Role: Security Analyst / SOC

Location: Hereford (onsite)

Salary: £50k - £60k p/a

Thorn SDS is a niche Managed Service Provider with a Head Office based in Alton, Hampshire, who are committed to enabling technology organisations and professionals to thrive within the Space, Defence and Security sectors. We are currently looking for an experienced Security Analyst / SOC to work onsite, 5 days per week, at a secure site in Hereford.

About the Role

You will be a key frontline defender, monitoring, analysing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents in highly secure environments. This role is suited for individuals passionate about cyber threat detection, incident response, and continuous security improvement in mission-critical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor security events, alerts, and anomalies across SIEM and endpoint platforms (e.g., Splunk, Sentinel, ELK, CloudWatch, CrowdStrike).
• Analyse potential security incidents, triage alerts, and escalate as needed based on impact and classification.
• Investigate security breaches and contribute to coordinated incident response activities.
• Correlate and enrich event data with threat intelligence sources to identify indicators of compromise (IOCs).
• Maintain logs, evidence records, and forensic artefacts in line with operational procedures and legal/compliance requirements.
• Support the development of detection rules, playbooks, and use cases for emerging threats.
• Collaborate with security engineers to recommend and validate remediation actions.
• Ensure operations align with MOD cyber security standards (e.g., JSP 604, NCSC principles, ISO 27001).
• Participate in SOC drills, tabletop exercises, and red/blue team engagements where appropriate.
• Provide input to threat hunting, vulnerability management, and SIEM tuning activities.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Experience working in a Security Operations Centre (SOC) or in an incident response, cyber analyst, or defensive security role.
• Familiarity with key security tools and platforms (e.g., SIEMs, EDR/XDR, IDS/IPS, firewalls, log aggregation).
• Solid understanding of network protocols, Windows/Linux OS internals, and cybersecurity concepts (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK, cyber kill chain).
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to write clear incident reports and briefings.
• Experience working within regulated environments and compliance frameworks.

Desirable Skills

• Certifications: CompTIA Security+, CySA+, GIAC (GCIA/GCIH), SSCP, or similar.
• Familiarity with cloud security monitoring (AWS/Azure/GCP) and hybrid environments.
• Understanding of UK MOD cyber defence practices, DISA STIGs, or defence sector regulatory standards.
• Knowledge of scripting (Python, PowerShell) or automation tools to aid in detection/response.
• Experience with threat intelligence platforms (TIPs) or structured analysis methodologies.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience and clearance level.

• Opportunities to work on nationally significant defence platforms and systems.

• 25 days Annual Leave (plus Bank Holidays)

• Employer Pension Contributions
• Group Life Insurance
• Dental Cashback Plan
• Health Cashback Plan
• Wellbeing Services (includes GP, Physio and Savings Benefits)
• Thorn Wellbeing Support Contribution
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Supported Training & Personal Development Opportunities

Apply

If you have the expertise to support this requirement and are eager to make an impact in a critical role, please apply today!

All applicants must hold the Right to Work in the UK and already possess, or be eligible to obtain, a high level of National Security Clearance.

Due to the nature of our business, your nationality, previous nationalities, and country of birth may influence the types of roles for which you are eligible. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website or click here.