Job description

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 automation engineering using Python, Terraform, and SOAR playbooks for detection and response tooling development. - U.S. citizenship is required for this role. Preferred The base salary for this position will fall between $205,000 and $215,000. Your ultimate compensation will be determined by professional background, technical proficiency, seniority, and regional cost factors. Furthermore, this opportunity includes potential eligibility for equity awards and discretionary bonuses, rounding out a comprehensive total rewards offering. Success at 2F Looks Like: • A proactive and solutions oriented mindset • Viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth • Having a bias toward action and tangible, measurable results • Being team-oriented with a focus on personal responsibility and autonomy Perks & Benefits: This role is a full time position. As a public benefit corporation, we’re a team of purpose-driven trailblazers transforming the future of U.S. national security. We hire the best to do their best and, as such, we are committed to providing the perks and benefits you need to be successful—both in- and outside the workplace. Perks of Joining Our Team: • Competitive salary • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents • 401(k) with a 3% company contribution • Comprehensive wellness benefits, including a One Medical membership, mental health resources, family planning support, and more • Equity incentive plan • New hire technology and home office stipend • Annual professional development stipend • Flexible paid time off, plus all federal holidays • Generous parental leave • Flexible remote work opportunities • Employee referral bonus program Who We Are: Second Front Systems (2F) is a public-benefit software company powering software for the free world. We eliminate the friction that slows innovation, enabling faster, more secure development and deployment of software across government and regulated networks. Built by national security veterans and backed by top-tier venture capital, our platform is trusted by the world’s leading organizations to cut deployment timelines from years to weeks. We move fast, solve hard problems, and deliver trusted capabilities where they’re needed most. Our work strengthens global security and gives the United States and its allies a lasting competitive advantage. Learn more at secondfront.com secondfront.com. One last thing: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Are you ready to join our team: To apply, click the “Apply for This Job” button at the top or bottom of this page and complete the application form. This position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. State notices: Colorado: In accordance with Colorado law, applicants may redact their date of birth, dates of attendance, and dates of graduation from any uploaded documents. Maryland: Under Maryland law, an employer may not require or demand, as a condition of employment, prospective employment, or continued employment, that an individual submit to or take a polygraph examination or similar test. An employer who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding $100. www.secondfront.com secondfront.com | All Rights Reserved | 2026

Requirements

Must-haves

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
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.
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 automation engineering using Python, Terraform, and SOAR playbooks for detection and response tooling development.
U.S. citizenship is required for this role.
A proactive and solutions oriented mindset

Nice-to-haves

Employee referral bonus program

Application prep

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Keywords to mirror

awskubernetespython

Platform: ashby
Effort: quick

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Wellness

Professional Development