OPT Application Security Engineer Jobs
Application Security Engineer jobs are consistently sponsored on OPT, with employers ranging from fintech and cloud infrastructure firms to enterprise software companies. Most roles require a computer science or cybersecurity degree, making them a strong fit for STEM OPT's 24-month extension. Cap-exempt employers and government contractors frequently hire in this field.
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Get Access To All JobsSoar with us at Wawa. We believe we can make life a little better every day – one smile, hoagie, or experience at a time. And there’s one secret ingredient that truly sets Wawa apart: Our Associates. At Wawa, you’ll be part of a caring team that’s dedicated to helping all of us fly high – together. We’re team players, day-brighteners, and go-getters: and we know that Wawa is a place where we can build skills to thrive and open doors to new career opportunities. We’re proud to be a part of a winning team of Associate owners who shape our success. We’re committed to helping our communities and one another at every turn, because we know that when we fly together, there’s no limit to how far we can go. Ready to be part of a team that helps you reach new heights? Join our flock and get ready to soar.
Job Description
Job Title: Application Security Engineer
Location: Corporate
Department: Information Technology
Job Summary: The Application Security Engineer is responsible for operating, supporting, maintaining, and improving the application security program by helping to ensure that security is built into all internally developed applications. This role executes all day-to-day operations, maintenance, functions, and capabilities relating to application security. Assist with the build and operation of application security tooling, automation, and engage with developers and product owners to solve application security problems. The role serves as a technical resource in the areas of secure software development at all stages of the SDLC and general information security best practices across all technology domains. The engineer is responsible for operating and improving Wawa’s application security processes to secure and maintain Wawa’s technology.
Principal Duties:
Operate and Support the Application Security Program
- Support security best practices in the software development lifecycle by way of working closely with developers and product owners to secure applications at all stages.
- Research, identify and communicate current and emerging application security threats and solutions.
- Maintain, and iterate on secure coding practices, policies, standards, and procedures.
- Test applications against security threats and vulnerabilities.
- Support application security vulnerability management.
- Create and deliver security presentations to technical and non-technical internal audiences.
- Identify security design gaps in existing and proposed applications and recommend changes or enhancements.
- Identify gaps and inefficiencies in the Application Security Program on a continual basis and propose solutions.
- Participate in and support application security reviews, penetration tests, and threat modeling.
- Contribute to the direction of internal security-focused programs.
Provide Strategic Support
- Assist in the development of metrics and reporting framework to measure the effectiveness of the program.
- Support the development and maintenance of Wawa’s technology security policies and standards and ensure their application to technology architectures.
- Assist with ensuring the ongoing compliance with both regulatory obligations and internally developed policies and standards.
- Provide support to Technology Security Incident Response team during cyber incidents.
Serve as Security Liaison
- Maintain internal networks among information security, information technology, and development teams to ensure support and alignment on initiatives.
- Maintain external networks consisting of industry peers, ecosystem partners, vendors, and other relevant parties to address common trends, findings, and cybersecurity risks.
- Act as technical resource for internal business teams and the IT department to plan, implement, and support new and existing software.
- Support audit and assessment process for IT including annual PCI audit, IT general controls review, and any other audits or assessments of security and general IT controls.
- Provide application security guidance on IT and business-related projects as required by the business. Participate in IT and security related projects.
- Work effectively with business units to facilitate applications security engineering requirements and advocate application security best practices.
Essential Skills:
- Ability to maintain and exude a positive attitude by committing to new ideas, being enthusiastic about work, and being helpful to, and thoughtful and considerate of, others across the organization.
- Proven experience securing custom software.
- Ability to work well individually and in a team environment.
- Ability to learn on the job.
- Ability to track task progress effectively.
- Experience working with teams of developers and product owners.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal and collaborative skills, and the ability to communicate application security and risk-related concepts to diverse audiences.
- Poise and ability to act calmly and competently in high-pressure, high-stress situations.
- Must be a critical thinker, with strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects under strict timelines, as well as the ability to work well in a demanding, dynamic environment and meet overall objectives.
- Ability to engage in internal security technology projects and security remediation projects.
- Ability to understand large technology implementations spanning hundreds of physical and virtual environments.
- High level of personal integrity, as well as the ability to professionally handle confidential matters and show an appropriate level of judgment and maturity.
- High degree of initiative, dependability, and ability to work with little supervision while being resilient to change.
- Ability to be on-call 24x7x365 rotation for information security incidents.
Basic Requirements:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a complex technology environment, working in the application security engineering field.
- Advanced knowledge of containers and container security.
- Solid knowledge of cloud technology and security.
- Solid knowledge of Java programming.
- Basic knowledge of Golang programming.
- Basic knowledge of React and React Native programming.
- Experience with reading and writing enterprise software.
- Experience preventing and remediating software security flaws in enterprise software.
- Up-to-date knowledge of common security weaknesses and flaws, and how to prevent and remediate them.
- Advanced knowledge of OWASP guidance.
