Security Operations SME

The Security Operations SME at Core One is tasked with establishing a new Security Operations Center (SOC) capability, selecting and deploying an effective suite of threat analysis tools, and leading investigations into cyber threats. You will also handle intrusion detection systems, manage communications related to security incidents, and coordinate with both clients and corporate technical teams to prepare detailed assessment and action reports.

To qualify for the Security Operations SME position at Core One, you'll need an active TS level clearance and a minimum of three years of experience working in security operations centers. An undergraduate degree or equivalent experience is preferred, along with 4-7 years of hands-on experience with security tools like SIEM, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Familiarity with Linux, Windows, Mac operating systems, and common scripting languages is also a plus.

Success as a Security Operations SME at Core One relies on strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of security principles like threat landscapes and attack frameworks, as well as robust experience with security event monitoring and analysis. Knowledge of network communications, vulnerability testing tools, and scripting or programming abilities will empower you to effectively identify and respond to cyber threats.

As a Security Operations SME at Core One, expect to work in a dynamic and team-oriented environment that encourages exceptional performance and collaboration. You will engage with skilled professionals from the national security community, making your role pivotal in devising innovative solutions to significant national security challenges.

Core One is committed to supporting its Security Operations SMEs through competitive compensation and benefits packages. The company values professional growth, offering opportunities for continued education and certifications in security fields, fostering an environment where team members can thrive and advance their careers.

When responding, focus on specific tools you have used, explaining their deployment and how they contributed to improving security operations. Highlight your hands-on experiences, such as managing SIEM systems and analyzing security events, and always link your experience back to the objectives of the Security Operations SME position.

Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning by mentioning specific resources such as industry publications, conferences, and online training platforms. Discuss any particular frameworks or methodologies you follow to ensure you stay ahead of current trends and threats in cybersecurity.

In your answer, outline the key steps including identification, containment, eradication, and recovery. Share specific examples where applicable, discussing the tools and methodologies you employed and the outcomes of your investigations to show a clear understanding of incident response.

Share specific scenarios that highlight challenges such as false positives, resource management, or rapid incident escalation. Discuss how you approached these challenges, focusing on analysis, communication, and teamwork, which exemplify your problem-solving skills.

Discuss your approach to risk assessment and how you categorize alerts based on severity and potential impact. Highlight any frameworks you’ve used to help you prioritize incidents effectively, as this is critical in a fast-paced environment like the SOC.

Emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication in resolving security issues. Share examples of successful collaboration efforts and how you navigated any potential challenges while working alongside IT and development professionals.

Respond with a specific instance that reflects your ability to educate and communicate complex security concepts in an understandable way. Explain how you tailored the information to the audience and the positive impact it had on their operations.

Discuss various tools such as SIEM systems, intrusion detection systems, and threat intelligence platforms. Highlight your reasons for their importance, linking them to how they contribute to incident detection and response in the SOC environment.

Talk about specific regulations or standards you've worked with, such as NIST, GDPR, or PCI-DSS, and how you ensured compliance in past roles. Explain the significance of compliance in maintaining security postures and how you communicated these requirements to teams.

Outline your assessment process, which could include reviewing incident reports, conducting security audits, and utilizing metrics to measure performance. Discuss how feedback from these evaluations drives continuous improvement in security strategies.