Sr. Security Analyst

Critical Start•Austin, TX

6d•$60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

Critical Start is hiring a Senior Security Analyst to support its 24x7 managed detection and response operations. The role monitors customer networks, investigates alerts and potential attacks, recommends and implements approved response actions, and helps ensure accurate customer escalations. The analyst also creates and reviews playbooks and automations, communicates with clients about high- and critical-severity investigations, and serves as a subject matter expert on the company’s ZTAP console and MDR tool suite. This position works as part of shift-based teams providing round-the-clock monitoring. It requires at least six months of SOC experience or equivalent experience and a Security+ certification or equivalent. The role is based in a working environment that includes office facilities in Plano, Texas; the posting also includes remote-work pay transparency language and a remote job tag but does not explicitly specify the workplace type. The total base compensation range is $60,000–$70,000 USD. The company describes its workplace as collaborative and casual, with open offices, meeting spaces, phone rooms, wellness rooms, and recreational games.

Requirements

At least six months of SOC tenure beginning on the first day on shift, or equivalent experience.
Security+ certification or equivalent.
Strong analytical and communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain operational integrity through review and verification processes.
Ability to apply established protocols in a timely manner and make timely decisions in the context of workflow.
Ability to complete tasks under speed, deadline, or productivity-quota demands; work effectively in high-stress situations; and address multiple complex problems simultaneously.
Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and exchange accurate information.
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods and constantly operate a computer; occasional movement of equipment or other items weighing up to 20 lbs may be required.

Nice To Haves

Mid-level competence with the MDR tool suite, including EDR, SIEM, and related security platforms.
Experience with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, CrowdStrike Falcon, Palo Alto Cortex XDR, VMware Enterprise Endpoint, or Trend Micro Vision One.
Experience with Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk, or Devo.
Experience with Microsoft Defender Suite products, including M365D, Outlook, Identity, and Cloud.

Responsibilities

Participate in shift-based teams performing 24x7 monitoring of customer networks to detect and stop attacks.
Analyze events, alerts, and threat intelligence data during investigations of potential attacks against customer networks.
Recommend response actions for active attacks.
Implement response actions to stop attackers with approval from a Supervisor or Senior Analyst.
Review Security Analyst post-investigation escalations for response accuracy, protection actions, recommendations, and grammar before sending them to customers.
Create playbooks, knowledge objects, and other automations within the MDR SOAR platform.
Review Security Analyst-created orchestration for decision accuracy, sound logic, and proper documentation before adding it to the Trusted Behavior Registry.
Communicate with clients, in writing and verbally when required, about high- and critical-severity investigations.
Navigate and explain all aspects of the ZTAP console to Security Analysts and customers.
Verify correct execution of Lead and Principal console protection actions to provide two-person integrity.

Benefits

Competitive salary with bonus potential (the role is stated to be ineligible for additional or other forms of compensation).
Comprehensive health benefits with generous employer contributions for medical, dental, and vision.
Unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy.
Paid parental and military leave.
Employer-provided life insurance, long-term disability, and short-term disability coverage.
401(k) plan with matching program.
Employee Assistance Program available 24/7/365.
Monthly wellness initiatives.
Optional pet benefits discount plan.
Additional ancillary benefits offered at 100% employee contribution.
Additional voluntary life insurance coverage.