Cyber Defense Operations Associate (2nd Shift) - Connecticut

$20 - $27.5

Job Description A growing digital infrastructure and cyber risk organization is hiring a Cyber Defense Operations Associate (2nd Shift) to join a high-visibility security operations team supporting critical enterprise environments.

This position is ideal for recent cybersecurity graduates or early-career security professionals looking to gain hands-on experience investigating security events, analyzing threats, and working inside a mature Security Operations Center (SOC). You'll partner with experienced analysts and engineers while building real-world expertise across network security, event monitoring, threat detection, and incident response.

This is a long-term contract opportunity with strong potential for extension and career growth. The team is looking for individuals who are naturally curious, highly analytical, and genuinely passionate about cybersecurity. Work Arrangement

• Hybrid schedule (3 days onsite / 2 days remote)

• Farmington, CT area

• Evening/2nd Shift

Required Skills & Experience

• U.S. Citizen

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Mathematics, or related field

• CompTIA Security+ certification

• Strong understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals

• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking concepts and network architecture

• Familiarity with Windows and/or Linux operating systems

• Ability to analyze data from security, system, and firewall logs

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow documented procedures

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience with SIEM tools such as Splunk or similar monitoring platforms

• Exposure to packet analysis tools such as Wireshark or tcpdump

• Knowledge of endpoint security technologies

• Additional certifications including Network+, CySA+, CEH, GSEC, GCIH, AWS, Azure, or similar credentials

• Previous internship, lab, academic, military, or professional experience related to cybersecurity

• Interest in threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring

What You Will Be Doing Daily Responsibilities

• Monitor and triage security alerts generated from enterprise systems and network infrastructure

• Investigate suspicious activity and determine appropriate next steps based on documented response procedures

• Analyze events originating from firewalls, IDS/IPS platforms, servers, endpoints, and cloud-connected systems

• Escalate potential security incidents to senior analysts and response teams

• Review and interpret security logs to identify anomalies and emerging threats

• Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity stakeholders to support ongoing defense operations

• Maintain accurate case documentation and investigation records

• Assist with continuous improvement of operational procedures and playbooks

Breakdown:

• 80% Security Monitoring & Investigation

• 10% Incident Escalation & Documentation

• 10% Team Collaboration & Process Improvement

The Offer

• 36-month contract opportunity

• Potential for extension or long-term conversion

• Exposure to enterprise-scale cybersecurity operations

• Opportunity to work alongside experienced cyber defense professionals

• Structured onboarding and mentorship environment

• Hybrid work schedule

You will receive the following benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Benefits

• Vision Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401(k)

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis now and in the future. U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

Motion Recruitment Partners (MRP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must be currently authorized to work on a full-time basis in the country for which they are applying, and no sponsorship is currently available. Employment is subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment screening. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under MRP’s Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.