Security Operations Engineer

Wanting to break into cybersecurity but stuck in a systems role with no clear pathway? This role gets you there, with funded certifications, structured mentoring, and hands‑on experience from day one. About Nectar Nectar is New Zealand's leading cybersecurity provider for small and medium businesses. Our core services, NecSec Defend and NecSec Protect, deliver layered managed security to clients across a range of industries, backed by our traditional MSP offering. We're proudly New Zealand-owned and operated, known for exceptional customer care and a genuinely collaborative team culture, and we're serious about growing our own: developing our people into the cybersecurity professionals of tomorrow. About the Role This is a genuine split role, built as a structured pathway into cybersecurity. Half of your time you'll work as a Systems Engineer, delivering business-focused technology solutions and acting as a trusted adviser to our clients. The other half you'll join our cybersecurity operations team as a Cyber Security Analyst, building foundational skills in monitoring, alert triage, and incident response. As your skills and confidence grow, so does the role. You'll progressively take on greater responsibility and independence within the security function. What You'll Be Doing Take ownership of projects, faults, and client concerns, managing them logically through to resolution Act as the escalation point for issues beyond Service Desk level Advise clients on industry best practice, including solutions and proposals Work predominantly within the Microsoft suite of products Cyber Security Monitor and triage alerts from Nectar's Cyber Security Platform, guided by the Cyber Security Team Lead Investigate security events, identifying threats, false positives, and misconfigurations Follow incident response procedures for containment and escalation Assist with vulnerability reporting and remediation Build familiarity with SIEM, PSA, RMM, and M365 security toolsets What You'll Bring Solid systems engineering or MSP experience, ideally across the Microsoft stack Excellent client relationship skills. You talk business outcomes, not jargon A foundational understanding of, or genuine passion for, cyber security Exposure to the Microsoft security ecosystem (Defender, Sentinel, Entra, M365 Security) is a big plus An analytical mindset, attention to detail, and the discipline to follow procedures and elevate well Self-motivation, resilience, and a commitment to quality What We Offer A structured, funded pathway into cyber security. Nectar covers your certification and exam costs, starting with SC-900 or equivalent in your first year A personalised development plan with the Cyber Security Team Lead, plus mentoring, shadowing, and hands-on SOC experience A role that grows with you, with more security responsibility as your capability builds A genuinely supportive team, and a company that's serious about developing its people Nectar is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive environment that values diversity of thought, background, and experience. You must be eligible to work in New Zealand to be considered for this position #J-18808-Ljbffr