Junior Security Analyst

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact. 
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:
Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well being.

The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency.

Job Description

The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is managed by the Department of Aviation of the City of Philadelphia.  PHL is the only major airport serving the nation's 7th largest metropolitan area and is a large hub airport that serves over 25 million passengers per year.  Twenty-seven airlines, including all major domestic carriers, offer nearly 323 daily departures to more than 120 destinations worldwide.  Located 7 miles from downtown Philadelphia, the Airport is easily accessible and convenient to many tourist sites, business centers, and cultural hubs.  The Airport is self-sustaining and uses no local tax dollars.  PHL is one of the largest economic engines in the region, generating $16.8 billion to the economy and accounting for 106,000 full-time jobs annually.  The Airport Information Technology department is headed by the Airport Chief Information Officer (CIO).   Airport IT is responsible for the strategic direction of IT services at the Airport, management of all Airport IT infrastructure, and the operational support for hundreds of different Airport related systems that serve the needs of the airlines, TSA, FAA, and passengers.

The Junior Security Analyst will assist in monitoring and maintaining the security posture of Philadelphia International Airport’s information assets. Reporting to the Information Security Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing security alerts, supporting incident response efforts, and helping to ensure compliance with security policies and industry standards. 

This entry-level role is ideal for candidates looking to start their cybersecurity careers with hands-on experience in security operations, monitoring, and risk mitigation. This provides a solid foundation for a career in cybersecurity. The Junior Security Analyst will gain hands-on experience in security operations, monitoring, and risk mitigation. There will be opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training, mentoring from experienced professionals, and exposure to a wide range of security challenges and solutions.

By joining Philadelphia International Airport’s security team, the Junior Security Analyst will contribute to the protection of critical infrastructure while developing the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in cybersecurity.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities

• Monitor security events and alerts to identify potential threats and unauthorized activity.

• Assist in investigating and analyzing security incidents, providing detailed and actionable recommendations for remediation, as well as documenting all security incidents, findings, and recommendations.

• Support the deployment and maintenance of security tools, including SIEM (Splunk), IDS/IPS, and endpoint protection solutions.

• Collaborate with IT and security teams to address vulnerabilities and improve security controls.

• Assist in developing and conducting security awareness training for employees.

• Follow established security policies and procedures while contributing to their enhancement.

• Participate in risk assessments and vulnerability management efforts.

• Stay up to date with emerging cybersecurity threats, trends, and best practices.

• Perform other security-related tasks as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Essential Technical Qualifications

● Familiarity with endpoint security solutions such as CrowdStrike and Microsoft Defender.

● Knowledge of vulnerability scanning tools (Nessus, Qualys) and basic remediation techniques.

● Understanding of Identity and Access Management (IAM) principles and best practices. 

● Understanding of cloud security concepts (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and basic security controls.

Additional/Desirable Skills & Abilities

● Awareness of common attack tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) from frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK.

● Interest in learning about malware analysis, penetration testing, dark web intel,  and digital forensics.

● Ability to analyze security logs and reports to detect patterns of malicious activity.

Soft Skills & Professional Development:

• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

• Effective communication skills to explain security concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Proactive mindset with a willingness to take initiative and continuously improve security processes.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Experience: 0-2 years of experience in information security, IT, or a related field (internships, hands-on labs, or cybersecurity certifications are a plus).

• Technical Skills:

o Basic understanding of networking, operating systems, and security fundamentals.

o Familiarity with security frameworks (e.g., NIST, CIS) is a plus.

o Knowledge of Splunk, CrowdStrike, or similar security tools is a plus.

• Certifications (Required): CompTIA Security+

• Certifications (Preferred): CEH, TCM PSAA, or other entry-level security certifications.

Additional Information

Salary Range: $76,500 - $79,500 

Starting salary to be determined based on experience and qualifications. 

All applications should include the following: 
•    Cover Letter clarifying your interest and qualifications for the role.
•    Resume
We won’t accept or review incomplete applications.

Work Setting: in-person (onsite)

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
•    We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
•    Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
•    Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
•    Generous retirement savings options are available
•    Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
•    Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
•    Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.