Security Operations Threat Analyst

About Cognizant Corporate Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth. At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose - always guided by our core values. Join us in shaping future of business. Could you be the one to make a difference? The Red Team Analyst (3-5 years experience) supports offensive and collaborative security operations to emulate adversary behaviors and strengthen enterprise cyber defense. The analyst conducts red team engagements, assists with purple team exercises, supports threat-driven testing, and develops tabletop training for IT and Security Operations. Red team team activities are driven by threat intelligence, active threat hunts, vulnerability analysis, and emerging zero-day threats.

Role Collaboration:

This role is part of the Security Operations group and collaborates across all IT functions, as well as with Governance and Security Engineering. The analyst executes adversary simulations, collaborates with detection teams, contributes to threat hunting efforts, and helps develop cyber readiness through training and scenario-based exercises.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Execute targeted red team engagements and adversary emulations.

• Utilize Kali Linux, Parrot OS, Metasploit, Nmap, BloodHound, Burp Suite, CyberChef, Maltego, and exploitation frameworks.
• Conduct web application testing and assist in penetration testing activities.
• Operate adversary simulation tools such as MITRE Caldera, Atomic Red Team, Metta, and Infection Monkey.
• Participate in purple team exercises with SOC analysts and detection engineering.
• Align offensive testing with threat hunts, threat intelligence, and zero-day vulnerability analysis.
• Develop tabletop training for IT support groups, SOC analysts, and incident responders.
• Document attack paths, findings, and recommended mitigations.
• Collaborate with MISP, MSIP, and intelligence sources to design realistic attack scenarios.
• Support Security Operation and Security engineering teams in validating detections and improving visibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

3-5 years in red teaming, penetration testing, offensive security, or purple team support.

• Hands-on experience with Kali Linux, Parrot OS, Metasploit, Nmap, BloodHound, CyberChef, Burp Suite, and exploitation frameworks.
• Experience using MITRE Caldera, Atomic Red Team, Metta, and Infection Monkey.
• Familiarity with SOAR platforms and

SIEM/SOC

operations.

• Ability to develop and deliver tabletop exercises.
• Strong understanding of MITRE ATT&CK, adversary behavior, and TTP analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication for training and reporting.

Certifications:

eJPT, PNPT, OSCP, CRTP, Security+.

• Experience with purple team collaboration and detection tuning.
• Exposure to scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
• Familiarity with cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Experience working with MISP or structured threat intelligence workflows.

Preferred Skills:

• Offensive security and adversary emulation
• Threat hunting alignment and analytical reasoning
• Clear communication and documentation
• Collaboration across SOC, IT, governance, and engineering
• Training and facilitation skills
• Tool proficiency across red/purple team operations

KPIs:

• Improved SOC detections from purple team activities.
• Documented reduction in attack paths and misconfigurations.
• Delivery of high-quality tabletop training sessions.
• Alignment of red team results with threat hunts and intel priorities.
• Increased readiness against active threats and zero-day scenarios.

Work model We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in our office in Blue Ash, Ohio. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations. We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation :

Applications will be accepted until April 12, 2026. The annual salary for this position is between $90,000 - $105,000, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits :

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off 401(k) plan and contributions

Long-term/Short-term Disability Paid Parental Leave Employee Stock Purchase Plan Disclaimer:

The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.