OPT Cybersecurity Consultant Jobs
Cybersecurity Consultant jobs are actively filled by employers who sponsor OPT, particularly in sectors like finance, defense contracting, and healthcare IT. Your degree in computer science, information security, or a related field is the foundation, and STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to 36 months of authorized work.
See All OPT Cybersecurity Consultant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 97+ Cybersecurity Consultant jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 97+ Cybersecurity Consultant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Cybersecurity Consultant roles.
Get Access To All JobsAt EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.
We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world.
Government and Public Sector - Technology Consulting - Cybersecurity Risk Compliance – Senior Consultant
From strategy to execution, the Government & Public Sector (“GPS”) practice of Ernst & Young (“EY”) provides a full range of consulting and audit services to help our Federal, State, Local and Education clients implement new ideas to help achieve their mission outcomes. We deliver real change and measurable results through our diverse, high-performing teams, quality work at the highest professional standards, operational know-how from across our global organization, and creative and bold ideas that drive innovation. We enable our government clients to achieve their mission of protecting the nation and serving the people; increasing public safety; improving healthcare for our military, veterans, and citizens; delivering essential public services; and helping those in need. EY is ready to help our government build a better working world.
The Opportunity
EY GPS is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced professional to support the implementation, documentation, and self-assessment of security controls in accordance with the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF). The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with key federal frameworks and guidance, including NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2, 800-53A Rev. 5, 800-30 Rev. 5, 800-60, 800-59, 800-23, 800-47, 800-34 Rev. 5, and 800-84, FIPS 199, 200, and 191, and be capable of guiding systems through the full RMF lifecycle.
- Categorize: Define the system criticality and authorization type required
- Select: Determine applicable controls to meet and leverage (e.g. inheritance from cloud or other provider, enterprise services, etc.)
- Implement: Develop security architecture, system security plan (SSP) and implement required cybersecurity controls
- Assess: Conduct self-security assessment, collect artifacts and input package (Assessment Report and artifacts)
- Authorize: Authorizing Official reviews and approves package
- Monitor: Mitigate any findings from assessment, update package based upon system changes, conduct operational cybersecurity tasks and support continuous authorization.
Your Key Responsibilities
The Senior provides cybersecurity troubleshooting, analysis and technical expertise and oversees the work of junior team members. Additional responsibilities include:
- Assist in the coordination of large-scale cybersecurity engagements.
- Assess cybersecurity controls, programs and strategies using our proprietary framework and industry frameworks
- Operate SRC&R solutions based upon engagement defined policies and procedures
- Review cybersecurity measurements and monitor development and operations
- Assist in the development of cybersecurity strategies and roadmap development
- Assist with NIST Risk Management Framework and Assessment and Authorization enhancement, operations and governance
- Cybersecurity focused Supply Chain Risk Management and/or Third-Party Risk management operations, assessment and enablement
- Cybersecurity process design and re-engineering
- Monitor progress and manage risk while ensuring stakeholders are kept informed about progress and expected outcomes
- Leverage knowledge of industry trends to identify engagement and client service issues; communicate this information to the on-site engagement team through written correspondence and verbal presentations.
- Help support and manage GPS SRC&R consultants in the service delivery center
- Develop and review reports and presentations for both technical and executive audiences.
- Assist staff by providing mentorship and coaching to grow their technical and consulting skills.
- Work closely with engagement manager to co-lead and own multiple parts of the engagement delivery
- Deliver quality client services. Drive high-quality work products within expected timeframes and on budget
To qualify for the role, you must have
- Must have a bachelor's degree in a related field
- Must have 3+ years of related work experience
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level clearance or higher
- Must be comfortable working in-person as needed in the greater Washington, DC area
- Working knowledge of security frameworks and standards such as NIST 800-37, NIST 800-53, FIPS 199, FIPS 200, NIST CSF, NIST 800-161, CMMC and cybersecurity laws and regulations such as FISMA
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Cybersecurity assessments
- IT and cybersecurity policies, standards, procedures, and controls
- Cybersecurity strategies and roadmaps
- Cybersecurity awareness and training
- Cybersecurity metrics and reporting
- Cybersecurity organization design and implementation
- Cybersecurity and risk management solution design and implementation (e.g. SNOW IRM, Archer GRC, RiskLens, Azure Security Center, etc.)
