SOC Analyst / Watch Officer

Candidates MUST be U.S. citizens and have an active Secret Clearance.

Job Title: SOC Analyst / Watch Officer
Client: IBM Federal / Department of Homeland Security
Location: Chandler, AZ (Onsite)
Contract Term: 1 year+;
Overview:
Seeking an experienced SOC Watch Officer to support mission-critical cybersecurity operations for Client. This role serves as the on-shift tactical leader responsible for maintaining situational awareness, directing incident response, and protecting federal systems and critical infrastructure. Operating in a fast-paced 24/7 environment, the Watch Officer is the primary escalation point for security events, combining advanced analytical expertise with supervisory responsibilities. The position guides Tier 1 and Tier 2 analysts while coordinating with SOC leadership, incident response teams, and government stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead real-time monitoring, detection, analysis, and response to cyber threats.
• Act as on-shift authority for incident escalation, containment, and remediation.
• Mentor analysts and ensure adherence to SOC processes, playbooks, and Client standards.
• Oversee shift operations, event tracking, and documentation for operational continuity.
• Conduct initial investigations and collaborate with Tier 3 engineers and threat intelligence teams.
• Deliver situation reports, incident summaries, and stakeholder updates.
• Provide leadership during high-severity incidents and crisis events.
• Ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity frameworks and reporting requirements.
• Recommend process improvements to strengthen detection and response capabilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one (required).
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, IT, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years in SOC, cyber defense, or incident response roles.
• Experience leading analysts or supervising 24/7 SOC operations.
• Strong knowledge of SIEM, EDR, network security, and threat analysis.
• Familiarity with NIST, FISMA, and MITRE Telecommunication&CK.
• Proven decision-making under pressure and excellent communication skills.