OPT Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs
Cybersecurity Specialist roles are among the most actively sponsored positions for F-1 OPT students, with strong demand across finance, healthcare, defense contractors, and tech. Most roles require a degree in computer science, information security, or a related field. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of work authorization.
Find OPT Cybersecurity Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 274+ Cybersecurity Specialist jobs










See all 274+ Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Cybersecurity Specialist roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Overview
Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world’s leading financial centers – New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.
Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP, trading as Baker Tilly, are independent members of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 141 territories, with 43,000 professionals and a combined worldwide revenue of $5.2 billion. Visit bakertilly.com or join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Please discuss the work location status with your Baker Tilly talent acquisition professional to understand the requirements for an opportunity you are exploring.
Baker Tilly is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state or local law.
Any unsolicited resumes submitted through our website or to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, employee e-mail accounts are considered property of Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorized recruitment agency ("search firm") for Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by Baker Tilly's Talent Attraction team, to submit candidates for review via our applicant tracking system.
Job Description
Responsibilities
Are you interested in joining one of the fastest growing consulting and accounting firms in the country?
Would you like the ability to join a highly dynamic team focused on providing exceptional client service in the area of informational technology risk advisory?
If yes, consider joining Baker Tilly (BT) as an IT Audit, Cybersecurity & Risk Senior Consultant! Our Risk Advisory practice provides a full spectrum of services to help our clients assess their risks, develop strategies to compete in an ever-changing business environment, and achieve their goals and objectives. All of this is accomplished through deep industry knowledge of risk, governance, internal audit, compliance, IT, and cybersecurity best practices.
As one of the fastest growing firms in the nation, BT has the ability to offer you upward career trajectory, flexibility in how and where you get your work done and meaningful relationships with clients, teammates and leadership who truly care about you and your development.
You will enjoy this role if:
- You want to continue to expand your work experiences and hone your skills as an IT risk professional in the areas of compliance, cybersecurity, and internal controls
- You crave the opportunity to be part of a fast growing, entrepreneurial risk consulting practice where your hard work and creativity will be rewarded
- You do your best work when you are part of a talented, down-to-earth team that thrives in collaboration and truly enjoys working together
- You feel valued when you are provided the resources and support to continually sharpen your technical skills and build your career now, for tomorrow
What you will do:
-
Work closely with client executives and management teams to understand their businesses and assist in identifying and managing financial and operational risks within their business systems to ensure technology risks are managed:
-
Develop in-depth knowledge of clients’ businesses and industries by having direct client interaction while working on multiple aspects of an engagement
- Think independently and strategically about your clients’ business, systems and risks providing recommendations for business and process improvements based upon knowledge gained relative to the client’s operations, processes and business objectives
- Provide strategic business assurance to clients by assisting in the implementation of new processes and controls that address key risks
- Assess, manage and optimize information technology risk across a wide range of areas, including cybersecurity, IT strategy and governance, IT regulatory and compliance requirements, and business continuity
- Review clients' processes and controls against industry frameworks, identifying gaps in design and execution, and communicating issues and recommendations to clients
-
Assist in the development of audit programs and the execution of internal audits and IT control assessments in the areas of:
- IT strategy and governance
- IT operations, business continuity and disaster recovery
- Cybersecurity
- Third party risk
- ITGC and application controls
- SOC reporting
- Regulatory and compliance requirements
- Assist in drafting comprehensive executive summaries and final reports for delivery to the client, documenting and reviewing engagement work papers in accordance with industry-accepted internal audit methodologies
- Act as a valued business advisor, build relationships and communicate effectively with the client to provide superior client service
- Facilitate professional and effective presentations to internal and external audiences
- Continue to develop your knowledge and experience working with a variety of technology environments, platforms, applications and tools/utilities
- Demonstrate the desire to continually grow, learn and develop skills and knowledge through external and internal education, training and cross-training opportunities to maximize personal contribution to the organizational goals and ongoing career development
- Utilize your entrepreneurial skills to network and build strong relationships internally and externally with clients
- Support the growth and development of team members through the Baker Tilly Care and Teach philosophy, helping associates meet their professional goals
- Enjoy friendships, social activities and team outings that encourage a work-life balance
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in management/computer information systems, computer science, accounting information systems, computer engineering, industrial engineering, or related program
- CISA, CISSP, CISM, CIA, or CPA certifications preferred
- 3+ year(s) experience with IT audit or cybersecurity
- Experience performing HITRUST engagements preferred. Open to candidates willing to obtain HITRUST Certification in the future
- Experience as a client serving professional for a consulting firm desired
- Experience with Cloud audit experience and certifications preferred
- Excellent analytical, technical and problem solving skills, with strong attention to detail
- Exceptional verbal and written communication, collaboration, and time management skills
The pay rate range for this job position is $85,910 to $162,890. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of relevant factors including but not limited to applicant’s skills, prior experience, qualifications, degrees, professional certifications, work arrangements and geographic location. Baker Tilly offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to eligible employees.
