SOC Manager

SOC Manager Second Front Systems is looking for a technically fluent, high-ownership, metrics-driven Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager to strengthen our security operations function, architecting modern defensive capabilities across cloud-native infrastructure. Operating at the high-stakes intersection of defense tech and national security, you will be responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to threats in cloud-native ecosystems and scaling defensive maturity across the organization. You will own the SOC strategy and execution, partner across engineering and product to embed security controls into platform DNA, ensuring that mission-critical software for the free world remains secure and our defenders operate in a resilient, monitored environment. We need someone capable of architecting and governing modern SOC functions—SIEM, EDR, automated playbooks, and threat intelligence operations; leading incident response and post-mortems that drive engineering change from containment through recovery; and scaling and mentoring security teams while building detection logic and hunt programs that intercept emerging threats. As a key partner to engineering, product, and IT leadership, you will translate technical risk and blast radius into clear, unsentimental recommendations that move defensive maturity forward, serving as the operational authority ensuring our security infrastructure scales as fast as the missions we support. Note: Candidates must reside in one of our approved hiring hubs: • DC/Maryland/Virginia • Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC • Denver/Colorado Springs, CO • Dallas/Fort Worth, TX What You'll Do • Architect the SOC strategy and roadmap, defining threat intelligence operations, detection frameworks, and defensive maturity metrics. • Build and tune detection logic across cloud stacks, identity layers, and endpoints, rejecting noise to accelerate incident response velocity. • Own incident command, leading containment and recovery operations while driving engineering change through rigorous post-mortems. • Govern the defensive stack—SIEM, EDR, and automated playbooks—ensuring engineering delivers lean, high-fidelity operations at scale. • Establish proactive threat hunting programs, synthesizing external intelligence to intercept emerging threats before they reach mission-critical systems. • Synchronize security controls with engineering and product squads, embedding rigorous automated defenses into platform architecture. • Mentor and scale a high-performing security operations squad, anchoring a culture built on accountability and technical craft. • Optimize vendor and MDR relationships, ensuring third-party partnerships deliver the technical execution the mission demands. What You Bring - 8+ years in cyber operations, incident response, and threat intelligence with a minimum of 3 years leading high-agency security operations teams. - Deep technical mastery in building modern SOC functions, including SIEM architecture, EDR stack deployment, and high-fidelity incident response frameworks. - Fluency in cloud-native environments such as AWS, Kubernetes security, containerized workload defense, and logging pipeline engineering. - Proven track record engineering detection logic and automated playbooks that scale defensive operations and reduce alert noise. - Ability to mentor technical talent and lead complex security initiatives through ambiguity in high-growth startup environments. - Clear communication skills, translating technical blast radius and complex risk into unsentimental recommendations for leadership. - Expertise in navigating FedRAMP, DoD SRG, and CMMC compliance in regulated government and defense environments. - Hands-on experience in scripting and automa