- Federal RMF solution operations (e.g eMass CSAM, Xacta, etc.)
- Cybersecurity and IT architecture experience (e.g. cloud security architect, security architect)
- Demonstrated characteristics of a forward thinker and self-motivator who thrives on new challenges and adapts to learning new knowledge
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong presentation and communication skills
- Able to work collaboratively in a team environment
Due to the nature of our work in the Government and Public Sector, work may be required to be completed at client, EY and/or contractor sites. Our goal is to assign professionals to projects within a commutable distance of their work location office. In certain circumstances, travel may be required beyond your work location based on client and project needs. Candidates should be willing to travel 20 – 30% or more.
Ideally, you'll also have
Consulting experience or experience working on technical projects
What we look for
We’re interested in intellectually curious people with a genuine passion for cybersecurity. With your broad exposure across Cyber, we’ll turn to you to speak up with innovative ideas that could make a lasting difference not only to us – but also to the industry. If you have the confidence in both your presentation and technical abilities to grow into a leading expert here, this is the role for you.
What we offer you
At EY, we’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more.
- We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to the business. The base salary range for this job in all geographic locations in the US is $104,800 to $192,200. The base salary range for New York City Metro Area, Washington State and California (excluding Sacramento) is $125,800 to $218,500. Individual salaries within those ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills and geography. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options.
- Join us in our team-led and leader-enabled hybrid model. Our expectation is for most people in external, client serving roles to work together in person 40-60% of the time over the course of an engagement, project or year.
- Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.
Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.
EY accepts applications for this position on an on-going basis.
For those living in California, please click here for additional information.
EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities.
EY | Building a better working world
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
EY provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable law.
EY is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities including veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and either need assistance applying online or need to request an accommodation during any part of the application process, please call 1-800-EY-HELP3, select Option 2 for candidate related inquiries, then select Option 1 for candidate queries and finally select Option 2 for candidates with an inquiry which will route you to EY’s Talent Shared Services Team (TSS) or email the TSS at ssc.customersupport@ey.com.
At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.
We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world.
Government and Public Sector - Technology Consulting - Cybersecurity Risk Compliance – Senior Consultant
From strategy to execution, the Government & Public Sector (“GPS”) practice of Ernst & Young (“EY”) provides a full range of consulting and audit services to help our Federal, State, Local and Education clients implement new ideas to help achieve their mission outcomes. We deliver real change and measurable results through our diverse, high-performing teams, quality work at the highest professional standards, operational know-how from across our global organization, and creative and bold ideas that drive innovation. We enable our government clients to achieve their mission of protecting the nation and serving the people; increasing public safety; improving healthcare for our military, veterans, and citizens; delivering essential public services; and helping those in need. EY is ready to help our government build a better working world.
The Opportunity
EY GPS is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced professional to support the implementation, documentation, and self-assessment of security controls in accordance with the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF). The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with key federal frameworks and guidance, including NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2, 800-53A Rev. 5, 800-30 Rev. 5, 800-60, 800-59, 800-23, 800-47, 800-34 Rev. 5, and 800-84, FIPS 199, 200, and 191, and be capable of guiding systems through the full RMF lifecycle.
- Categorize: Define the system criticality and authorization type required
- Select: Determine applicable controls to meet and leverage (e.g. inheritance from cloud or other provider, enterprise services, etc.)
- Implement: Develop security architecture, system security plan (SSP) and implement required cybersecurity controls
- Assess: Conduct self-security assessment, collect artifacts and input package (Assessment Report and artifacts)
- Authorize: Authorizing Official reviews and approves package
- Monitor: Mitigate any findings from assessment, update package based upon system changes, conduct operational cybersecurity tasks and support continuous authorization.