LI-hybrid
LI-LF
See all 274+ OPT Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Cybersecurity Specialist
Target STEM-designated programs first
Confirm your degree program appears on the Department of Homeland Security STEM designated degree program list before applying. Cybersecurity and information assurance degrees typically qualify, giving you 24 additional months beyond your initial 12-month OPT period.
Prioritize employers with active security clearance programs
Defense contractors and federal agencies regularly hire OPT students for cybersecurity roles and often have established immigration support infrastructure. Look for employers already sponsoring H-1B visas, which signals willingness to navigate work authorization requirements for technical hires.
Get relevant certifications before you apply
CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker, or CISSP Associate credentials significantly strengthen cybersecurity applications. Hiring managers in this field treat certifications as concrete proof of competency, which can offset employer concerns about the paperwork involved in hiring OPT candidates.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Start applying at least three months before your OPT authorization begins. Cybersecurity hiring processes often include technical assessments, background checks, and multiple interview rounds. Beginning early ensures you have an offer and start date that aligns cleanly with your authorized period.
Be transparent about your STEM OPT timeline upfront
Tell hiring managers directly that you are eligible for a STEM OPT extension, giving them up to three years before any H-1B sponsorship decision is required. Most employers in cybersecurity are familiar with OPT but may not know the STEM extension exists without you explaining it.
Frame your E-Verify compliance readiness clearly
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify, so confirming this early saves everyone time. Research whether a target employer is E-Verify enrolled before your first interview. Raising this proactively signals that you understand the process and will not create compliance surprises.
Cybersecurity Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Cybersecurity Specialist on OPT without H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. During your OPT period, you are authorized to work in cybersecurity without any additional visa sponsorship. If your degree is STEM-designated, you can extend that authorization for 24 additional months beyond your initial 12-month OPT period, giving you up to three years of work authorization before an employer needs to sponsor an H-1B.
Do most cybersecurity employers sponsor OPT students?
Demand for cybersecurity professionals is high enough that many employers actively recruit OPT students. Finance, healthcare, technology, and defense sectors are the most active. To find cybersecurity roles at companies already comfortable with OPT and visa sponsorship, browse Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for employers open to sponsoring international candidates.
Does a cybersecurity role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree program, such as computer science, information security, or cybersecurity, appears on the DHS STEM designated degree program list, you are eligible for the 24-month extension regardless of your specific job title. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files an H-1B?
If you exhaust your STEM OPT period before an H-1B is approved, you lose work authorization and must stop working. Timing is critical. H-1B cap-subject petitions can only be filed once per year for an October 1 start date. Work backward from your OPT expiration date with your employer to ensure the petition timeline aligns.
Are there cybersecurity specializations that are easier to get sponsored in?
Cloud security, application security, and threat intelligence roles at large technology companies and financial institutions tend to have the most established sponsorship pipelines. Roles tied to government contractor work requiring U.S. citizenship are off-limits for OPT students regardless of specialization. Focus on private-sector employers in regulated industries where security hiring volume is consistently high.