Incident Responder / SOC Analyst

Position Title: Incident Responder / SOC Analyst
Location: Richmond, VA
Clearance Requirements: None specified
Position Status: Contract
Pay Rate: $55/hr - $57/hr on W2

Position Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated Incident Responder / SOC Analyst to support Tier 1 and Tier 2 Security Operations Center (SOC) functions within a mission-critical environment. This role is ideal for cybersecurity professionals passionate about threat detection, incident response, and protecting sensitive systems and data.

In this position, you will play a key role in strengthening enterprise cybersecurity posture by monitoring security platforms, investigating threats, responding to incidents, and supporting containment and recovery efforts. You ll collaborate with network services, senior security engineers, and incident response teams while contributing to the protection of critical digital infrastructure.

This opportunity offers hands-on exposure to advanced security tools, threat intelligence frameworks, and enterprise-level SOC operations in a fast-paced, collaborative, and purpose-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor, analyze, and triage alerts from SIEM, EDR, and NDR platforms

• Investigate cybersecurity incidents to determine scope, severity, and business impact

• Analyze logs, telemetry, and network traffic to identify threats and attack patterns

• Escalate complex incidents to Tier 3 analysts and senior cybersecurity teams

• Leverage threat intelligence sources, IOCs, and frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK and CISA advisories

• Execute containment actions including host isolation, account lockdown, and network segmentation

• Support incident recovery and remediation efforts to prevent recurrence

• Tune SIEM detections to reduce false positives and improve alert accuracy

• Maintain and enhance incident response playbooks and procedures

• Prepare clear, detailed incident reports for technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Document incidents and investigations in ticketing systems (ServiceNow, Jira)

• Collect and preserve forensic evidence in accordance with SOPs

• Ensure SLA-driven ticket resolution and effective cross-shift handoffs

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across SOC operations

Required Skills/Education:

Experience & Knowledge:

• 2 5 years of experience in cybersecurity operations, SOC, or incident response

• Strong understanding of the Incident Response Lifecycle (NIST 800-61 or equivalent)

• Knowledge of threat intelligence, IOC correlation, and cyber threat frameworks

• Solid understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP)

• Experience with log analysis and security monitoring

Technical Skills:

• SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar, Microsoft Sentinel)

• EDR tools (CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender, Cisco Secure Endpoint)

• Threat intelligence platforms and IOC feeds

• Active Directory, Azure AD, and identity management concepts

• Scripting for automation and analysis (PowerShell or Python)

• Containment, remediation, and incident response execution

• Strong technical documentation and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor s degree in Cybersecurity, IT, Computer Science, or related field

• Certifications (earned or in progress):

  • CompTIA Security+, CySA+

  • GIAC (GCIA, GCIH, GCFA)

  • CISSP

  • Microsoft (SC-900, SC-200)

  • Splunk Core User

• Experience with:

  • SOAR platforms

  • Packet capture tools (Wireshark)

  • Cloud security (Azure, AWS)

  • Security tools: Qualys, Cisco Secure Access, ThousandEyes, DUO, Cloudflare

  • Zero Trust architecture and Network Access Control (NAC)

About Seneca Resources

At Seneca Resources, we are more than just a staffing and consulting firm we are a trusted career partner. With offices across the U.S. and clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government organizations, we provide opportunities that help professionals grow their careers while making an impact.

When you work with Seneca, you re choosing a company that invests in your success, celebrates your achievements, and connects you to meaningful work with leading organizations nationwide. Our consultants and contractors enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plans, and the support of a dedicated team that advocates for you every step of the way.

Seneca Resources is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.