement & professional

401(k) with employer contributions

Paid time off

Flexible work hours

Onsite café

Employee networks

Job summary

ISO New England is the independent system operator in New England, tasked with ensuring safe electricity flow and planning grid security. As a Senior SOC Analyst, you will defend critical infrastructure, lead high-severity incident responses, and improve SOC coverage across IT and OT.

You will apply threat modeling, perform malware analysis, and develop detection playbooks while mentoring junior analysts. This role offers a hybrid work model, relocation support, and robust benefits in a

Qualifications

• Experience with SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar, ArcSight, Microsoft Sentinel) and EDR/XDR solutions.
• Experience in threat detection, analysis, and incident response for critical infrastructure.
• Knowledge of MITRE ATT&CK and Cyber Kill Chain frameworks.
• Experience in critical infrastructure or energy sector environments.
• Familiarity with NERC CIP compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate independently with minimal supervision to detect, analyze, and respond to complex security threats in a fast paced SOC environment supporting electric grid operations.
• Lead response efforts for high severity incidents, coordinating containment, eradication, and recovery across IT, OT, and engineering teams.
• Apply threat modeling techniques to anticipate adversary attack paths and improve detection coverage.
• Perform advanced threat detection and analysis using SIEM, EDR/XDR, network monitoring, and forensic tools.
• Conduct malware analysis, digital forensics, and root cause investigations following security events affecting critical systems.
• Develop, tune, and maintain detection rules, correlation logic, and automated response playbooks.

Skills

Self-starter

Analytical thinking

Communication

Ownership

Problem solving

Tools

Splunk

QRadar

ArcSight

Microsoft Sentinel

CrowdStrike

Wireshark

Zeek

tcpdump

EnCase

FTK

Volatility

Job description

ISO New England is the independent system operator responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable flow of electricity in our region and planning for the future of the electric grid. We are at the forefront of New England’s ongoing transition to clean energy.

As a Senior SOC Analyst, you will play a pivotal role in defending critical infrastructure that powers millions of residents across New England. Our organization is responsible for safeguarding the electric grid, a cornerstone of public safety, economic stability, and national security.

What We Offer You

• Hybrid work environment (4 days/week on-site)
• Distance-based relocation assistance available
• 7 people paid on-call rotation
• Competitive compensation with a base salary + performance bonus
• Robust benefits package, including:
• Enhanced 401(k) and financial planning support
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Wellness programs, including an onsite gym
• Free coffee at our onsite café
• Flexible work hours
• Employee Business Networks
• A stable, mission-driven workplace where your impact truly matters

How you will make an Impact

• Operate independently with minimal supervision to detect, analyze, and respond to complex security threats in a fast paced, mission critical SOC environment supporting electric grid operations.
• Lead response efforts for high severity and complex security incidents, coordinating containment, eradication, and recovery across IT, OT, and engineering teams.
• Apply threat modeling techniques to anticipate adversary attack paths, inform detection strategy, and improve defensive coverage across critical infrastructure systems.
• Perform advanced threat detection and analysis using SIEM, EDR/XDR, network monitoring, and forensic tools.
• Conduct malware analysis, digital forensics, and root cause investigations following security events affecting critical systems.
• Develop, tune, and maintain detection rules, correlation logic, and automated response playbooks to continuously improve SOC effectiveness.
• Coordinate tabletop exercises, purple team activities, and grid focused security assessments.
• Mentor and train junior SOC analysts, providing guidance on investigation techniques, tools, and best practices.
• Serve as the project implementor for SOC related initiatives, partnering with the PMO to plan, coordinate, and execute corporate security projects impacting SOC operations.

What we are looking for

• SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar, ArcSight, Microsoft Sentinel, or similar)
• EDR/XDR solutions (CrowdStrike, Carbon Black, Microsoft Defender, SentinelOne, or similar)
• Network analysis tools (Wireshark, Zeek, tcpdump)
• Forensic tools and techniques (EnCase, FTK, Volatility, Autopsy)
• Attack frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK and the Cyber Kill Chain
• Threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
• Threat intelligence frameworks and indicators of compromise (IOCs)
• Network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S, SMTP, SMB)
• Firewalls, IDS/IPS, and proxy technologies
• Windows and Linux operating systems (administration and security hardening)
• Cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud security principles
• Scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, Bash)
• Malware analysis techniques (static and dynamic analysis)
• Log analysis and event correlation
• Vulnerability management concepts

Skills And Abilities

• Self-starter mindset with strong ownership, accountability, and professional judgment.
• Proven ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure in incidents impacting critical infrastructure.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with evolving threats and technologies.

Critical Infrastructure SOC Competencies

• Composure under pressure: Ability to remain calm, focused, and methodical during high-severity incidents where decisions directly impact grid reliability and public safety
• Mission-driven mindset: Deep understanding of the responsibility that comes with defending critical infrastructure essential to national security and public welfare
• Rapid triage and prioritization: Ability to quickly assess multiple simultaneous alerts and threats, making rapid decisions on priority and resource allocation
• Situational awareness: Continuous awareness of the operational environment, threat landscape, and potential cascading impacts of security events on critical systems
• Team coordination: Skill in working seamlessly with cross-functional teams including IT, OT, engineering, and leadership during incident response
• Clear communication under stress: Ability to convey technical information accurately and concisely to diverse stakeholders while managing active incidents

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant certifications such as GCIA, GCIH, GCFA, GREM, CISSP, CySA+, or equivalent
• Experience in critical infrastructure or energy sector environments
• Background in threat hunting or offensive security concepts
• Familiarity with NERC CIP compliance requirements
• Experience with SOAR platforms (Splunk SOAR, Palo Alto XSOAR, Swimlane)
• Knowledge of OT/ICS security concepts

This employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position (ex: H-1B, F-1/CPT/OPT, O-1, E-3, TN, J, etc.).

The expected salary range for this position is $115,000 - $142,000 per year. This role is also eligible for an annual performance bonus, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision), flexible spending and health savings accounts, a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions and a student debt benefit, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, critical illness and hospital indemnity benefits, paid time off, paid leave, a wellness program, an employee assistance program and other great company perks.

This is a U.S. based role. If the successful candidate resides outside of the U.S., relocation will be required.

Equal Opportunity: We are proud to be an EEO employer. Applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, disability (including learning, mental, intellectual, and physical), service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Drug Free Environment: We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.