What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cybersecurity Analyst position at MBTA?
At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.
Job Summary
The Cybersecurity Analyst plays a critical role in safeguarding the organization's digital assets by managing, analyzing, and responding to advanced security threats. This role is part of a dynamic security team that works in partnership with a Managed Security Operations Center (MSOC). As the most senior technical escalation point, the Cybersecurity Analyst is tasked with addressing complex security incidents and service tickets that have been escalated from the MSOC provider. Key technologies in use include Splunk for security information and event management (SIEM), CrowdStrike for endpoint detection and response (EDR), Qualys for vulnerability management, and ServiceNow for workflow and incident management. The analyst must use their experience and judgement to assist with incident investigation, malware analysis, threat intelligence correlation, and mitigation strategies. They also collaborate directly with technology teams to ensure proper security controls are in place, offering guidance, performing deeper root cause analysis, and recommending additional protective measures if necessary. This is a mid-level role requiring hands-on technical expertise, strong coordination skills, and a critical problem-solving mindset to ensure enterprise-wide security against evolving cyber threats.
Duties & Responsibilities
Job Summary
The Cybersecurity Analyst plays a critical role in safeguarding the organization's digital assets by managing, analyzing, and responding to advanced security threats. This role is part of a dynamic security team that works in partnership with a Managed Security Operations Center (MSOC). As the most senior technical escalation point, the Cybersecurity Analyst is tasked with addressing complex security incidents and service tickets that have been escalated from the MSOC provider. Key technologies in use include Splunk for security information and event management (SIEM), CrowdStrike for endpoint detection and response (EDR), Qualys for vulnerability management, and ServiceNow for workflow and incident management. The analyst must use their experience and judgement to assist with incident investigation, malware analysis, threat intelligence correlation, and mitigation strategies. They also collaborate directly with technology teams to ensure proper security controls are in place, offering guidance, performing deeper root cause analysis, and recommending additional protective measures if necessary. This is a mid-level role requiring hands-on technical expertise, strong coordination skills, and a critical problem-solving mindset to ensure enterprise-wide security against evolving cyber threats.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Act as the last line of defense in response to escalated security incidents from the MSOC, providing detailed analysis and remediation recommendations.
- Investigate and respond to escalated security alerts and incidents using tools such as Splunk, CrowdStrike, Qualys, and other security platforms.
- Perform in-depth threat detection, investigation, and forensic activities to identify root causes of incidents.
- Partner with technology teams to offer expert recommendations and ensure security controls are operating effectively.
- Analyze and assess potential vulnerabilities across internal systems and recommend mitigation strategies based on Qualys reports and other intelligence sources.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders on continuous improvements to security policies, processes, and incident response strategies.
- Maintain thorough documentation of security incidents and responses within ServiceNow.
- Participate in ongoing threat research, keeping up to date with evolving attack methods and cybersecurity best practices.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
- No direct reports.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an IT related field.
- Four (4) years' experience in an information technology field.
- Two (2) years of experience in the areas of incident detection and response, malware analysis, or computer forensics.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to create technical reports based on analytical findings.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
- A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
- An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
- A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
- One (1) year of supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership responsibility and experience.
- Experience working with security tools such as Splunk, CrowdStrike, Qualys, and ServiceNow.
- Strong understanding of security event management, threat detection, and incident response processes.
- Ability to perform advanced analysis on escalated security events or vulnerabilities and provide actionable insights.
- Proven experience working with cross-functional technology teams to address security vulnerabilities and drive improvements.
- Knowledge of common attack methods, malware behavior, and threat landscape.
- Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
- Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
- Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
- Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
- Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
- Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
- Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
- Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
- Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
- Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.
- General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
- Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
- Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
- Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
- Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
- Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
- On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
- Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
- ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com .
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .
- Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.