Your Key Responsibilities
The Senior provides cybersecurity troubleshooting, analysis and technical expertise and oversees the work of junior team members. Additional responsibilities include:
- Assist in the coordination of large-scale cybersecurity engagements.
- Assess cybersecurity controls, programs and strategies using our proprietary framework and industry frameworks
- Operate SRC&R solutions based upon engagement defined policies and procedures
- Review cybersecurity measurements and monitor development and operations
- Assist in the development of cybersecurity strategies and roadmap development
- Assist with NIST Risk Management Framework and Assessment and Authorization enhancement, operations and governance
- Cybersecurity focused Supply Chain Risk Management and/or Third-Party Risk management operations, assessment and enablement
- Cybersecurity process design and re-engineering
- Monitor progress and manage risk while ensuring stakeholders are kept informed about progress and expected outcomes
- Leverage knowledge of industry trends to identify engagement and client service issues; communicate this information to the on-site engagement team through written correspondence and verbal presentations.
- Help support and manage GPS SRC&R consultants in the service delivery center
- Develop and review reports and presentations for both technical and executive audiences.
- Assist staff by providing mentorship and coaching to grow their technical and consulting skills.
- Work closely with engagement manager to co-lead and own multiple parts of the engagement delivery
- Deliver quality client services. Drive high-quality work products within expected timeframes and on budget
To qualify for the role, you must have
- Must have a bachelor's degree in a related field
- Must have 3+ years of related work experience
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level clearance or higher
- Must be comfortable working in-person as needed in the greater Washington, DC area
- Working knowledge of security frameworks and standards such as NIST 800-37, NIST 800-53, FIPS 199, FIPS 200, NIST CSF, NIST 800-161, CMMC and cybersecurity laws and regulations such as FISMA
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Cybersecurity assessments
- IT and cybersecurity policies, standards, procedures, and controls
- Cybersecurity strategies and roadmaps
- Cybersecurity awareness and training
- Cybersecurity metrics and reporting
- Cybersecurity organization design and implementation
- Cybersecurity and risk management solution design and implementation (e.g. SNOW IRM, Archer GRC, RiskLens, Azure Security Center, etc.)
- Federal RMF solution operations (e.g eMass CSAM, Xacta, etc.)
- Cybersecurity and IT architecture experience (e.g. cloud security architect, security architect)
- Demonstrated characteristics of a forward thinker and self-motivator who thrives on new challenges and adapts to learning new knowledge
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong presentation and communication skills
- Able to work collaboratively in a team environment
Due to the nature of our work in the Government and Public Sector, work may be required to be completed at client, EY and/or contractor sites. Our goal is to assign professionals to projects within a commutable distance of their work location office. In certain circumstances, travel may be required beyond your work location based on client and project needs. Candidates should be willing to travel 20 – 30% or more.
Ideally, you'll also have
Consulting experience or experience working on technical projects
What we look for
We’re interested in intellectually curious people with a genuine passion for cybersecurity. With your broad exposure across Cyber, we’ll turn to you to speak up with innovative ideas that could make a lasting difference not only to us – but also to the industry. If you have the confidence in both your presentation and technical abilities to grow into a leading expert here, this is the role for you.
What we offer you
At EY, we’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more.
- We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to the business. The base salary range for this job in all geographic locations in the US is $104,800 to $192,200. The base salary range for New York City Metro Area, Washington State and California (excluding Sacramento) is $125,800 to $218,500. Individual salaries within those ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills and geography. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options.
- Join us in our team-led and leader-enabled hybrid model. Our expectation is for most people in external, client serving roles to work together in person 40-60% of the time over the course of an engagement, project or year.
- Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.
Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.
EY accepts applications for this position on an on-going basis.
For those living in California, please click here for additional information.
EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities.
