Security Operations Specialist

Cboe Global Markets•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Security Operations Specialist is an entry‑level, hands‑on role within the Security Operations organization, designed to develop well‑rounded security practitioners through exposure to the full spectrum of cybersecurity operations. This role supports and contributes to monitoring, detection, incident response, threat intelligence, threat hunting, red teaming, and insider threat programs, while building strong technical and analytical foundations. The Security Operations Specialist operates as a generalist, gaining experience across people, process, and technology to understand how modern security operations function as an integrated system. This role works closely with senior analysts, engineers, hunters, and red team operators, learning through direct participation, mentorship, and structured progression.

Requirements

1-2 years of experience in system administration, IT, helpdesk or similar roles
A strong interest in cybersecurity operations and a desire to learn across multiple security domains
Foundational understanding of security concepts, such as networking, operating systems, authentication, and common attack techniques
Familiarity with at least some security tooling or data sources (e.g., logs, alerts, endpoint telemetry), gained through coursework, labs, internships, or self‑study
Analytical thinking skills and the ability to follow structured investigative processes
Curiosity and persistence when researching unfamiliar behaviors or technologies
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear documentation of findings
Ability to work effectively in a team‑based, fast‑paced operational environment
Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or a related field — or equivalent practical experience

Nice To Haves

Hands‑on experience from internships, labs, home projects, capture‑the‑flag (CTF) exercises, or security competitions
Exposure to scripting or query languages (e.g., basic Python, PowerShell, KQL, SQL, or similar)
Familiarity with attacker techniques or frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK
Demonstrated interest in threat hunting, detection engineering, or red teaming through self‑directed learning
Strong documentation habits, including writing clear investigation notes or technical summaries
A growth mindset and eagerness to rotate across different security functions before specializing
Relevant entry‑level certifications (e.g., Security+, Blue Team Level 1, or similar), though not required

Responsibilities

Monitoring and triaging security alerts across SIEM, EDR, email security, cloud, and identity platforms
Performing initial analysis and investigation of security events, escalating incidents as appropriate
Assisting with incident response activities, including evidence collection, timeline development, and documentation
Supporting threat hunting efforts by executing queries, validating hypotheses, and documenting findings
Contributing to detection engineering by testing, tuning, and helping maintain detection rules and alerts
Assisting red team and purple team activities through log review, detection validation, and exercise support
Supporting threat intelligence workflows, including indicator research, enrichment, and operationalization
Participating in DLP and insider threat monitoring, helping identify potential data misuse or policy violations
Documenting procedures, playbooks, and lessons learned to improve operational consistency
Collaborating with engineering and operations teams to improve alert quality, visibility, and response outcomes
Participating in on‑call or shift‑based SOC coverage as part of a team‑based rotation

Benefits

Fair and competitive salary and incentive compensation packages with an upside for overachievement
Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, sick days and annual community service days
Flexible, hybrid work environment
Health, dental and vision benefits, including access to telemedicine and mental health services
2:1 401(k) match, up to 8% match immediately upon hire
Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Tax Savings Accounts for health, dependent and transportation
Employee referral bonus program
Volunteer opportunities to help you give back to your communities
Complimentary lunch, snacks and coffee in any Cboe office
Paid Tuition assistance and education opportunities
Generous charitable giving company match
Paid parental leave and fertility benefits
On-site gyms and discounts to other fitness centers