Threat Detection Engineer
COGNNA
3–8 years of experience
Job description
As a Threat Detection Engineer at COGNNA, you ll design high-impact detection strategies, build powerful automation, and elevate SOC operations to a world-class standard. You ll also mentor rising cyber talent and collaborate with teams across threat intel, incident response, and platform engineering.
Advanced Threat Detection Engineering
- Build high-fidelity correlation rules and behavioral detections within the COGNNA security platforms.
- Translate adversary TTPs (MITRE ATT&CK), threat intel, and vulnerability data into actionable logic.
- Identify detection gaps and introduce new data sources to cover evolving threat landscapes.
- Automate detection testing and maintain detection quality over time.
Platform Engineering & Optimization
- Lead architecture and optimization of XDR, SIEM, and SOC tech stacks for scale and resilience.
- Streamline log ingestion pipelines from parsing to normalization and enrichment.
- Build scripts and automations (Python, PowerShell) to enhance SOC efficiency.
- Integrate tools across the SOC stack to enable seamless workflows and response.
Threat Hunting & Incident Response
- Collaborate with intel and IR teams to enrich detection use cases and support threat hunts.
- Provide Tier-3+ support for incident investigations and post-mortem analysis.
Mentorship & SOC Maturity
- Improve SOC playbooks, SOPs, and detection engineering workflows.
- Stay updated on global and regional threats and evolve detection accordingly.
- Ensure compliance alignment (e.g., NCA ECC, SAMA CSF).
Impact that Matters
- Build products that shape the future of cybersecurity and protect organizations globally.
On-Site Collaboration
- Be at the heart of innovation in our Riyadh office, working side by side with passionate experts.
Continuous Growth
- Access to certifications, trainings, and opportunities to sharpen your expertise.
Ownership Mindset
- Benefit from our ESOP program and grow with COGNNA s success.
Culture of Trust
We empower talent, encourage ownership, and celebrate real outcomes.
Bachelor s in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field.
Hands-on expertise in developing and maintaining complex detection use cases.
Strong understanding of attacker behavior, IR fundamentals, and digital forensics.
Technical Skills (You re a Power User!)
SIEM: Expert in SIEM queries (SPL, KQL, Lucene), rule tuning, UEBA, and scaling.
EDR: Deep knowledge of EDR tools and endpoint detection tactics.
Network Security: Pro at packet analysis (Wireshark), IDS/IPS, and NetFlow.
Scripting: Advanced skills in Python and/or PowerShell for automation and integration.
OS Internals: Mastery of Windows/Linux/macOS logging, artifacts, and forensic value.
Threat Intelligence: Skilled in turning threat intel into real-time detection logic.
Cloud Security: Strong command of monitoring IaaS/PaaS/SaaS environments.
Certifications (Highly Preferred)
SANS GIAC (GDAT, GMON, GCIA, GCTI, GCIH)
Offsec (OSDA)
INE (eCTHP, eCIR)
(ISC) CISSP, CSSLP
Soft Skills
Exceptional analytical thinking and creative problem-solving.
Excellent communication (English & Arabic), including technical reporting.
Strong mentorship abilities and a collaborative spirit.
Self-motivated, focused, and passionate about cyber defense.
Capable of juggling priorities under high-pressure situations.