EY | Building a better working world
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
EY provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable law.
EY is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities including veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and either need assistance applying online or need to request an accommodation during any part of the application process, please call 1-800-EY-HELP3, select Option 2 for candidate related inquiries, then select Option 1 for candidate queries and finally select Option 2 for candidates with an inquiry which will route you to EY’s Talent Shared Services Team (TSS) or email the TSS at ssc.customersupport@ey.com.
See all 97+ OPT Cybersecurity Consultant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Cybersecurity Consultant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Cybersecurity Consultant
Lead with your security credentials
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH signal readiness to employers skeptical of OPT timelines. List them prominently on your resume. Credentialed candidates routinely move faster through hiring pipelines than those relying solely on degree qualifications.
Target STEM OPT-eligible roles from day one
Cybersecurity Consultant roles under CIP codes like Computer Science or Information Assurance qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can communicate your full authorized work window confidently.
Prioritize employers with existing security clearance processes
Federal contractors and financial institutions already navigate complex compliance frameworks. They're more familiar with OPT documentation than startups are. Research whether a company holds active government contracts, which signals infrastructure for handling work authorization questions systematically.
Address OPT directly in your cover letter
Briefly state your current OPT status, expiration timeline, and STEM extension eligibility in one or two sentences. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume it's more complicated than it is. A clear, confident explanation removes friction early in the process.
Network inside cybersecurity professional communities
Industry associations and local security meetups connect you with practitioners who understand the talent shortage in this field. Employers who've hired international candidates before are far less likely to hesitate over OPT. Warm referrals bypass the initial screening filters entirely.
Quantify your impact with specific security outcomes
Replace vague resume bullets with measurable results: vulnerabilities remediated, compliance frameworks implemented, or incidents responded to. Employers weighing OPT complexity against value need concrete evidence that hiring you is worth the administrative steps involved.
Cybersecurity Consultant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Cybersecurity Consultant on OPT without H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. OPT is work authorization tied to your F-1 status, not to a specific employer's sponsorship. You can work as a Cybersecurity Consultant for any employer willing to hire you during your OPT period. The employer doesn't petition USCIS on your behalf the way they would for an H-1B visa. You do need your employment to be directly related to your degree field, which information security, computer science, and related programs satisfy cleanly for this role.
Does a Cybersecurity Consultant role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It almost certainly does, provided your degree falls under a qualifying STEM field. Computer Science, Information Assurance, Cybersecurity, and Electrical Engineering are all on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. The role itself must also be a bona fide job with an E-Verify enrolled employer. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension, since the qualifying determination is based on your degree program, not just the job title.
What types of employers sponsor OPT for Cybersecurity Consultant positions?
Federal contractors, financial institutions, healthcare systems, and large technology firms are the most consistent sponsors. These sectors face acute cybersecurity talent shortages and have existing HR processes for handling OPT documentation. Consulting firms like the major Big Four professional services organizations and mid-sized managed security service providers also hire OPT candidates regularly. Browse Migrate Mate to filter specifically for employers actively seeking candidates on OPT authorization in the cybersecurity space.
Can I work as a Cybersecurity Consultant contractor or on a project basis during OPT?
Yes, but with restrictions. USCIS allows self-employment and contract work during OPT, but your work must be directly related to your degree field and you must work at least 20 hours per week. Independent contracting is permitted, but you'll need documentation showing the engagement qualifies as legitimate employment in your field. Short-term gig arrangements that can't demonstrate a clear connection to your degree are higher risk and worth discussing with your DSO before accepting.
What happens to my Cybersecurity Consultant job if my OPT expires before I get an H-1B?
If your OPT expires and you haven't transitioned to another visa status, you lose work authorization and must stop working immediately. If you're on STEM OPT and your employer files an H-1B petition before the April 1 cap-subject deadline, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension that bridges your status through September 30. Planning your job search and H-1B timing well in advance of your OPT end date is critical to avoiding gaps.