We have an outstanding Contract position for an SOC Engineer. This position is 100% remote.
Pay Rate: $60-63.97/hr
**US Citizenship is required.**
**Candidate must possess an active Public Trust.**
This role focuses on engineering SOC data feed solutions, implementing SOAR capabilities, and ensuring feed health through cross-team collaboration. The ideal candidate will have strong cybersecurity expertise, including network security, SIEM, incident response, and threat detection.
They will also serve as the backup SOC Lead, overseeing operations, managing escalations, and providing updates to senior leadership during critical incidents when the primary lead is unavailable.
Job Responsibilities:
- Microsoft Sentinel Engineering: Maintain and optimize a Microsoft Sentinel SIEM/SOAR solution in alignment with client requirements, industry best practices, and federal compliance mandates.
- Data Integration: Configure and manage log/data feeds from diverse sources (e.g., Fluent Bit, Windows Events, M365, cloud services, endpoint/security platforms).
- Parsing & Normalization: Develop and refine log parsing rules using Regex, DCRs, and custom transformations to ensure accurate and usable data in Sentinel.
- SOAR Development: Engineer automation and orchestration solutions using Microsoft Logic Apps, Azure Functions, and PowerShell/Python scripts to improve SOC efficiency and incident response.
- Threat Detection Engineering: Build, tune, and optimize analytic rules, UEBA, dashboards, and reports to improve detection and response coverage.
- Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams (network, endpoint, cloud, IT ops) to integrate new data sources and deliver actionable SOC capabilities.
- Documentation & Knowledge Transfer: Develop and maintain clear documentation of SOC architecture, log source onboarding, and automation playbooks; provide training for SOC analysts on new tools and processes.
- Advisory & Improvement: Conduct gap analyses of existing SOC capabilities, recommend improvements, and contribute to SOC process maturity.
- Incident Response Support: Provide Tier 3 support and assist with complex investigations when required.
Basic Hiring Criteria:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of progressive cybersecurity/SOC experience (engineering and operations).
- 2–5 years of experience in network defense, SOC engineering, or cybersecurity operations.
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Sentinel, including log onboarding, rule development, and automation.
- Proficiency with log parsing and normalization (Regex, Fluent Bit, DCRs, KQL).
- Strong scripting skills in PowerShell and/or Python for automation and data handling.
- Experience configuring and maintaining data feeds for SOC visibility (cloud, endpoint, network, and on-prem).
- Familiarity with incident response concepts, threat detection engineering, and SOAR workflows.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work across technical and non-technical teams.
Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of federal cybersecurity mandates (M-21-31, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CISA Incident/Vulnerability Playbooks, BOD 22-01).
- Experience with Microsoft Logic Apps, Azure Functions, or other SOAR development platforms.
- Experience with UEBA configuration to enhance anomaly detection.
- Background in AI/ML frameworks for cyber analytics.
- Experience building SOC metrics, dashboards, and reporting for operational visibility.
- Familiarity with M365, Azure security tools, ServiceNow workflows, and CISA CDM tools.
- Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, Microsoft Security Operations Analyst (SC-200), or Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500).
Benefits offered vary by contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, and affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.