Security Operations Specialist

The Security Operations Specialist is an entry-level, hands-on role within the Security Operations organization, designed to develop well-rounded security practitioners through exposure to the full spectrum of cybersecurity operations. This role supports and contributes to monitoring, detection, incident response, threat intelligence, threat hunting, red teaming, and insider threat programs, while building strong technical and analytical foundations.

Thee Security Operations Specialist operates as a generalist, gaining experience across people, process, and technology to understand how modern security operations function as an integrated system. This role works closely with senior analysts, engineers, hunters, and red team operators, learning through direct participation, mentorship, and structured progression.

In this role you’ll be responsible for:

• Monitoring and triaging security alerts across SIEM, EDR, email security, cloud, and identity platforms
• Performing initial analysis and investigation of security events, escalating incidents as appropriate
• Assisting with incident response activities, including evidence collection, timeline development, and documentation
• Supporting threat hunting efforts by executing queries, validating hypotheses, and documenting findings
• Contributing to detection engineering by testing, tuning, and helping maintain detection rules and alerts
• Assisting red team and purple team activities through log review, detection validation, and exercise support
• Supporting threat intelligence workflows, including indicator research, enrichment, and operationalization
• Participating in DLP and insider threat monitoring, helping identify potential data misuse or policy violations
• Documenting procedures, playbooks, and lessons learned to improve operational consistency
• Collaborating with engineering and operations teams to improve alert quality, visibility, and response outcomes
• Participating in on-call or shift-based SOC coverage as part of a team-based rotation, At Cboe, we are committed to providing a competitive, transparent, and market-informed total rewards program. The anticipated base salary range for this role is $74,800-$96,800, with actual compensation determined by job-related factors such as skills, relevant experience, education, internal alignment, and location.

This role may also be eligible for annual incentive compensation and, where applicable, participation in Cboe’s long-term equity programs.

• 1-2 years of experience in system administration, IT, helpdesk or similar roles
• A strong interest in cybersecurity operations and a desire to learn across multiple security domains
• Foundational understanding of security concepts, such as networking, operating systems, authentication, and common attack techniques
• Familiarity with at least some security tooling or data sources (e.g., logs, alerts, endpoint telemetry), gained through coursework, labs, internships, or self-study
• Analytical thinking skills and the ability to follow structured investigative processes
• Curiosity and persistence when researching unfamiliar behaviors or technologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear documentation of findings
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based, fast-paced operational environment
• Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or a related field - or equivalent practical experience

You’ll really stand out with:

• Hands-on experience from internships, labs, home projects, capture-the-flag (CTF) exercises, or security competitions
• Exposure to scripting or query languages (e.g., basic Python, PowerShell, KQL, SQL, or similar)
• Familiarity with attacker techniques or frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK
• Demonstrated interest in threat hunting, detection engineering, or red teaming through self-directed learning
• Strong documentation habits, including writing clear investigation notes or technical summaries
• A growth mindset and eagerness to rotate across different security functions before specializing
• Relevant entry-level certifications (e.g., Security+, Blue Team Level 1, or similar), though not required

We value the total wellbeing of our people - including health, financial, personal and social wellness. We believe standard benefits like health insurance and fair pay are a given at any organization. Still, you should know we offer:

Fair and competitive salary and incentive compensation packages with an upside for overachievement Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, sick days and annual community service days Flexible, hybrid work environment Health, dental and vision benefits, including access to telemedicine and mental health services 2:1 401(k) match, up to 8% match immediately upon hire Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan Tax Savings Accounts for health, dependent and transportation Employee referral bonus program Volunteer opportunities to help you give back to your communities

Some of our associates’ favorite benefits and perks include:

Complimentary lunch, snacks and coffee in any Cboe office Paid Tuition assistance and education opportunities Generous charitable giving company match Paid parental leave and fertility benefits On-site gyms and discounts to other fitness centers Paid Time Off

More About Cboe Global Markets

We’re reimagining the future of the workplace by focusing on what matters most, our people. Our journey is an inclusive one. We’re investing deeply in leadership programs and career development initiatives that ensure everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

We work with purpose, solving problems with ingenuity, collaboration, and a lot of passion. We’re an engaged and excited team connecting markets across borders and embracing growth in all its forms to achieve incredible outcomes.

Building trusted markets - powered by our people

At Cboe Global Markets, we inspire our people to solve complex challenges together because what we do matters. We provide the financial infrastructure that powers the global economy. As a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products, Cboe delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to market participants around the world.

We’re building meaningful ways to support professional and personal development while strengthening the trust we’ve earned as a global market leader. Our teams are empowered to share ideas, actively pursue them and bring on a challenge. As champions of internal mobility and access to opportunity, we encourage our people to “go for it” and equip our managers with the training to coach their teams to the next level. We strive to provide employees a safe space to network, share ideas and create opportunities.

To support strong partnership and team connection, this role follows a four day in office work model., Cboe HQ is located in the historic Old Post Office district, it’s a landmark that blends classic architecture with modern amenities. The building features expansive spaces with high ceilings and large windows, offering an abundance of natural light and panoramic views of the city skyline and the Chicago River.

With its prime location in the heart of downtown, the OPO Building provides easy access to major transportation hubs, including Union Station and multiple CTA lines, making it convenient for commuters. The building is home to a variety of amenities, including restaurants, a fitness center, and collaborative workspaces, creating a vibrant and dynamic work environment in one of Chicago’s most iconic areas.