Helpdesk/SOC Analyst

About KaufmanIT

KaufmanIT is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) based in Irvine, California. We provide IT and cybersecurity support to multiple client organizations, each with its own technology environment, business needs, security requirements, and procedures.

Working in an MSP environment offers the opportunity to gain exposure to a wide variety of technologies and client environments. It also requires strong attention to detail, professionalism, adaptability, and the ability to follow client-specific processes while protecting confidential and sensitive information.

About the Role

KaufmanIT is seeking an Entry-Level Help Desk / SOC Analyst to join our team in Irvine. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career IT professional looking to build hands-on experience in both IT support and cybersecurity.

This position combines traditional help desk responsibilities with entry-level Security Operations Center (SOC) functions. You will assist users with day-to-day technical issues while also helping monitor security alerts, review suspicious activity, document findings, and escalate potential security incidents.

Because KaufmanIT is an MSP, you won't be supporting just one company's network. You'll work across multiple client environments, each of which may use different technologies and have different security requirements, access levels, and escalation procedures.

You are not expected to know everything on day one. We're looking for someone with a solid technical foundation, strong problem-solving skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide Tier 1 help desk support to users across multiple client environments.
• Troubleshoot common hardware, software, connectivity, account, and access issues.
• Create, update, document, and manage support tickets accurately.
• Monitor security alerts and review potentially suspicious activity.
• Perform initial investigation and triage of security events.
• Assist with identifying phishing attempts, suspicious login activity, malware, and other potential security threats.
• Gather and document relevant information before escalating security incidents.
• Follow established incident response and escalation procedures.
• Work within different client environments while following each client's specific policies, security requirements, and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate separation and confidentiality of client information.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients and internal technical teams.
• Recognize when an issue falls outside your level of access or expertise and escalate appropriately.
• Continue developing technical and cybersecurity knowledge through hands-on experience, training, and mentorship.

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field OR equivalent technical training/hands-on experience.
• Basic understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, and troubleshooting.
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts and common security threats.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to document technical information clearly and accurately.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and shift between different client environments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to protecting confidential information.
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, accept feedback, and escalate when appropriate.
• Ability to work full-time, on-site in Irvine, California.

Preferred:

• CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 or Windows environments.
• Exposure to Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID.
• Familiarity with ticketing systems.
• Exposure to SIEM, EDR, or other security monitoring tools.
• Cybersecurity labs, coursework, home labs, internships, or other hands-on technical projects.
• Previous customer service or technical support experience.