- Solid knowledge of web-related protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, REST, etc.).
- Understanding of relevant legal and regulatory requirements, such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.
- Degree in computer science preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
- Professional security management certification is preferred, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), GIAC Defensible Security Certification (GDSA), Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), etc.
- Solid knowledge of common information security management frameworks, such as Critical Security Controls, and NIST 800-53 and Cybersecurity Framework.
- Significant knowledge of application security concepts and technologies such as: SAST, DAST, SCA, IaC, cryptography, authn/authz, API security, etc.
- Strong understanding of cloud, application security, and software engineering principles.
- Experience with scripting automation (Python, PowerShell, Unix shell, JavaScript, TypeScript etc.).
- Proven experience and strong understanding of the DevSecOps and SAFE Agile working methodologies.
Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at asc@wawa.com.
Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.
Soar with us at Wawa. We believe we can make life a little better every day – one smile, hoagie, or experience at a time. And there’s one secret ingredient that truly sets Wawa apart: Our Associates. At Wawa, you’ll be part of a caring team that’s dedicated to helping all of us fly high – together. We’re team players, day-brighteners, and go-getters: and we know that Wawa is a place where we can build skills to thrive and open doors to new career opportunities. We’re proud to be a part of a winning team of Associate owners who shape our success. We’re committed to helping our communities and one another at every turn, because we know that when we fly together, there’s no limit to how far we can go. Ready to be part of a team that helps you reach new heights? Join our flock and get ready to soar.
Job Description
Job Title: Application Security Engineer
Location: Corporate
Department: Information Technology
Job Summary: The Application Security Engineer is responsible for operating, supporting, maintaining, and improving the application security program by helping to ensure that security is built into all internally developed applications. This role executes all day-to-day operations, maintenance, functions, and capabilities relating to application security. Assist with the build and operation of application security tooling, automation, and engage with developers and product owners to solve application security problems. The role serves as a technical resource in the areas of secure software development at all stages of the SDLC and general information security best practices across all technology domains. The engineer is responsible for operating and improving Wawa’s application security processes to secure and maintain Wawa’s technology.
Principal Duties:
Operate and Support the Application Security Program
- Support security best practices in the software development lifecycle by way of working closely with developers and product owners to secure applications at all stages.
- Research, identify and communicate current and emerging application security threats and solutions.
- Maintain, and iterate on secure coding practices, policies, standards, and procedures.
- Test applications against security threats and vulnerabilities.
- Support application security vulnerability management.
- Create and deliver security presentations to technical and non-technical internal audiences.
- Identify security design gaps in existing and proposed applications and recommend changes or enhancements.
- Identify gaps and inefficiencies in the Application Security Program on a continual basis and propose solutions.
- Participate in and support application security reviews, penetration tests, and threat modeling.
- Contribute to the direction of internal security-focused programs.
Provide Strategic Support
- Assist in the development of metrics and reporting framework to measure the effectiveness of the program.
- Support the development and maintenance of Wawa’s technology security policies and standards and ensure their application to technology architectures.
- Assist with ensuring the ongoing compliance with both regulatory obligations and internally developed policies and standards.
- Provide support to Technology Security Incident Response team during cyber incidents.
Serve as Security Liaison
- Maintain internal networks among information security, information technology, and development teams to ensure support and alignment on initiatives.
- Maintain external networks consisting of industry peers, ecosystem partners, vendors, and other relevant parties to address common trends, findings, and cybersecurity risks.
- Act as technical resource for internal business teams and the IT department to plan, implement, and support new and existing software.
- Support audit and assessment process for IT including annual PCI audit, IT general controls review, and any other audits or assessments of security and general IT controls.
- Provide application security guidance on IT and business-related projects as required by the business. Participate in IT and security related projects.
- Work effectively with business units to facilitate applications security engineering requirements and advocate application security best practices.
Essential Skills:
- Ability to maintain and exude a positive attitude by committing to new ideas, being enthusiastic about work, and being helpful to, and thoughtful and considerate of, others across the organization.
- Proven experience securing custom software.
- Ability to work well individually and in a team environment.
- Ability to learn on the job.
- Ability to track task progress effectively.
- Experience working with teams of developers and product owners.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal and collaborative skills, and the ability to communicate application security and risk-related concepts to diverse audiences.
- Poise and ability to act calmly and competently in high-pressure, high-stress situations.
- Must be a critical thinker, with strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects under strict timelines, as well as the ability to work well in a demanding, dynamic environment and meet overall objectives.
- Ability to engage in internal security technology projects and security remediation projects.
- Ability to understand large technology implementations spanning hundreds of physical and virtual environments.
- High level of personal integrity, as well as the ability to professionally handle confidential matters and show an appropriate level of judgment and maturity.
- High degree of initiative, dependability, and ability to work with little supervision while being resilient to change.
- Ability to be on-call 24x7x365 rotation for information security incidents.
Basic Requirements:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a complex technology environment, working in the application security engineering field.
