Network security analyst ( Only Locals to Texas)

About the role

The Network Security Analyst II performs advanced cybersecurity and network security analysis work in support of the client’s enterprise security operations. This role monitors, detects, investigates, and responds to security events across on‑premises, cloud, and endpoint environments. The position requires strong experience with SIEM, SOAR, EDR, network detection, and incident response platforms, sound judgment, technical depth, attention to detail, and a commitment to protecting client systems, data, and services that support the health and well‑being of Texans.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts, logs, network events, endpoint telemetry, and threat intelligence feeds.
• Analyze suspicious activity, anomalous network behavior, malware indicators, endpoint detections, and SIEM correlation events to determine scope, impact, and required response actions.
• Perform incident triage, investigation, escalation, containment coordination, and documentation in alignment with client security operations procedures.
• Develop, tune, and maintain detection rules, dashboards, alerts, playbooks, and queries to improve visibility across network, endpoint, identity, and cloud environments.
• Support threat hunting activities using KQL, SPL, packet/session analysis, endpoint telemetry, and other investigative techniques.
• Assist with vulnerability, risk, and control assessments for network security infrastructure and enterprise information systems.
• Document findings, prepare incident reports, track corrective actions, and communicate technical information to security leadership and business stakeholders.
• Collaborate with network, infrastructure, cloud, endpoint, and application teams to validate security events and implement risk mitigation measures.
• Maintain awareness of emerging cyber threats, attack techniques, indicators of compromise, and security best practices relevant to healthcare and public‑sector environments.
• Support compliance, audit, and reporting activities by providing evidence, metrics, and security operations documentation as requested.

Requirements

• Minimum of seven years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, security operations, incident response, or a closely related information security role.
• Hands‑on experience with Microsoft Sentinel (incident management, analytics rules, workbooks, automation, data connectors, Kusto Query Language).
• Experience using SIEM for log analysis, alert investigation, dashboarding, correlation searches, and security monitoring.
• Experience with NDR for network traffic analysis, packet/session investigation, threat detection, and incident support.
• Experience with EDR tools, including endpoint alert triage, device investigation, advanced hunting, and response actions.
• Working knowledge of network security concepts (firewalls, IDS/IPS, proxy logs, DNS, VPN, TCP/IP, segmentation, secure network architecture).
• Ability to analyze complex security events, correlate data across multiple sources, and produce clear written documentation and recommendations.
• Knowledge of security frameworks, standards, and regulatory considerations such as NIST, CIS Controls, HIPAA, and state information security requirements.
• Strong communication, collaboration, problem‑solving, and analytical skills.
• 7+ years of experience with SIEM, SOAR, EDR, XDR, and NDR security technologies.
• 7+ years of experience with security log collection, management, and analysis.
• 7+ years of experience with threat intelligence concepts and security threat analysis.
• 7+ years of experience writing and interpreting KQL, SPL, and security queries to support investigations and reporting.
• 7+ years of experience providing SIEM platform and architecture support.
• 7+ years of experience with detection engineering methodologies and implementation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience with SIEM, SOAR, EDR, XDR, and NDR technologies.
• 10+ years of experience with security log collection and management.
• 10+ years of experience with threat intelligence concepts.
• 10+ years of experience writing and interpreting KQL, SPL, and security queries for investigations and reporting.
• 10+ years of experience with SIEM platform and architecture support.
• 10+ years of experience with detection engineering methodology and implementation.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, information technology, or a related field (relevant experience may be considered in place of education).
• Microsoft security certifications are strongly preferred (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate, Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate, Microsoft 365 Defender‑related certifications).
• Additional preferred certifications: CompTIA Security+, CySA+, GIAC security certifications, CISSP, CISM, CISA, Splunk Core Certified Power User, Splunk Enterprise Security Certified Admin, SentinelOne product certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of SIEM, SOAR, EDR, XDR, network detection and response, log management, and threat intelligence concepts.
• Skill in writing and interpreting KQL, SPL, and security queries to support investigations and reporting.
• Skill in identifying indicators of compromise, attacker tactics, suspicious network patterns, and endpoint‑based threats.
• Ability to prioritize alerts, document investigative steps, and escalate incidents based on severity and business impact.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a security operations environment with shifting priorities and time‑sensitive incidents.
• Ability to communicate cybersecurity risks, findings, and recommended actions to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Work Expectations

• Participate in incident response, escalation, and after‑action review activities as needed.
• Support enterprise security monitoring for systems that process, store, or transmit sensitive information.
• Follow HHSC policies, procedures, standards, and applicable state and federal security requirements.
• Maintain accurate operational documentation, investigation notes, metrics, and leadership‑ready summaries.
• May be required to provide support outside normal business hours during high‑priority security incidents or planned maintenance activities.