NOC Security Engineer

Ritter Communications, headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is the largest

privately held telecom provider serving the Mid-South. Recognized as one of

Arkansas' Best Places to Work for five years running, we deliver world-class

broadband fiber, telecom, video, and data center services.

With rapid growth and millions invested in advanced infrastructure, we now serve

197 communities and over 60,000 customers across six states. At Ritter

Communications, our team combines cutting-edge technology with a customer-first

mindset - and we're looking for talented individuals who share our passion for

excellence and community impact.

General Summary:

The NOC Security Engineer will be responsible for maintaining secure and

reliable IP network infrastructure in a service provider-like environment,

administering next-generation firewalls (Palo Alto preferred), managing Security

Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, analyzing cyber threats,

conducting digital forensics, and leading incident response activities. This

hybrid role combines hands-on IP routing/switching, firewall configuration, and

transport network support with proactive security monitoring, threat detection,

and rapid incident mitigation to protect the organization's network and business

operations from evolving threats.

Essential Job Functions:

* Implement and maintain IP routing (e.g., BGP, OSPF) and Ethernet switching

solutions in a service provider environment, ensuring high availability,

scalability, and performance for ISP transport and customer connectivity;

* Configure, administer, and optimize Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewalls

(preferred) or equivalent, including policy creation, threat prevention

profiles, VPNs, NAT, logging, and integration with security ecosystems to

enforce robust perimeter and internal security controls;

* Monitor security events and alerts via SIEM platforms and other tools to

detect anomalies, potential intrusions, and advanced threats in real time;

* Analyze and triage security incidents, performing detailed investigations

including log correlation, network traffic analysis, endpoint forensics, and

malware reverse engineering as needed;

* Lead incident response efforts, containing breaches, eradicating threats,

coordinating remediation, and restoring services while minimizing operational

impact and downtime;

* Conduct digital forensics on affected systems, preserve chain-of-custody

evidence, and produce detailed reports to support root cause analysis and

potential legal or compliance needs;

* Perform proactive threat hunting across network infrastructure to identify

hidden compromises or indicators of compromise;

* Collaborate with ISPs, telecommunications providers, and internal

cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex network and

security issues involving transport technologies, routing, switching, and

firewall rules;

* Tune and maintain security tools (SIEM rules, EDR, IDS/IPS) and network

devices to reduce false positives, improve detection efficacy, and align with

business requirements;

* Document network/security configurations, standards, incident playbooks,

response procedures, and lessons learned to support team knowledge sharing,

training, and continuous improvement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Knowledge of telecommunications products and services;

* Knowledge of SIEM platforms, threat intelligence, MITRE ATT&CK framework, and

incident handling;

* Solid understanding of Palo Alto Firewall administration and configuration;

* Solid understanding of Service Provider transport networks;

* Solid understanding of the OSI layer and LAN/WAN protocols and technologies

such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, VLANs, Routing, Switching, NAT, ACL, etc.;

* Operational knowledge and awareness of data, voice, and transport network

product and technologies including Cisco, Ciena, Nokia, Calix, Alcatel, and

Metaswitch;

* High level proficiency of common networking tools and troubleshooting

methodologies such as Telnet, SSH, ping, traceroute, and Wireshark;

* Skill in scripting and front/back-end development;

* Skill in commonly used software such as Visio, Excel, Word, and Power Point;

* Skill in oral and written communication;

* Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents and information;

* Ability to multi-task and effectively manage multiple high-impact projects;

* Ability to be detail oriented while keeping the bigger picture in mind;

* Ability to work well individually and in a team environment.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology,

Networking, or a similar technical field and 3+ years of relevant work

experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

2+ years of experience in security operations, SOC/NOC analysis preferred.

CompTIA Security+, Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1), Certified CyberDefender (CCD), or

equivalents are highly desirable.

Cisco CCNA, CCNP, Nokia NRS I/II, or similar certifications preferred.

Palo Alto certifications with PCCSA, PCNSA, PCNSE preferred.

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer;

all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without

regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion,

national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other

characteristic protected by law.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including

health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and

long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts,

free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training,

paid leave, and much more!