At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to enhance cyber defence and tackle real-time threats in aviation.
- Company: Be part of the UK's leading aviation and aerospace regulator.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Mentor junior analysts and contribute to a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on aviation safety while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in SOC roles and proficiency in SIEM tools required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 52937 £ per year.
Salary: £45,000 to £52,937 – (dependent on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent – Full time
Location: Gatwick – Hybrid
Interview Date: w/c 10th October 2025
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.
The Role
With the establishment of a dedicated Security Operations Centre (SOC) at the CAA in early 2026, we are entering a transformative phase in our cyber defence capability. This strategic initiative marks a significant investment in strengthening our ability to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats in real time. The Senior SOC Analyst plays a critical role within the CAA’s Security Operations Centre, supporting the detection, investigation, and response to cyber threats targeting the Civil Aviation Authority. Acting as a senior technical escalation point and mentor for other analysts, this role ensures the smooth day‑to‑day running of SOC operations. The Senior SOC Analyst supports the SOC Manager in maintaining high operational standards, delivering improvements across tooling and playbooks, and helping uplift the capability of junior analysts through coaching and collaboration. While this is not a formal leadership role, it requires a high degree of autonomy, initiative, and technical proficiency.
About You
Minimum essential requirements for the role:
- Proven experience working in a Security Operations Centre or similar threat detection/incident response role
- Strong analytical and investigative skills, with the ability to work independently on complex cases
- Proficiency in SIEM and EDR tools, particularly Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender XDR
- Familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK framework and common attacker techniques
- Experience contributing to the development or tuning of security detections
- A proactive mindset, with a willingness to lead on assigned tasks and support others
- Clear communication skills, both written and verbal, for documenting investigations and collaborating within the team
- Mentor junior analysts and develop training materials and tabletop exercises
- CompTIA CySA+ certification or equivalent intermediate certification
Desirable skills for the role:
- Experience writing or modifying KQL queries for alerting, threat hunting, or dashboards
- Exposure to Logic Apps, Power Automate, or other SOC automation tools
- Experience contributing to post‑incident reviews or security process improvements
- Interest in mentoring, coaching, or supporting junior team members
- Completion of relevant security certifications (e.g. GCFA, Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) or Azure Security Engineer Associate)
Additional Information
For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance. SC - To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.
Relocation & Property
The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations. We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15‑mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers. We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028.
Inclusivity
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our diversity ensuring all backgrounds are included here at the CAA. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview.
Benefits
- Flexible & hybrid working arrangements available
- 28 days annual leave + public holidays (additional 5 days leave purchase scheme)
- Generous pension scheme (Up to 12% employer contribution)
- Wellbeing Room at Gatwick
- Mental Health and Suicide First Aiders
- Employee Assistance Programme, talking therapies and neurodiversity support via Occupational Health & access to Headspace for colleagues and 5 dependents
- Free onsite gym at Gatwick or discounted gym membership for London EV charging points
- Employee Development courses internally and via Skillsoft
Our Values
Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone.
No recruitment agencies please.
Senior Security Operation Centre (SOC) Analyst in England employer: Civil Aviation Authority
Contact Detail:
Civil Aviation Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Security Operation Centre (SOC) Analyst in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those already working at the CAA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge of the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Be ready to discuss your experience with SIEM and EDR tools, as well as how you've tackled complex security incidents in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your mentoring skills! If you’ve coached junior analysts before, share those experiences during your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your leadership potential, even if it’s not a formal role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Security Operation Centre (SOC) Analyst in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior SOC Analyst role. Highlight your experience in Security Operations Centres and any relevant tools you've used, like Microsoft Sentinel. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about cyber security and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to mention your mentoring experience and any certifications you hold.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Be specific about your technical skills in your application. Mention your proficiency with SIEM and EDR tools, and any experience with KQL queries. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at the CAA!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Aviation Authority
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in SIEM and EDR tools, especially Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender XDR. Brush up on your knowledge of the MITRE ATT&CK framework and common attacker techniques, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've demonstrated strong analytical and investigative skills. Think about complex cases you've worked on and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Be a Team Player
Since mentoring junior analysts is part of the role, be prepared to talk about your experience in coaching or supporting others. Share any training materials or exercises you've developed, as this shows your commitment to team growth.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. You’ll need to document investigations and collaborate with your team, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.