Western Governors University

Senior SOC Engineer

Western Governors University$130K — $196K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in security operations required (10+ years preferred)
  • Hands-on SIEM expertise for content development
  • Familiarity with endpoint security solutions like CrowdStrike and Carbon Black
  • Knowledge of the MITRE ATT&CK framework and cloud security practices
  • Proficiency in Python or Bash for automation tasks
  • Strong communication skills for cross-department collaboration
  • Bachelor's degree in IT Security, Computer Science, or relevant experience, with flexibility for equivalent experience

Responsibilities

  • Perform advanced threat detection, analysis, and response
  • Lead investigations into security incidents
  • Develop and optimize SIEM content and alerting systems
  • Monitor security tools for anomalies and policy enforcement
  • Collaborate with engineering teams on secure configurations
  • Engage in threat hunting and research emerging threats
  • Support compliance initiatives and risk assessments

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage
  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Legal assistance and identity protection services
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Well-being programs
  • Discounted tuition for employees and family members
  • Flexible Paid Time Off and Sick leave
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Additional parental leave options
Full Job Description
Job Description

Our Security Operations Center (SOC) team is responsible for a broad range of security operations, including monitoring, incident response, risk assessment, policy development, audit and compliance, technical operations, and collaboration across departments. This team plays a critical role in safeguarding WGU's systems and data while driving innovation and collaboration across the organization.

As a Senior SOC Engineer, you will lead advanced security monitoring and incident response efforts, ensuring WGU maintains a strong and resilient security posture. You'll work on cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and help shape the future of our security operations.

What You'll Do
• Perform advanced threat detection, analysis, and response across multiple platforms and environments
• Lead investigations into security incidents and coordinate remediation efforts
• Develop and tune SIEM content, alerts, and dashboards to improve detection capabilities
• Monitor endpoint and network security tools to identify anomalies and enforce security policies
• Collaborate with engineering and IT teams to implement secure configurations and best practices
• Research emerging threats and recommend innovative solutions to strengthen security posture
• Support compliance initiatives and contribute to security audits and risk assessments

What you'll own
  • Advanced threat detection, triage, and response across multi-platform environments
  • Lead security incident investigations and drive remediation to closure
  • Build and tune SIEM content, alerting rules, and detection dashboards
  • Monitor EDR and network tools for anomalies and enforce security policy
  • Collaborate with engineering to harden configurations and implement secure design
  • Threat hunting, vulnerability management, and emerging threat research
  • Support audits, compliance initiatives, and risk assessments


What you bring
  • 5+ years in security operations (10+ years earns bonus consideration)
  • Hands-on SIEM expertise - content development, not just querying
  • Experience with CrowdStrike or Carbon Black (EDR), Mimecast, and vulnerability management tools
  • Working knowledge of the MITRE ATT&CK framework and cloud security principles
  • Python or Bash scripting for automation and workflow improvement
  • Strong communicator who can brief leadership and work across non-security teams
  • Bachelor's degree in IT Security, Computer Science, or related field - or equivalent experience


Nice to have: CISSP, GIAC, CCSP, or AWS Security Specialty • SOAR experience • Cloud-native security tooling

Experience in Lieu of Education

Equivalent relevant experience may substitute for educational requirements at the hiring manager's discretion.

What to Expect

At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations, practical problem-solving, and authentic collaboration.

We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission. If selected, you will hear from a recruiter or hiring manager who will guide you through the process. We aim to communicate decisions promptly and respectfully.

Here is what that typically looks like:
• Introductory call/ Recruiter screen
• Hiring Manager and Supervisor interview
• Team Technical Interview

Work Location

This is a full-time, in-office position at WGU's office in Raleigh, NC or Salt Lake City, Utah.

Visa Sponsorship

While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

What You'll Receive as a Full-Time WGU Employee
• Comprehensive healthcare
• HSA and FSA options
• Life and disability insurance
• Legal assistance and identity protection
• Retirement savings plan
• Wellbeing programs
• Discounted WGU tuition for you and your family
• Flexible PTO and Sick time
• 11 paid holidays
• Additional paid leaves, including parental leave

Explore the full benefits overview at https://wgubenefits.com.

We are looking forward to getting to know you and seeing how you think, collaborate, and build. Welcome to WGU.

#LI-AW2

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

About Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The university was founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997 with a mission to expand access to higher education. WGU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, and healthcare. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and has been recognized by the White House as an example of excellence in education innovation. WGU has a competency-based learning model, which allows students to progress through their coursework at their own pace based on their mastery of the material.
Learn more about Western Governors University
Size
5,000 employees
Industry

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Western Governors University

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Senior SOC Engineer jobs: