OPT SOC Analyst Jobs
SOC Analyst roles sit at the intersection of cybersecurity operations and real-time threat response, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, information security, or related fields. Many employers in this space actively sponsor H-1B visas, giving you a viable path beyond your OPT window.
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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY: An information security professional with advanced expertise in developing, configuring, deploying, and supporting numerous security tools and configuration. Knowledgeable in best and emerging practices in various information security domains.
POSITION: Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm with the ability to work additional hours as needed.
LOCATION: 201 W Walnut Street, Rogers, AR.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH:
- Cyber Threat Landscape & Modeling: Deep understanding of current attack techniques, adversary behaviors, and threat modeling methodologies used to proactively identify emerging risks.
- Advanced Research & OSINT: Proven ability to conduct robust open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering across public forums, the dark web, and proprietary databases to identify active threats.
- Critical Thinking & Attribution: Strong analytical skills to synthesize disparate data points, evaluate source reliability, and track adversary infrastructure to develop actionable intelligence while avoiding cognitive bias.
- Intelligence Tooling & Platforms: Proficiency with Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs).
- Incident Response Support: Proven track record of collaborating with incident response and hunt teams to contextualize active breaches, provide pivot points, and accelerate remediation efforts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Provides Level 2 support and root cause analysis problem management for security events/incidents.
- Conducts network monitoring and intrusion detection analysis using various computer network defense tools, such as intrusion detection/prevention systems, firewalls, and host-based security systems.
- Conducts log-based and endpoint-based threat detection to detect and protect against threats coming from multiple sources.
- Supports the resolution of security incidents. Creates and updates standard operating procedures as appropriate.
- Reviews alerts and data from sensors and documents formal, technical incident reports. Prepares the analysis and reporting of security activities to management.
- May provide security expertise across multiple technical platforms.
- Identifies meaningful insights about Arvest threat environment and assists in development of plans to improve its information security posture.
- Correlates network, cloud, and endpoint activity across environments to identify attacks and unauthorized use.
- May be required to perform work after hours.
- May participate in on-call rotations as needed.
- Understands and complies with bank policy, laws, regulations, and the bank's BSA/AML Program, as applicable to job duties. This includes but is not limited to; completing compliance training and adhering to internal procedures and controls; reporting any known violations of compliance policy, laws, or regulations and reporting any suspicious customer and/or account activity.
TEAM ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Support and uphold the Arvest Mission Statement.
- Uphold the Arvest Code of Ethics and ensure that confidential information is safeguarded.
- Maintain a high level of cooperation and rapport with all associates to ensure accurate and efficient operations and service.
- Formulate and communicate new ideas and suggestions that will improve profitability and efficiency for the company’s overall operation. Promote professionalism at all times.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Security, or equivalent relevant work or military experience, is required.
- 3 years of relevant experience is required.
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant Information Security Management frameworks such as NIST, ISO, CIS, etc., is required.
- Knowledge and understanding of frameworks such as MITRE, Lockheed Martin Kill Chain, etc., is required.
- CompTIA Security+, MITRE ATT&CK Defender (MAD), or equivalent certification, is preferred.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must be able to identify critical infrastructure systems that were designed without system security considerations.
- Must be able to begin work on time and have regular work attendance.
- Must be able to work cooperatively with other co-workers and customers, both existing and prospective, regardless of personality, presence, or communication style.
- Must be able to perform several tasks at once and rotate job tasks.
- Must be able to work in a stressful atmosphere.
- Must be able to coordinate multiple and changing priorities.
- Must be able to occasionally work outside of normal business hours.
- Must be able to move from department, division, or bank to department, division, or bank to attend meetings.
- Must be able to lead and participate in productive networks with internal and external business partners, process experts, and the vendor community.
- Must be able to develop and deliver training and educational opportunities on security issues.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The associate must be able to travel occasionally by themselves within the US, including overnight, and via automobile and air.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Grade 15I
Pay Range: $84850 - $106060 per year
Pay is based on a number of factors including the successful candidate’s job-related knowledge and skills, qualifications, and prior experience. Arvest offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including a full range of health and life, financial, and wellness benefits. For more information about benefits, please visit www.arvest.com/careers/benefits.
SUMMARY: An information security professional with advanced expertise in developing, configuring, deploying, and supporting numerous security tools and configuration. Knowledgeable in best and emerging practices in various information security domains.
POSITION: Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm with the ability to work additional hours as needed.
LOCATION: 201 W Walnut Street, Rogers, AR.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH:
- Cyber Threat Landscape & Modeling: Deep understanding of current attack techniques, adversary behaviors, and threat modeling methodologies used to proactively identify emerging risks.
- Advanced Research & OSINT: Proven ability to conduct robust open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering across public forums, the dark web, and proprietary databases to identify active threats.
- Critical Thinking & Attribution: Strong analytical skills to synthesize disparate data points, evaluate source reliability, and track adversary infrastructure to develop actionable intelligence while avoiding cognitive bias.
- Intelligence Tooling & Platforms: Proficiency with Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs).
- Incident Response Support: Proven track record of collaborating with incident response and hunt teams to contextualize active breaches, provide pivot points, and accelerate remediation efforts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Provides Level 2 support and root cause analysis problem management for security events/incidents.
- Conducts network monitoring and intrusion detection analysis using various computer network defense tools, such as intrusion detection/prevention systems, firewalls, and host-based security systems.
- Conducts log-based and endpoint-based threat detection to detect and protect against threats coming from multiple sources.
- Supports the resolution of security incidents. Creates and updates standard operating procedures as appropriate.
- Reviews alerts and data from sensors and documents formal, technical incident reports. Prepares the analysis and reporting of security activities to management.