- Advanced knowledge of containers and container security.
- Solid knowledge of cloud technology and security.
- Solid knowledge of Java programming.
- Basic knowledge of Golang programming.
- Basic knowledge of React and React Native programming.
- Experience with reading and writing enterprise software.
- Experience preventing and remediating software security flaws in enterprise software.
- Up-to-date knowledge of common security weaknesses and flaws, and how to prevent and remediate them.
- Advanced knowledge of OWASP guidance.
- Solid knowledge of web-related protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, REST, etc.).
- Understanding of relevant legal and regulatory requirements, such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.
- Degree in computer science preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
- Professional security management certification is preferred, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), GIAC Defensible Security Certification (GDSA), Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), etc.
- Solid knowledge of common information security management frameworks, such as Critical Security Controls, and NIST 800-53 and Cybersecurity Framework.
- Significant knowledge of application security concepts and technologies such as: SAST, DAST, SCA, IaC, cryptography, authn/authz, API security, etc.
- Strong understanding of cloud, application security, and software engineering principles.
- Experience with scripting automation (Python, PowerShell, Unix shell, JavaScript, TypeScript etc.).
- Proven experience and strong understanding of the DevSecOps and SAFE Agile working methodologies.
Wawa will provide reasonable accommodation to complete an application upon request, consistent with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, please contact our Associate Service Center at asc@wawa.com.
Wawa, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Wawa maintains a work environment in which Associates are treated fairly and with respect and in which discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal, state and local laws, we recruit, hire, promote and evaluate all applicants and Associates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination will not be a factor in any employment decision.
See all OPT Application Security Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Application Security Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Application Security Engineer
Lead with your security certifications
OSCP, CEH, and Security+ certifications signal hands-on competence to hiring managers faster than a degree alone. OPT students who hold at least one recognized security credential move through technical screenings at a noticeably higher rate in this field.
Target STEM-designated program employers first
Application Security Engineering falls under CIP codes that qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Prioritize employers already familiar with STEM OPT obligations, since they understand the timeline and are far less likely to withdraw offers over authorization concerns.
Demonstrate experience with specific security frameworks
OWASP Top 10, NIST, and MITRE ATT&CK are referenced in most job descriptions. Calling out specific frameworks you have applied, not just studied, in your resume and cover letter directly addresses what hiring managers are screening for in this role.
Highlight any bug bounty or capture-the-flag experience
Practical proof of skill matters more in security than in most engineering disciplines. Bug bounty reports on HackerOne or CTF placements are legitimate portfolio items that demonstrate offensive and defensive competencies employers cannot easily assess from academic credentials.
Understand your employer's H-1B sponsorship history before applying
Application Security Engineers are in high demand, but sponsorship willingness varies significantly by company size and legal infrastructure. Researching a company's past H-1B visa filings through public OFLC disclosure data helps you prioritize employers likely to support long-term sponsorship after OPT.
Be specific about your OPT start date and STEM extension eligibility
Recruiters in security-sensitive industries need clear authorization timelines upfront. Stating your OPT end date and confirming STEM extension eligibility in your initial outreach eliminates ambiguity and positions you as a candidate who understands their own authorization, which builds recruiter confidence.
Application Security Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Application Security Engineer a STEM OPT-eligible role?
Yes. Application Security Engineering roles typically fall under CIP codes in computer science and information security, both of which qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. This gives eligible F-1 students up to three years of work authorization in total, making this one of the stronger fields for OPT students pursuing long-term U.S. employment.
Do employers in this field commonly sponsor OPT students?
Yes, particularly at mid-size and large technology companies, financial institutions, and cloud infrastructure firms. Application security is a specialist function with a well-documented talent shortage, which pushes many employers to sponsor candidates they would otherwise pass on. You can browse OPT-friendly Application Security Engineer openings directly on Migrate Mate, where listings are filtered for sponsorship willingness.
Can I work as an Application Security Engineer on OPT if my degree is in computer science rather than cybersecurity?
Yes. USCIS does not require your degree to be in cybersecurity specifically. A computer science, software engineering, or information systems degree is sufficient, provided your coursework or experience connects reasonably to the security function of the role. Most employers in this field regularly hire engineers with general CS backgrounds who have developed security specialization through coursework, certifications, or projects.
What should I do if a job posting says 'U.S. citizens or permanent residents only'?
This restriction almost always reflects government contracting requirements or access to classified systems, not a general sponsorship policy. For commercial application security roles without clearance requirements, most large employers do not impose this restriction. Focus your search on roles at companies without federal contract dependencies, and use Migrate Mate to filter for positions explicitly open to OPT applicants.
How early should I start my Application Security Engineer job search before my OPT start date?
Start at least three to four months before your expected OPT start date. Technical hiring processes in security often include multiple interview rounds, take-home assessments, and background checks that can run four to six weeks from first contact to offer. Beginning early leaves room to negotiate start dates that align with your EAD arrival and reduces the risk of accepting a role under time pressure.