Security Operations (SecOps) Engineer

Security Operations (SecOps) Engineer - (24000132)

Description

 

UK Research and Innovation

Salary: £45,272 to £56,844 per annum dependent on skills and experience (this may include allowances)
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open ended
Location: Polaris House, Swindon or Keyworth, Nottingham (Hybrid working available)

Closing Date Sunday 19th January 2025

About us 

The UKRI CIO Group plays a pivotal role in managing and optimising the organisations critical enterprise technical services that underpin and enable UKRI’s business capabilities. Within the group a team of Information Security Professionals support the delivery of modern, secure, resilient and scalable services across a larger federated team of Digital, Data and Technology professionals to deliver impact across the organisation and the wider UK research and innovation system.

Purpose

This post provides a rare opportunity for an experienced information security professional to step into a fast-paced security operations role in an organisation at the heart of research and innovation in the UK. Working as part of a team of technical specialists, and to the deputy head of information security, your broad remit is to ensure the security and integrity of the organisation's IT infrastructure. This role involves working closely with development, operations, architecture and security teams to implement and maintain secure systems and protocols, monitor for security threats, respond to incidents, and continuously improve the security posture.

Main outputs and activities

• Develop, maintain, and optimise security playbooks
• Create and implement API integrations between systems to improve data collection, facilitate cross-system communication, and boost automation.
• Utilize APIs to enhance security operations and improve the efficiency of the Security Operations Center (SOC).
• Design and deploy automated workflows to manage routine SOC tasks, such as alert enrichment, notifications, and data gathering.
• Collaborate with security analysts and engineers to develop automation solutions that strengthen the overall security posture.
• Monitor and maintain automation tools to ensure optimal functionality and identify areas for further improvement.
• Build and maintain security at every point in the CI/CD pipeline
• Oversee daily operations of security infrastructure, monitor environments for vulnerabilities, and respond to incidents using tools like intrusion detection systems and SIEM.

Shortlisting criteria

(S) – Assessed at shortlisting
(I) – Assessed at interview
(S&I) – Assessed at both shortlisting and interview

Applicants will be able to demonstrate skills in line with the monitoring and response lead roles using the Government Security Profession career framework. 

Essential:

• Exceptional AWS and cloud security understanding and experience. (S)
• Solid Microsoft 365 security experience in configuration (as well as analysis).
• Intune experience in a corporate production environment. (S&I)
• Experience working in hybrid environments with VPNs and complex network topologies (S&I)
• Experience with DLP technologies (ideally Microsoft Purview). (S)
• Demonstrable experience working in a blue-team type environment or role. (S)
• Penetration testing knowledge and experience, from vulnerability scanning through to more advanced security analysis. (S)
• Experience and knowledge of ISO27001 or similar standards (I)
• Performing comprehensive security audits and assessments (S)

Desirable: (optional)

• Be able to prioritise competing deadlines and objectives. (I)
• Experience of working in a Public Sector Organisation (S)
• Experience with a wide range of security technologies in a complex R&D environment (S)
• Programming and scripting in PowerShell, Python and other languages (S&I)
• Implementing Zero Trust principles (S&I)

Qualifications

• A professional certification (e.g., CISM, CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CCSP or AWS certification)  
• Degree in a related subject or relevant comparable education.  

Security 

As a minimum, due to the nature of this role, candidates must be eligible for clearance in line with UK National vetting guidelines and willing to undertake the process. 

The level of clearance required is security check 

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process at Grade SEO:

• Managing a quality service
• Changing and improving
• Delivering at pace
• Seeing the Big Picture

Security 

As a minimum, due to the nature of this role, candidates must be eligible for clearance in line with UK National vetting guidelines and willing to undertake the process. 

The level of clearance required is security check 

 

Qualifications

 

About UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) 

UKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK. Together we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org. 

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit Benefits of working for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce 

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’. 

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 
 
How to apply 

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application. 

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. 

 

Primary Location

: England-Wiltshire-Swindon

Other Locations

: England-Nottinghamshire-Nottingham

Job

: Information Technology

Organization

: UKRI - Digital Data and TechnologyContract Type: Open Ended

Unposting Date

: 19-01-2025Hours: Full-time

Salary (Pay Basis)

: Pound Sterling (GBP)45,272.00Band UKRI: UKRI-Band E