SOC analyst

Job#: 3027819

Job Description:
SOC Analyst

Location: Rockville, Maryland (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Contract

Role Overview

We are seeking a SOC Analyst for a hybrid role. The CIOCC SOC Analyst is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity events and incidents within a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC). This position acts as the first line of defense, triaging alerts from multiple security technologies, performing initial investigations, and escalating incidents as needed. The candidate should have a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles and strong communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze security alerts and events from enterprise security tools, including SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk), Firewalls (FW), Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, and Network Access Control (NAC).
• Perform initial incident triage and analysis to identify potential threats and indicators of compromise.
• Document security events, investigations, and response actions with clear and accurate reporting.
• Escalate incidents to Tier 2/3 analysts in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with log analysis, basic threat hunting, and packet capture reviews.
• Maintain awareness of emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques.
• Operate effectively in a regulated, high-security environment while adhering to all policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

Experience: 1-3 years of experience in a Security Operations Center (SOC) or a similar cybersecurity environment, or a recent college graduate with relevant cybersecurity coursework and industry-recognized certifications.

Technical Skills: Functional experience with operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, or UNIX. Familiarity with SIEM tools like Splunk is also required.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical information.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications, such as CEH, GCFE, GCIH, GCIA, GPEN, CISSP, CSIS, CSTA, or CSTP.
• Hands-on experience with IDS alerting and log analysis.
• Experience using packet capture and analysis tools.
• Knowledge of common network protocols and services, including HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SSH, SMB, and LDAP.

Work Schedule

• 2nd Shift: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• 3rd Shift: 8:00 PM - 6:00 AM

(Shift selection will be based on operational needs and may follow a Sunday-Wednesday or Thursday-Saturday schedule).

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation for this position is set between $20.00/hr and $30.00/hr. There will be one bill rate regardless of the number of hours worked in a day or work week.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

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Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.