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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!