Department Contact: psl_hrs@psl.nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: Join the PSL IT team as an SEN SOC Cyber Analyst

Position Details

Position Title: SEN SOC Cyber Analyst

College/Division: Physical Science Laboratory

Department: 470564-PSL ISOC

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.00

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Implement, monitor and maintain systems and procedures to protect NMSU data. Identify potential threats and respond to reported security violations. Determine causes of security violations and recommend corrective actions to ensure data security. Implements changes in procedures and systems to enhance data systems security. Provide security advice and guidance to system administrators, network engineers, management and external departments. Collaborate on solutions to mitigate risks and enhance system security. Administers the processes for managing improper use of network services to include copyright violation, SPAM email, etc., Assist in developing security awareness materials, security presentations, and information security training sessions. Participate in physical security projects and develop physical security and safety skill sets. Perform security audits, risk analysis, and application-level vulnerability testing and reviews. Collaborate on solutions to mitigate risks and enhance system security. Assists in implementing cost effective security controls to meet institutional security requirements. Participates in security projects including requirements definition, task planning, research, testing, implementation, and management.For the SEN SOC Cyber Engineer, these duties extend to statewide broadband operations and cybersecurity defense. The Engineer manages and monitors network and security systems using tools such as Suricata, Zeek, Elasticsearch, and Kibana for real-time analysis and incident response. The position also supports automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices through tools such as Ansible, Git, Bash, and Python, ensuring consistent and efficient configuration and deployment across the SEN infrastructure.
The Engineer participates in shared system administration responsibilities, including maintenance of Linux/Ubuntu/Debian/Proxmox/Docker systems, performing kernel and image updates, disk/CPU/RAM monitoring, backups, and IaC configuration updates using Git and JSON/YAML. This position also contributes to data stewardship by supporting platforms such as NetBox, Vaultwarden, LDAP/RADIUS/SSO, Let’s Encrypt, Elasticsearch, and MySQL/Postgres.
The role requires continuous monitoring for security events, analysis of Netflow/sFlow, and packet inspection using Tcpdump or Wireshark to ensure visibility and rapid response to potential threats.
recommendations based on data-driven analysis. The Cyber Engineer also assists in developing security awareness materials and participates in training sessions to promote best practices across the SEN team.

The SEN SOC Cyber Engineer is responsible for ensuring the ongoing cybersecurity and integrity of the Statewide Education Network. Duties include:
• Monitoring security systems for anomalies and potential incidents using Suricata, Zeek, Elasticsearch, and Kibana.
• Conducting audits and vulnerability testing to ensure all systems remain secure and compliant with standards such as FERPA and CIPA.
• Performing Netflow/sFlow analysis and packet capture with Tcpdump and Wireshark to identify and mitigate threats.
• Supporting Infrastructure as Code (IaC) automation using Ansible, Git, Bash, and Python for consistent and efficient configuration management.
• Maintaining system and application integrity across Linux/Ubuntu/Debian, Proxmox, and Docker platforms, including patching, resource monitoring, and backups.
• Contributing to shared sysadmin responsibilities, including maintenance of services like Vaultwarden, LDAP/RADIUS/SSO, Let’s Encrypt certificates, and MySQL/Postgres.
The Cyber Engineer collaborates with the SEN NOC to maintain a secure and resilient statewide network infrastructure. The position plays an active role in developing security policies, assisting with incident response, and mentoring students and colleagues to foster a culture of continuous learning and security awareness.
As the Statewide Education Network grows, this position will have opportunities to expand into advanced security engineering, automation, and mentorship roles as part of future program phases.

KNOWLEDGE:University and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; Common Information security and computer network access technologies. Technical knowledge in implementing data protection and integrity, operating systems and network security, authentication, and security protocols; SKILLS:Short – and long-range planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; public contact and relations; oral and written communication; strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a team and other business units.; ABILITIES:Develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; analyze and evaluate information; ability to maintain operational computer and network security, firewall administration, virus protection, intrusion detection and prevention, automated security patching, and vulnerability scanning systems; ability to administer information security programs including risk assessments and forensic research, gathering metrics and reporting status. Must be circumspect and act with integrity and discretion.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
Associate's Degree + 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Special Certification/Licensure: 
Must be a U.S. Citizen
This position is subject to random drug testing in compliance with its drug-free workforce requirements. Must be able to provide documentation of US citizenship to be eligible for employment with the Physical Science Laboratory

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.