Principal Analyst - Cyber Security (Microsoft Sentinel)
Principal Analyst - Cyber Security (Microsoft Sentinel)

Principal Analyst - Cyber Security (Microsoft Sentinel)

Crawley Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead incident detection and response, develop threat hunting capabilities, and optimise security systems.
  • Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a forward-thinking travel company aiming to be the most loved in the industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a culture that values innovation and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of cyber security while protecting critical systems in a dynamic team environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in cyber operations, strong skills in Microsoft Sentinel, and relevant security certifications.
  • Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive workplace.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Salary: Competitive per annum

Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday

Location: Flexible working with up to 3 days a week in our VHQ, Crawley

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 2nd June 2025

At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we believe that everyone can take on the world, and it’s our vision to become the most loved travel company. As we embark on this next exciting stage of our journey, we’re harnessing our spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation to challenge the status quo.

Join our team of forward-thinkers who approach the world with a different lens. We value individuals who are vocal about driving positive change and are willing to dive into both big and small tasks. If you’re ready to take your career to new heights, this opportunity is for you.

In a nutshell

We’re looking for an experienced and technically strong Principal Security Analyst to join our Cyber Operations Team. This senior-level role is central to our capability to detect, contain, and respond to security incidents. You will drive maturity across threat detection, hunting, and response-particularly through Microsoft security technologies, including Microsoft Sentinel.

You’ll play a leading role in shaping how we stay ahead of threats, with hands-on work across SIEM tuning, threat intel, incident response, and the development of use cases and automation playbooks.

Day to day

  • Lead incident detection and response activities from triage through to post-incident reviews.
  • Develop and mature our threat hunting and threat detection capabilities, using industry frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK.
  • Design and implement custom Microsoft Sentinel use cases, analytics rules, workbooks, and automation playbooks.
  • Tune and optimize our SIEM and log management pipelines to reduce false positives and maximize threat visibility.
  • Monitor and analyse threat intelligence feeds, integrating insights to enhance protective controls.
  • Produce actionable reports and dashboards on threat trends, vulnerabilities, and emerging risks.
  • Contribute to tabletop exercises, red/blue team simulations, and incident readiness planning.
  • Provide guidance on security architecture and work closely with engineering teams to reduce our attack surface.

About you

  • Proven experience in a senior-level SOC, cyber operations, or incident response role.
  • Strong hands-on expertise in Microsoft Sentinel, Defender XDR, and broader Microsoft security tools.
  • Deep technical understanding of Windows and Linux systems, networking, and security architecture.
  • Familiarity with threat hunting methodologies, and endpoint/network security tools.
  • Experience leading complex incident response investigations and containment efforts.
  • Solid understanding of threat actor tactics and frameworks (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK, Cyber Kill Chain).
  • Knowledge of standards and compliance frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and GDPR.
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, GIAC, OSCP, CREST) are desirable.

Why join us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking security team committed to innovation and resilience. As a Principal Analyst, your expertise will directly shape our threat detection and response capabilities, helping protect critical systems and services.

Our recipe for leadership

At Virgin Atlantic, our leaders empower teams to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Explore our Leadership Recipe and discover the 20 core ingredients that define what it means to lead with us, driving our mission to be the most loved travel company and achieve sustainable profit.

Want to learn more?

Be yourself

Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive. So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong.

To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team, ( [email protected] ) feeling confident that we’ve got your individual considerations covered.

Principal Analyst - Cyber Security (Microsoft Sentinel) employer: VIRGIN ATLANTIC LIMITED

At Virgin Atlantic Airways, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and inclusivity. As a Principal Analyst in our Cyber Operations Team, you'll enjoy a flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth, while contributing to our mission of becoming the most loved travel company. Join us in a culture that values collaboration and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the world of cyber security.
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Contact Detail:

VIRGIN ATLANTIC LIMITED Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Analyst - Cyber Security (Microsoft Sentinel)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Sentinel and its functionalities. Since this role heavily relies on Microsoft security technologies, having hands-on experience or even a project showcasing your skills with Sentinel can set you apart.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on the latest trends in cyber security, particularly around threat detection and incident response. Engaging in relevant online forums or attending webinars can help you gain insights that you can discuss during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the cyber security field, especially those who work with Microsoft technologies. LinkedIn is a great platform for this; consider reaching out to current employees at Virgin Atlantic to learn more about their experiences.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss specific incidents you've managed in previous roles. Be ready to explain your approach to incident detection and response, as well as how you’ve used frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK in real-world scenarios.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Analyst - Cyber Security (Microsoft Sentinel)

Microsoft Sentinel Expertise
Incident Response Management
Threat Detection and Hunting
SIEM Tuning and Optimisation
Threat Intelligence Analysis
Security Architecture Guidance
Windows and Linux Systems Knowledge
Networking Fundamentals
Understanding of MITRE ATT&CK Framework
Experience with Cyber Kill Chain
Familiarity with Compliance Frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, GDPR)
Strong Analytical Skills
Effective Communication Skills
Leadership in Cyber Operations
Relevant Security Certifications (CISSP, GIAC, OSCP, CREST)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cyber security, particularly with Microsoft Sentinel and incident response. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in threat detection and response.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for cyber security and your alignment with Virgin Atlantic's vision. Mention how your skills can contribute to their mission of becoming the most loved travel company.

Highlight Relevant Certifications: If you have certifications like CISSP, GIAC, or OSCP, be sure to mention them prominently in your application. These credentials can set you apart as a qualified candidate for the Principal Analyst role.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully led incident response investigations or developed threat detection capabilities. This will demonstrate your ability to handle complex security challenges.

How to prepare for a job interview at VIRGIN ATLANTIC LIMITED

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Principal Analyst, you'll need to demonstrate your strong hands-on expertise in Microsoft Sentinel and other security tools. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented these technologies, highlighting your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.

✨Understand the Threat Landscape

Familiarise yourself with current threat actor tactics and frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK. During the interview, be ready to discuss how you would apply this knowledge to enhance threat detection and response capabilities within the company.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your incident response capabilities. Think of examples from your past experience where you led complex investigations or developed custom use cases, and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership Skills

Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with engineering teams and lead initiatives. Discuss how you empower others and drive positive change, aligning with Virgin Atlantic's values of innovation and teamwork.

Principal Analyst - Cyber Security (Microsoft Sentinel)
VIRGIN ATLANTIC LIMITED
V
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