Security Operations Center – Tier 2 Analyst

Introduction

As the Security Operations Center – Tier 2 Analyst, you will lead complex investigations, coordinate incident response efforts, and drive continuous improvement in threat detection and response capabilities. You will serve as a technical expert and escalation point for Tier 1 analysts, customers, or other departments. This role supports incident detection, escalation, and response activities within customer environments, in line with agreed SOC service scope and service level agreements (SLAs). You will have previous experience in handling escalations from Tier 1 and direct work in security monitoring, threat intelligence, or incident response.

What will you be doing?

• Perform advanced analysis of escalated security incidents and support investigation efforts.
• Act as an escalation point for Tier 1 analysts and provide expert guidance during incident response activities.
• Develop and tune detection rules and use cases in SIEM and other platforms.
• Perform threat hunting based on intelligence and behavioral analysis.
• Conduct forensic analysis and reverse engineering of malware when needed.
• Collaborate with threat intelligence teams to enrich investigations.
• Provide strategic recommendations to improve SOC processes and technologies.
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to training programs.
• Participate in detection validation and lessons-learned activities to enhance SOC detection and response.

A day in this role:

Monitoring & Detection

• Validate complex alerts escalated by Tier 1.
• Determine scope, impact, and severity of confirmed incidents.
• Perform deep log analysis, forensic investigations, and develop custom detection rules.
• Implement containment, mitigation, and remediation actions in accordance with playbooks and customer agreements.
• Understand TTPs (tactics, techniques, procedures) of threat actors.
• Develop custom detection rules and correlation logic.

Investigation & Analysis

• Analyze data patterns and outliers to identify threat actor behaviors and insider threats.
• Conduct deep investigations into logs, network telemetry, and endpoint activity.
• Document findings, actions taken, and recommended next steps.

Incident Response Support

• Assist the SOC team during active security incidents by collecting evidence and containing low-severity threats as per playbooks.
• Follow established runbooks to ensure consistent and compliant response actions.
• Respond to escalated security incidents requiring advanced analysis.
• Provide containment recommendations and support remediation.

Access Management

• Process user access requests (add, remove, modify) following established workflows.
• Enforce least-privilege principles and role-based access standards.
• Conduct periodic access reviews of user accounts, permissions, and group memberships.
• Investigate and escalate suspicious access activities or unauthorized access attempts.

Patch Management

• Assist with tracking and verifying system patch status as part of vulnerability review activities.
• Monitor patch-related alerts such as failed deployments and outdated versions within security tools and coordinate remediation with IT operations.
• Support the vulnerability management process by validating missing patches identified during scans and escalating high-risk findings.

Reporting & Communication

• Generate clear, accurate incident reports and daily shift summaries.
• Communicate event details with internal teams in a professional and timely manner.

Continuous Improvement

• Recommend improvements to detection rules, response processes, and SOC procedures.
• Stay current on cyber threat trends, attacker techniques (TTPs), and security best practices.

What do we ask from you?

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in cybersecurity, with at least 2 years in a SOC or IR role.
• Advanced expertise in SIEM, EDR, and forensic tools.
• Strong understanding of the MITRE ATT&CK framework and threat actor TTPs.
• Experience with scripting and automation, such as Python and PowerShell.
• Ability to lead and manage incident response efforts under pressure.
• Relevant security certifications from ISC2 or ISACA.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Cybersecurity, or CS.
• Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Microsoft SC-200, CEH, CySA+, and GIAC certifications including GSEC, GCIH, and GMON.
• Experience with EDR, IDS/IPS, and network security tools.
• Experience with SIEM/SOAR workflows and playbooks.
• Experience with threat intelligence platforms.

Desired competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure during incidents.
• Team-first mindset and willingness to learn.
• Ability to recognize patterns and anomalies.
• Prior SOC or IR experience.
• Strong analysis and investigation skills.
• Familiarity with threat intelligence and adversary behavior.
• Ability to perform forensic and log analysis.
• More advanced certifications preferred.

Important:

• 24/7 SOC environment; shift work may be required.
• Fast-paced operational setting with tight response timelines.
• Collaboration with cross-functional IT and security teams.

What we offer

In this challenging and responsible position, you will have the chance to make a significant contribution to industry-leading projects and be connected to dedicated people and customers. We offer a position in an informal, international, and professional working environment with a lot of scope for personal development. By joining our profitable and growing company, you will be able to reach your goals and focus on your future.

• 40 vacation days (20 statutory days and a flexible budget worth 20 days).
• Flexible working hours.
• A hybrid workplace (40% working from home and 60% in the office).
• A Health & Wellbeing budget worth €300 per calendar year.
• Commuting allowance, including full reimbursement of travel by public transport.
• Working from home allowance.
• Collective pension scheme and discount on additional health insurance.
• On-site company health centres with a gym, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.
• Vanderlande Academy and training facilities to boost your skills.
• A variety of Vanderlande Network communities and initiatives.
• A great company restaurant and coffee bar with barista.

Background screening

For this position, it is possible that a background screening will be conducted. This screening can include checks such as verification of identity, qualifications, or other relevant records, which may include criminal background or sanctions list checks, in accordance with internal policies and applicable laws. Any job offer may be extended under the condition that the screening does not give reason to reconsider the hiring decision.