Associate Security Analyst 

Reports To: Director, Cybersecurity Operations     Department: Cybersecurity  

Location: Remote                                                   Exemption Status: Exempt  

PURPOSE   

The Associate Security Analyst is an entry-level role within the Ascend Technologies 24x7 Security Operations Center, responsible for performing initial triage, classification, and escalation of security events across client environments. This position plays a critical role in our managed detection and response services. In addition to triage and response, this role includes engineering responsibilities focused on troubleshooting security configurations and policy issues across various security platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.  

The Associate Security Analyst will participate in an on-call rotation and must demonstrate a strong willingness to learn, troubleshoot, and grow in both incident response and engineering disciplines.  

RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Monitor and triage alerts generated from Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, Defender for Office 365, and related technologies.  

• Accurately classify events using the MITRE ATT&CK framework and determine false positives vs. true positives.  

• Escalate events to Tier 2 analysts when indicators suggest compromise or complex behavior.  

• Investigate and troubleshoot issues related to security tooling, such as misfired alerts, missing telemetry, or sensor misconfiguration.  

• Assist with policy and rule tuning across Microsoft Defender and Sentinel environments to reduce noise and improve detection fidelity.  

• Support configuration reviews of email security settings, endpoint protection policies, and alert rules.  

• Troubleshoot endpoint sensor and agent issues across Windows, Linux, and macOS systems.  

• Work with Syslog sources and connectors to ensure proper ingestion and normalization of log data.  

• Maintain clear, detailed documentation within ticketing systems such as ServiceNow.  

• Contribute to runbook development and playbook updates to standardize workflows and responses.  

• Participate in an on-call rotation to support after-hours incident triage and troubleshooting.  

• Collaborate with client teams to resolve issues related to sensor deployments, data connectors, and logging configurations.  

• Other duties as assigned 

MINIMUM SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE   

• Associate’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related technical field—or equivalent experience.  

• At least 1 year of experience in a SOC, IT help desk, or cyber operations role.  

• Foundational knowledge of security tools and concepts, including SIEM, EDR, email security, and access control.  

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 security features and Azure security controls.  

• Basic hands-on experience with Linux and macOS operating systems.  

• Familiarity with Syslog and log forwarding configurations.  

• Ability to analyze logs, telemetry, and event data for signs of compromise.  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.  

• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including participation in an on-call rotation.  

• Microsoft SC-200 (Security Operations Analyst Associate) must be obtained within 6 months of hire.  

• CompTIA Security+ must be obtained within 12 months of hire.  

PREFERRED SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Experience with Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, and Defender for Office 365.  

• Experience troubleshooting sensor or agent deployments (e.g., MDE, Sysmon, AMA).  

• Exposure to Microsoft Purview, Entra ID (Azure AD), and Microsoft 365 policy configurations.  

• Familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK framework and detection logic.  

• Experience working with Syslog ingestion across heterogeneous systems.  

• Certifications such as CYSA+, Microsoft AZ-900, or Network+ are a plus.  

• Experience working with ServiceNow or other ITSM platforms.  

At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.  

CORE VALUES  

We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:    

• Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.  

• One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.  

• Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.  

• Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.  

• Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:   

Must be able to sit, stand, and bend for the duration of shift. The position is mainly sitting, with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs, such as laptop, server equipment, and, driving to the work site to meet with client(s).  

Salary Expectations: $45,000 - $50,000

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. The range is intended to reflect our commitment to attracting top talent, and the final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's previous experience, expertise in the field, relevant certifications, and the specific requirements of the role. In addition, internal equity, market trends, and geographic location may also influence the final salary.