At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to enhance cyber defence systems and tackle real-world security challenges.
- Company: Innovative cybersecurity firm in the West Midlands, focused on cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting career path with mentorship opportunities and a collaborative team culture.
- Why this job: Make a difference in cybersecurity while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in system administration with a strong networking background.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
West Midlands, United Kingdom | Posted on 21/03/2025
The Cyber Defence Engineer will join agrowing security team responsible for the testing, implementation, deployment, maintenance, configuration and troubleshooting of the SOC’s technology stack(hardware and software).
The engineer will also assist with the continueddevelopment and maintenance of data pipelines and signature updates and theprofessional development of the system engineering team.
Tasks
- Perform systemadministration on specific cyber defence applications and systems to includeinstallation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, backup, andrestoration.
- Manage system/serverresources including performance, capacity, availability, serviceability, andrecoverability.
- Diagnose and resolvecustomer reported system incidents, problems, and events to ensure continuingoperability.
- Coordinatewith Cyber Defence and CTI Analysts in the management and administration theupdating of ingested data flows, cyber use cases and signatures for specialisedcyber defence applications in response to new or observed threats.
- Manage the compilation, cataloguing, distribution, and retrieval of data from a range of enterprisenetworks and data sources.
- Implement and develop datamanagement standards, policies, requirements, and specifications.
- Analyse data sources toprovide actionable recommendations and facilitate data-gathering methods.
- Provide updates to the SOC Leads (Line Management, Team Leaders) on current SOC investigations and findings.
- Share knowledge, skills, and experience, by documenting SOC processes to aid to aid SOC maturity and trainingof new members of the data engineering team.
Requirements
Knowledge
- A demonstrablenetworking background – experience in system administration.
- Knowledge of big datatechnologies and ecosystems (e. g. Apache Ni Fi).
- Knowledge of currentmarket and emerging tools in data analytical and SIEM platforms.
- Knowledgeof network security implementations (e. g., IDS, IPS, EDR), including theirfunction and placement in an enterprise network.
- Knowledgeof intrusion detection systems and signature development.
- Knowledge of front-endcollection systems, including network traffic collection, filtering, andselection.
- Knowledge of cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and privacy principles.
- Working knowledge inconfigurating collection sensors for enterprise networks.
- Knowledgeof system administration concepts for operating systems such as but not limitedto Linux, Android, and Windows operating systems.
- Knowledge of cyberdefence and information security policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Knowledge of networksecurity architecture concepts including topology, protocols, components, andprinciples.
- Knowledgeof cyber incident response frameworks and handling methodologies.
- Knowledge of data backup andrecovery.
Skills/Experience
Must-have – circa5 years + relevant experience.
Must-have experience with Enterprise ICS/network architectures and technologies.
Must-have experience withframeworks and technologies that support data-intensive distributedapplications.
Must-have experience withmaintaining and administrating data analytical and SIEM platforms such as Elastic.
Must-have experience with problemsolving and analytical skills and able to collect information, analyse, report, and advise on evidence-based changes.
- Skillto apply cybersecurityand privacy principles to organizational requirements (relevant toconfidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, non-repudiation).
- Stakeholder management – Expert ability tocommunicate to all levels of the organisation on technical, and non-technicallevel.
- Experience using hostand network-based IDS/IPS
- Experience using packetcapture solutions.
- Skill indeveloping and deploying signatures.
- Abilityto provide technical and service leadership to junior SOC Engineers(mentor/coach).
Desirable Qualifications/Certifications
- Red Hat System Administration I & II (RH124/RH134).
- Knowledge of virtualisation technologiessuch as VMWare and Hyper V.
- Proventrack record and experience in developing cyber security policies andprocedures, as well as successfully producing deliverables to meetorganisational objectives.
- Abilityto work calmly and effectively under pressure and have a can-do attitude.
- Broadcyber certifications or equivalent such as Cyber Foundation Pathway, Comp TIA(N+, S+, Cy SA+), SANS (GSEC, GCIH, GMON, GCDA), Systems Administrations (Active Directory), CISCO (CCNA, CCNP) and risk management.
Working knowledge of Defence Joint Service Publications (440, 441,604).
Cyber Defence Engineer employer: Plannedlink
Plannedlink is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where M365 Engineers can thrive in their roles. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects within the dynamic UK tech landscape. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and encourages meaningful contributions to cloud migration and technical advisory services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Defence Engineer
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Plannedlink, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Plannedlink
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Plannedlink. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Defence Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Plannedlink insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Plannedlink that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plannedlink
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Plannedlink to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Plannedlink.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.