OPT Information Security Specialist Jobs
Information Security Specialist roles qualify for OPT work authorization under CIP code 11.1003 (Computer and Information Systems Security). Most positions require a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. STEM designation means you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience.
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SUMMARY: An information security professional with advanced expertise in developing, configuring, deploying, and supporting numerous security tools and configuration. Knowledgeable in best and emerging practices in various information security domains.
POSITION: Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm with the ability to work additional hours as needed.
LOCATION: 201 W Walnut Street, Rogers, AR.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH:
- Cyber Threat Landscape & Modeling: Deep understanding of current attack techniques, adversary behaviors, and threat modeling methodologies used to proactively identify emerging risks.
- Advanced Research & OSINT: Proven ability to conduct robust open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering across public forums, the dark web, and proprietary databases to identify active threats.
- Critical Thinking & Attribution: Strong analytical skills to synthesize disparate data points, evaluate source reliability, and track adversary infrastructure to develop actionable intelligence while avoiding cognitive bias.
- Intelligence Tooling & Platforms: Proficiency with Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs).
- Incident Response Support: Proven track record of collaborating with incident response and hunt teams to contextualize active breaches, provide pivot points, and accelerate remediation efforts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Provides Level 2 support and root cause analysis problem management for security events/incidents.
- Conducts network monitoring and intrusion detection analysis using various computer network defense tools, such as intrusion detection/prevention systems, firewalls, and host-based security systems.
- Conducts log-based and endpoint-based threat detection to detect and protect against threats coming from multiple sources.
- Supports the resolution of security incidents. Creates and updates standard operating procedures as appropriate.
- Reviews alerts and data from sensors and documents formal, technical incident reports. Prepares the analysis and reporting of security activities to management.
- May provide security expertise across multiple technical platforms.
- Identifies meaningful insights about Arvest threat environment and assists in development of plans to improve its information security posture.
- Correlates network, cloud, and endpoint activity across environments to identify attacks and unauthorized use.
- May be required to perform work after hours.
- May participate in on-call rotations as needed.
- Understands and complies with bank policy, laws, regulations, and the bank's BSA/AML Program, as applicable to job duties. This includes but is not limited to; completing compliance training and adhering to internal procedures and controls; reporting any known violations of compliance policy, laws, or regulations and reporting any suspicious customer and/or account activity.
TEAM ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Support and uphold the Arvest Mission Statement.
- Uphold the Arvest Code of Ethics and ensure that confidential information is safeguarded.
- Maintain a high level of cooperation and rapport with all associates to ensure accurate and efficient operations and service.
- Formulate and communicate new ideas and suggestions that will improve profitability and efficiency for the company’s overall operation. Promote professionalism at all times.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Security, or equivalent relevant work or military experience, is required.
- 3 years of relevant experience is required.
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant Information Security Management frameworks such as NIST, ISO, CIS, etc., is required.
- Knowledge and understanding of frameworks such as MITRE, Lockheed Martin Kill Chain, etc., is required.
- CompTIA Security+, MITRE ATT&CK Defender (MAD), or equivalent certification, is preferred.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must be able to identify critical infrastructure systems that were designed without system security considerations.
- Must be able to begin work on time and have regular work attendance.
- Must be able to work cooperatively with other co-workers and customers, both existing and prospective, regardless of personality, presence, or communication style.
- Must be able to perform several tasks at once and rotate job tasks.
- Must be able to work in a stressful atmosphere.
- Must be able to coordinate multiple and changing priorities.
- Must be able to occasionally work outside of normal business hours.
- Must be able to move from department, division, or bank to department, division, or bank to attend meetings.
- Must be able to lead and participate in productive networks with internal and external business partners, process experts, and the vendor community.
- Must be able to develop and deliver training and educational opportunities on security issues.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The associate must be able to travel occasionally by themselves within the US, including overnight, and via automobile and air.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Grade 15I
Pay Range: $84850 - $106060 per year
Pay is based on a number of factors including the successful candidate’s job-related knowledge and skills, qualifications, and prior experience. Arvest offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including a full range of health and life, financial, and wellness benefits. For more information about benefits, please visit www.arvest.com/careers/benefits.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Information Security Specialist
Target STEM-designated employers first
Many large financial institutions, defense contractors, and tech firms routinely file H-1B visa petitions for security roles. Prioritize employers with a documented history of sponsoring information security specialists, as they already understand the process and budget for it.
Frame your degree field precisely on applications
USCIS ties OPT authorization to your degree's CIP code. Listing your field as cybersecurity or information assurance, rather than generic computer science, strengthens the connection to the Information Security Specialist role and reduces employer compliance concerns.
Obtain relevant certifications before applying
CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker, or CISSP Associate credentials signal technical readiness without requiring years of experience. Employers sponsor visa holders they trust to contribute immediately, and certifications close the credibility gap during OPT.
Emphasize clearance eligibility where applicable
Some government-adjacent security roles require security clearances, which non-citizens can obtain under certain conditions. Being transparent about your citizenship status and OPT timeline early avoids late-stage misalignment with employers hiring for clearance-required positions.
Connect OPT end dates to the H-1B cap cycle
H-1B registration opens each March for an October 1 start. Structure your job search timeline so an offer arrives with enough runway to file. Starting your search 12 to 14 months before OPT expires gives employers adequate lead time.
Highlight hands-on technical projects in your application
Penetration testing labs, capture-the-flag competitions, and open-source security tool contributions demonstrate practical skills employers need immediately. Concrete project work makes a stronger sponsorship case than coursework alone, especially when your OPT period is limited.
Information Security Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Information Security Specialist role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as cybersecurity, computer science, or information assurance. Information security roles fall under CIP code 11.1003, which is on the official STEM OPT extension list. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan to qualify.
How do I find Information Security Specialist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers willing to sponsor F-1 OPT and visa candidates, so you are not applying blindly to roles that require existing work authorization. Searching there saves time and surfaces companies that already understand OPT compliance requirements for security roles.
Can I work as an Information Security Specialist on OPT without a security clearance?
Most private-sector information security roles do not require a clearance. Government contractor positions often do, and non-citizens face additional eligibility restrictions. Focus your search on commercial employers in finance, healthcare, and technology, where clearance is rarely a requirement and OPT authorization is straightforward to accommodate.
What degree fields support OPT authorization for Information Security Specialist positions?
Degrees in cybersecurity, information assurance, computer science, computer engineering, and management information systems are the strongest matches. The role must be directly related to your degree field for OPT to apply. Degrees in unrelated fields, even technical ones, can create authorization issues that employers and DSOs need to review carefully.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Information Security Specialist job ends unexpectedly?
F-1 students on post-completion OPT have a cumulative 90-day unemployment limit for standard OPT and 150 days for the STEM extension period. If your position ends, notify your DSO immediately and begin your job search without delay. Days without employment count against your total even if you are actively applying.