- May provide security expertise across multiple technical platforms.
- Identifies meaningful insights about Arvest threat environment and assists in development of plans to improve its information security posture.
- Correlates network, cloud, and endpoint activity across environments to identify attacks and unauthorized use.
- May be required to perform work after hours.
- May participate in on-call rotations as needed.
- Understands and complies with bank policy, laws, regulations, and the bank's BSA/AML Program, as applicable to job duties. This includes but is not limited to; completing compliance training and adhering to internal procedures and controls; reporting any known violations of compliance policy, laws, or regulations and reporting any suspicious customer and/or account activity.
TEAM ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Support and uphold the Arvest Mission Statement.
- Uphold the Arvest Code of Ethics and ensure that confidential information is safeguarded.
- Maintain a high level of cooperation and rapport with all associates to ensure accurate and efficient operations and service.
- Formulate and communicate new ideas and suggestions that will improve profitability and efficiency for the company’s overall operation. Promote professionalism at all times.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Security, or equivalent relevant work or military experience, is required.
- 3 years of relevant experience is required.
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant Information Security Management frameworks such as NIST, ISO, CIS, etc., is required.
- Knowledge and understanding of frameworks such as MITRE, Lockheed Martin Kill Chain, etc., is required.
- CompTIA Security+, MITRE ATT&CK Defender (MAD), or equivalent certification, is preferred.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must be able to identify critical infrastructure systems that were designed without system security considerations.
- Must be able to begin work on time and have regular work attendance.
- Must be able to work cooperatively with other co-workers and customers, both existing and prospective, regardless of personality, presence, or communication style.
- Must be able to perform several tasks at once and rotate job tasks.
- Must be able to work in a stressful atmosphere.
- Must be able to coordinate multiple and changing priorities.
- Must be able to occasionally work outside of normal business hours.
- Must be able to move from department, division, or bank to department, division, or bank to attend meetings.
- Must be able to lead and participate in productive networks with internal and external business partners, process experts, and the vendor community.
- Must be able to develop and deliver training and educational opportunities on security issues.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The associate must be able to travel occasionally by themselves within the US, including overnight, and via automobile and air.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Grade 15I
Pay Range: $84850 - $106060 per year
Pay is based on a number of factors including the successful candidate’s job-related knowledge and skills, qualifications, and prior experience. Arvest offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including a full range of health and life, financial, and wellness benefits. For more information about benefits, please visit www.arvest.com/careers/benefits.
See all 380+ OPT SOC Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT SOC Analyst Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a SOC Analyst
Target employers with established security operations centers
Large financial institutions, defense contractors, healthcare systems, and managed security service providers maintain dedicated SOCs and have existing H-1B sponsorship infrastructure. These organizations hire SOC analysts regularly and are far more likely to sponsor than small firms.
Certify before you apply
CompTIA Security+, CySA+, or a GIAC certification like GSEC signals baseline competency to hiring managers. Many SOC roles list certifications as preferred or required. Holding one before your OPT starts reduces employer hesitation around the sponsorship investment.
Highlight your SIEM and EDR experience specifically
Employers screening SOC candidates look for hands-on tool exposure. Mention Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, CrowdStrike, or similar platforms by name in your resume. Vague references to cybersecurity coursework do not convey the same readiness as named tool experience.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront with recruiters
SOC roles often involve security clearance timelines and compliance onboarding. Recruiters need to know how much authorized work time you have remaining so they can plan accordingly. Bringing this up early prevents mismatched expectations and avoids late-stage offer complications.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Cybersecurity and computer science degrees listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program list make you eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. This gives employers three years of authorized work time total, which significantly reduces the urgency pressure around H-1B sponsorship.
Position shift work as a strength, not a compromise
Many SOC analyst positions involve rotating shifts covering nights and weekends. Candidates who explicitly express openness to shift schedules stand out in a pool where others resist it. This willingness can directly offset employer concerns about the added effort of sponsoring.
SOC Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a SOC Analyst on OPT without prior industry experience?
Yes, but you'll likely start at the Tier 1 analyst level, which focuses on alert triage, log monitoring, and escalation. Employers hiring at this level expect strong academic foundations in networking and security fundamentals, not extensive professional history. Internships, lab environments like TryHackMe or home labs, and relevant coursework all strengthen your candidacy when you lack direct work experience.
Do SOC Analyst jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
SOC Analyst roles can qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. Degrees in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, and electrical engineering typically qualify. Your DSO at your university confirms eligibility based on your specific CIP code, not your job title, so verify this with your international student office before assuming you qualify.
How do I find SOC Analyst employers who sponsor H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search. It surfaces SOC Analyst roles from employers with verified sponsorship history, so you're not guessing which companies will actually support your visa transition after OPT. Filtering by sponsorship track record early in your search saves time and avoids pursuing roles at employers who won't sponsor when your authorization window closes.
Will a security clearance requirement disqualify me as an OPT student?
Roles requiring active Secret or Top Secret clearances are generally not accessible to F-1 OPT students, since clearances require U.S. citizenship or, in limited cases, permanent residency. However, many commercial SOC roles do not require clearances at all. Focus your search on private sector employers in finance, healthcare, and technology, where clearance requirements are uncommon at the analyst level.
What should I do if my OPT end date is approaching and I don't have an H-1B sponsor yet?
If you have a STEM-eligible degree, apply for the 24-month extension as early as possible through your DSO, ideally 90 days before your current OPT expires. The extension provides a 180-day cap-gap if your employer files an H-1B petition on time. If sponsorship hasn't materialized, consider roles at cap-exempt employers such as universities or nonprofit research institutions, which can file H-1B petitions year-round.