OT SOC Analyst II

CenterPoint Energy • Houston, TX

1d

About The Position

The OT SOC Analyst is responsible for monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity events impacting Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control System (ICS) environments. This role performs advanced analysis of alerts and events generated by OT security monitoring platforms and SIEM/SOAR technologies, conducts investigations into suspicious activity, and escalates confirmed or potential incidents in accordance with established OT SOC playbooks and procedures.

The analyst will work closely with key stakeholders to protect critical infrastructure, maintain real-time visibility into OT network activity, and support the safety, reliability and continuity of operational systems.Essential Functions

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred, or equivalent practical experience
• 1–3 years of hands-on Security Operations Center (SOC) experience, including alert triage, investigation, and incident escalation in an IT and/or OT environment.
• Hands-on experience configuring, tuning, and operating SIEM/SOAR platforms in an operational security environment.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience with SIEM and SOAR platforms, preferably Splunk, including data correlation, workflow automation and dashboard creation.
• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, routing, firewalls, network segmentation, and common OT protocols such as Modbus and DNP3.
• Ability to analyze logs, network flows, and alerts to identify security-relevant events, and apply incident response principles, investigation techniques, and evidence handling practices.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to clearly document findings and collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting OT cybersecurity or security operations within regulated critical infrastructure environments is highly desirable.
• Relevant certifications from Splunk and GIAC including GICSP, GRID, GCIP, GCIA or GCIH are highly desirable.
• Experience supporting OT or ICS environments is strongly preferred, including exposure to SCADA, PLCs, RTUs, or related systems.
• Experience working with OT passive monitoring and threat detection tools, such as Nozomi, Dragos, and Claroty.
• Familiarity with NERC CIP and TSA cybersecurity requirements and how security monitoring and incident response support regulatory obligations within OT environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform continuous (24/7) monitoring of OT networks, systems, and devices, including SCADA systems, PLCs, RTUs, IEDs, and associated communications infrastructure.
• Analyze alerts, logs, and telemetry from OT security platforms and SIEM/SOAR solutions to identify anomalies, indicators of compromise (IOCs), and potential cyber threats.
• Conduct initial triage and investigation of detected events, determining scope, severity, and potential operational impact.
• Escalate confirmed or suspected incidents in accordance with OT SOC playbooks, incident classification criteria, and escalation procedures.
• Perform in-depth analysis of suspicious activity within OT environments, including log review, network traffic analysis, and correlation across multiple data sources.
• Support forensic analysis of impacted OT systems to assist in identifying root causes, attack paths, and contributing factors.
• Accurately document incidents, investigations, and response actions within organizational ticketing and case management systems.
• Provide timely notification of identified cybersecurity incidents or attempted compromises to appropriate stakeholders.
• Collaborate with OT SOC leadership and engineering teams to refine detection logic, improve SIEM/SOAR use cases, and enhance OT-specific playbooks.
• Participate in incident response activities, including coordination with operations, engineering, compliance, and external partners as required.
• Maintain awareness of emerging OT threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques relevant to electric utilities.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees