OPT Security Engineer Jobs
Security Engineer roles are among the most actively sponsored positions for OPT students, particularly in tech, finance, and defense contracting. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension with a qualifying degree in computer science or cybersecurity) gives you real runway to land a role and transition to H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Overview:
At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer’s and partner’s needs and solve their challenges.
Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.
You’ll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about—locally and globally.
Come make an impact every day at Zebra.
What We're Looking For:
Provides security engineering support across the organization with a developing focus on AI and API security. Participates in the evaluation, configuration, and support of security solutions in the team’s portfolio including, but not limited to: AI application security, API security, identity security, SASE, Zero Trust, data protection, email security, endpoint detection and response (EDR), cloud security, and security architecture. This role is an entry point into AI security and is designed for engineers who are curious about the AI threat landscape and eager to build expertise in one of the fastest-growing areas of cybersecurity.
Responsibilities
- Participate in AI security reviews of AI-enabled applications and services submitted through the enterprise intake process. Support the assessment of AI-specific risks including prompt injection, data handling concerns, access controls, and integration risks under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Assist in evaluating GenAI applications, LLM-based tools, and agentic AI services for security posture, data classification, and control alignment.
- Support the development and documentation of AI security standards, policies, and guidelines aligned with NIST AI RMF, OWASP LLM Top 10, and internal frameworks.
- Participate in API security tasks including API discovery, risk identification, and review of API architectures (REST, gRPC, microservices) with attention to APIs that serve or interact with AI systems.
- Identify, evaluate, and help justify new solutions and controls to improve the enterprise security posture, including AI and API security tooling.
- Evaluate application and network architecture to support business requirements, security best practices, policies, and standards.
- Implement and support enterprise security solutions across the team’s tool portfolio.
- Provide consultation to business and development teams on how to implement AI-enabled solutions securely.
- Create documentation and diagrams for internal and external audiences, including AI security review records and risk summaries.
- Conduct risk assessments, analyzing data from various sources and incorporating business needs to articulate risk.
- Analyze data and build informational security reports from different sources for a multi-tier audience (e.g., Executive, Management, and Technical).
- Participate in operational support for security platforms across identity, endpoint detection and response, internet access security, email security, endpoint privilege management, and cloud security.
- Manage technical relationships with security software vendors within assigned areas.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
2+ years experience in IT Security. Can include security architecture, risk analysis, security solution deployment and configuration, security operations, and incident response. Some exposure to AI/ML systems, application security, or API security is a plus but not required.
AI & Emerging Technology Security (Developing):
- Curiosity and willingness to develop hands-on knowledge of generative AI systems, LLMs, RAG architectures, and agentic AI patterns (MCP, tool calling, orchestration frameworks).
- Basic awareness of AI-specific security risks: prompt injection, data exposure, model misuse, and insecure integrations.
- Ability to learn and apply AI security frameworks such as NIST AI RMF, OWASP LLM Top 10, and MITRE ATLAS with guidance.
Application & API Security:
- Ability to understand new systems and tools. Can include API security, application security, secrets management, and secure software design.
- Familiarity with scripting or programming languages (e.g., Python) for automation or testing is a plus; software development background is welcomed.
Security Tooling:
- Ability to learn and operate enterprise security platforms. Familiarity with tools in use at Zebra including CrowdStrike Falcon (EDR/XDR), Zscaler (ZIA/ZPA), Proofpoint Email Security, BeyondTrust Endpoint Privilege Management, and Salt Security (API Security) is a plus.
- Familiarity with identity and access management, secrets management, and Zero Trust concepts.
Preferred: Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
Communication and Collaboration:
- Participates in a fast-paced, fast-growing, rapidly changing environment.
- Communication and presentation skills, both online and in-person.
- Ability to be a trustworthy advisor to our business partners.
- Good business acumen to drive good business decisions.
- Ability to work remotely and independently.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Preferred: Experience working in a global, heterogeneous, cloud and on-prem environment.
- Preferred: Working knowledge of NIST Cyber Security Framework (CSF).
- Preferred: Active participation in the security community, through online resources and in-person conferences.
- Preferred: Exposure to or personal interest in AI tools, GenAI platforms, or agentic developer tooling.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at workplace.accommodations@zebra.com.
Know Your Rights:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf
Conozca sus Derechos:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp_10_20.pdf
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at workplace.accommodations@zebra.com.
Pay Range:
$76,640.00 - $114,960.00 Annual
Incentive Compensation:
In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance-based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 10% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.
Zebra Total Rewards:
Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive – including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work.
Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job-related skills, knowledge, and experience.
Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long-term incentive equity awards.
Benefits:
We understand the importance of work-life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual companywide well-being day to promote revitalization and success.
Job Posting Statement:
To protect candidates from falling victim to online fraudulent activity involving fake job postings and employment offers, please be aware our recruiters will always connect with you via @zebra.com email accounts. Applications are only accepted through our applicant tracking system and only accept personal identifying information through that system. Our Talent Acquisition team will not ask for you to provide personal identifying information via e-mail or outside of the system. If you are a victim of identity theft contact your local police department.
AI Technology Statement:
Zebra Technologies leverages AI technology to evaluate job applications using objective, job-relevant criteria. This approach enhances efficiency and promotes fairness in the hiring process. However, every decision regarding interviews and hiring is made by our dedicated team, because we believe people make the best decisions about people. For more on how we use technology in hiring and how we process applicant data, see our Zebra Privacy Policy.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Security Engineer
Target STEM OPT-eligible degree fields
Cybersecurity, computer science, and information assurance degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since this directly affects how long you can work without H-1B visa status.
Focus on employers with active H-1B filing histories
Companies that regularly sponsor H-1B visas for security roles are your best bet for OPT conversion. Look for employers who have sponsored similar titles like Information Security Engineer or Cybersecurity Analyst in recent years, not just this year.
Pursue certifications that reduce employer hesitation
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH signal job-ready skills to employers unfamiliar with OPT. They reduce perceived hiring risk and make it easier for smaller teams without dedicated HR to justify sponsoring an international candidate.
Address clearance requirements early in your search
Many federal and defense-adjacent security roles require U.S. security clearances, which OPT students are generally ineligible to obtain. Filter for roles that explicitly state clearance is not required, and clarify this in screening calls before investing time.
Communicate your OPT timeline proactively
Recruiters often conflate OPT with visa sponsorship. Clarify that you're already authorized to work and that H-1B sponsorship would only be needed after your OPT period ends, typically at least 12 to 36 months away depending on your extension status.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly security roles
Migrate Mate surfaces Security Engineer jobs posted by employers with documented sponsorship histories. Browsing there lets you focus your energy on companies already comfortable hiring international candidates, rather than cold-applying and filtering manually.
Security Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Security Engineer on OPT without additional work authorization?
Yes. OPT grants you 12 months of work authorization directly tied to your degree field. If your degree is in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related STEM field, you're also eligible for a 24-month extension, giving you up to three years to work as a Security Engineer before needing H-1B or another visa.
Do Security Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but it depends on your degree, not your job title. Your degree's CIP code must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in computer science, information security, and cybersecurity almost always qualify. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension, since the job title itself doesn't determine eligibility.
Can I work for a defense contractor or government agency as a Security Engineer on OPT?
Civilian contractor roles that don't require a security clearance are generally open to OPT students. However, roles requiring a U.S. security clearance are typically off-limits, since clearances are generally unavailable to non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents. Always check the clearance requirement in the job description before applying, and ask directly during screening if it's unclear.
How do I find Security Engineer employers who are open to sponsoring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. It aggregates Security Engineer job listings from employers with verified sponsorship histories, so you can identify companies already comfortable hiring on OPT and planning for H-1B conversion. Filtering by sponsorship track record saves significant time compared to researching each employer manually.
What happens to my OPT status if my Security Engineer job ends?
You're allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during your standard OPT period, and up to 150 days during the STEM extension. If you exceed those limits without securing a new role, your OPT authorization terminates and you fall out of status. Track your unemployment days carefully and prioritize finding a new position well before hitting the threshold.