If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.
Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
Job Description
Our Security Operations Center (SOC) team is responsible for a broad range of security operations, including monitoring, incident response, risk assessment, policy development, audit and compliance, technical operations, and collaboration across departments. This team plays a critical role in safeguarding WGU’s systems and data while driving innovation and collaboration across the organization.As a Senior SOC Engineer, you will lead advanced security monitoring and incident response efforts, ensuring WGU maintains a strong and resilient security posture. You’ll work on cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and help shape the future of our security operations.
What You’ll Do
• Perform advanced threat detection, analysis, and response across multiple platforms and environments
• Lead investigations into security incidents and coordinate remediation efforts
• Develop and tune SIEM content, alerts, and dashboards to improve detection capabilities
• Monitor endpoint and network security tools to identify anomalies and enforce security policies
• Collaborate with engineering and IT teams to implement secure configurations and best practices
• Research emerging threats and recommend innovative solutions to strengthen security posture
• Support compliance initiatives and contribute to security audits and risk assessments
What you'll own
Advanced threat detection, triage, and response across multi-platform environments
Lead security incident investigations and drive remediation to closure
Build and tune SIEM content, alerting rules, and detection dashboards
Monitor EDR and network tools for anomalies and enforce security policy
Collaborate with engineering to harden configurations and implement secure design
Threat hunting, vulnerability management, and emerging threat research
Support audits, compliance initiatives, and risk assessments
What you bring
5+ years in security operations (10+ years earns bonus consideration)
Hands-on SIEM expertise — content development, not just querying
Experience with CrowdStrike or Carbon Black (EDR), Mimecast, and vulnerability management tools
Working knowledge of the MITRE ATT&CK framework and cloud security principles
Python or Bash scripting for automation and workflow improvement
Strong communicator who can brief leadership and work across non-security teams
Bachelor's degree in IT Security, Computer Science, or related field — or equivalent experience
Nice to have: CISSP, GIAC, CCSP, or AWS Security Specialty · SOAR experience · Cloud-native security tooling
Experience in Lieu of Education
Equivalent relevant experience may substitute for educational requirements at the hiring manager’s discretion.
What to Expect
At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations, practical problem-solving, and authentic collaboration.
We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission. If selected, you will hear from a recruiter or hiring manager who will guide you through the process. We aim to communicate decisions promptly and respectfully.
Here is what that typically looks like:
• Introductory call/ Recruiter screen
• Hiring Manager and Supervisor interview
• Team Technical Interview
Work Location
This is a full-time, in-office position at WGU’s office in Raleigh, NC or Salt Lake City, Utah.
Visa Sponsorship
While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
What You’ll Receive as a Full-Time WGU Employee
• Comprehensive healthcare
• HSA and FSA options
• Life and disability insurance
• Legal assistance and identity protection
• Retirement savings plan
• Wellbeing programs
• Discounted WGU tuition for you and your family
• Flexible PTO and Sick time
• 11 paid holidays
• Additional paid leaves, including parental leave
Explore the full benefits overview at https://wgubenefits.com.
We are looking forward to getting to know you and seeing how you think, collaborate, and build. Welcome to WGU.
#LI-AW2
Position & Application Details
Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.
Additional Information
Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.
Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].
Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.
Skills Required
- 5+ years in security operations
- Hands-on SIEM expertise
- Experience with CrowdStrike or Carbon Black (EDR)
- Knowledge of MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Python or Bash scripting for automation
- Bachelor's degree in IT Security, Computer Science, or related field
What We Do
Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit online university that provides accessible, competency-based education designed for working professionals.
