Network Security Analyst II

Network Security Analyst II Austin, TX | $80-90/hr




About the Role
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as a Network Security Analyst II and help safeguard critical infrastructure supporting the health and well-being of millions of Texans. This advanced, full-time onsite position in Austin offers the opportunity to lead and shape cybersecurity efforts across complex on-premises, cloud, and endpoint environments. Work alongside dedicated professionals, leverage cutting-edge tools, and build your career in a mission-driven public sector environment.




Responsibilities




- Monitor and analyze security alerts, network events, endpoint telemetry, and threat intelligence feeds to detect and respond to security incidents.
- Investigate suspicious activities, anomalous behaviors, malware indicators, and SIEM correlation events to determine scope and response actions.
- Perform incident triage, escalation, containment, documentation, and after-action reviews in line with security operations protocols.
- Develop, tune, and maintain detection rules, dashboards, alerts, and playbooks to enhance security visibility across all environments.
- Conduct proactive threat hunting using advanced techniques such as KQL, SPL, packet/session analysis, and endpoint telemetry.
- Support vulnerability, risk, and control assessments for enterprise network security infrastructure.
- Document findings, prepare technical incident reports, and communicate with security leadership and business stakeholders.
- Collaborate with network, infrastructure, cloud, and application teams on event validation and risk mitigation.
- Stay informed on emerging cyber threats, attack techniques, indicators of compromise, and best practices for healthcare and public sector security.
- Provide audit support, contribute to compliance activities, and maintain accurate security operations documentation.




Required Skills and Experience




- 7+ years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, incident response, or related roles.
- Proficient with Microsoft Sentinel, including incident management, analytics rules, workbooks, automation, connectors, and KQL.
- Strong background in SIEM (log analysis, alert investigation, dashboarding, and correlation).
- Experience with NDR for network traffic analysis and threat detection.
- Hands-on with EDR tools for endpoint alert triage and advanced hunting.
- Deep knowledge of firewalls, IDS/IPS, DNS, VPN, TCP/IP, segmentation, and secure network architecture.
- Skill in writing and interpreting KQL, SPL, and security queries for investigations and reporting.
- Ability to analyze complex security events and produce actionable documentation.
- Familiarity with security frameworks and regulatory requirements (NIST, CIS Controls, HIPAA, state standards).
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.




Preferred Skills




- Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, IT, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Microsoft security certifications (Security Operations Analyst Associate, Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Azure Security Engineer Associate, Microsoft 365 Defender).
- Additional certifications: CompTIA Security+, CySA+, GIAC, CISSP, CISM, CISA, Splunk Core Certified Power User, Splunk Enterprise Security Admin, SentinelOne.
- 10+ years' experience in SIEM, SOAR, EDR, XDR, NDR, detection engineering, log collection, and threat intelligence.




Benefits




- Competitive hourly rate ($80-90/hr).
- Stable, full-time onsite role in Austin, TX (Monday Friday).
- Opportunity to impact public health and security at a state-wide level.
- Collaborate with experienced security professionals in a supportive environment.
- Continuous learning and professional development encouraged.
- Exposure to leading technologies and complex enterprise environments.
- Potential for career growth within state government and cybersecurity operations.




How to Apply




Ready to make a difference in public sector cybersecurity? Submit your application and resume to HHSC's hiring portal. Qualified candidates will undergo a pre-employment security review for eligibility. Join us in protecting Texas's critical systems-apply today!