Cybersecurity Operations Specialist

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Professional development and training

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Cybersecurity Operations Specialist in Pretoria, Gauteng, to join a government contractor's expanding security team. You will monitor threats, analyze incidents, and maintain security infrastructure across national-scale systems.

Responsibilities include triage, incident response playbooks, vulnerability scanning, threat hunting, and collaboration with IT/security teams to strengthen defenses. A relevant degree and 2–4 years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2-4 years in cybersecurity operations or SOC analysis.
• Hands-on with SIEM tools (Splunk/QRadar/ELK) and EDR.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and events from SIEM, IDS/IPS, EDR.
• Analyze incidents, investigate root causes and report findings.
• Triage and contain threats; assist in incident playbooks.
• Maintain security systems: firewalls, antivirus, IDS/IPS.
• Conduct vulnerability scans and assist remediation.
• Participate in threat hunting and document procedures.
• Collaborate with IT/security teams to improve security posture.
• Stay updated on threats and mitigation techniques.

Skills

SOC operations

Threat analysis

SIEM/EDR

Networking concepts

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity/CS

Tools

Splunk

QRadar

ELK Stack

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent government contractor based in Pretoria, Gauteng, requires a skilled Cybersecurity Operations Specialist to join their expanding security team. This role is essential for monitoring and responding to cyber threats, maintaining security infrastructure, and ensuring the operational security of sensitive government systems. You will be at the forefront of defending against sophisticated cyber-attacks, working with advanced security tools and technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to national security and develop your expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and events from various security tools (SIEM, IDS/IPS, EDR).
• Analyze security incidents, investigate their root cause, and provide timely reports.
• Perform initial triage and containment of security threats.
• Assist in the development and refinement of incident response playbooks.
• Maintain and update security systems, including firewalls, antivirus, and intrusion detection systems.
• Conduct vulnerability scanning and assist in remediation efforts.
• Participate in threat hunting activities to proactively identify emerging threats.
• Document security procedures and operational processes.
• Collaborate with other IT and security teams to enhance overall security posture.
• Stay current with the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 2-4 years of experience in a cybersecurity operations, SOC analysis, or similar role.
• Hands-on experience with SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, QRadar, ELK Stack) and EDR solutions.
• Understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S) and operating systems (Windows, Linux).
• Familiarity with common attack vectors and mitigation strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CySA+, or GIAC GCIH are a plus.
• Willingness to undergo security clearance.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package of R per annum.
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for advanced training and certification sponsorship.
• Remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere.
• Exposure to high-impact national security projects in Pretoria, Gauteng.
• A supportive and professional work environment.
• Life insurance coverage.