Security Program Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Security Program Manager jobs that sponsor OPT are concentrated in defense contractors, financial institutions, and large tech firms where formal security programs are federally mandated or contractually required. Your STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on whether your degree is in information systems, computer science, or a related classified field.
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Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Amazon.com serve customers and developers all over the world who rely on storage, compute, and other services that power Amazon’s consumer, digital and AWS businesses. Our customers trust us to handle their data with air-tight security. Customer data security is a given and a guarantee for our businesses.
AWS Infrastructure Physical Security team is looking for a highly talented and motivated Physical Security System Project Manager and Technology Expert to lead physical security projects. This position will be responsible for the management of data center physical security systems and projects. A successful candidate will be responsible for interpretation of Threat Assessments and AWS Physical Security Standards to assure the proper security mitigations are selected to meet the unique challenges in each area. You will be responsible for collaborating with AWS architectural and engineering teams to assure each data center meets the high standards AWS sets for physical security. After implementation, this position will be responsible for assuring local security teams have the technical knowledge and resources necessary to meet the physical security mission.
Considered candidates should be at least 18 years old.
As this is a GovCloud region, selected candidate requires US Citizenship or equivalent status.
Effective May 15, 2017, logical access to the AWS GovCloud region will be restricted to Amazon employees who are U.S. Citizens. (GovCloud may NOT be accessed from outside of the United States)
Key job responsibilities
- Manage installation of approved physical security system hardware, including, but not limited to, access control devices, intrusion detection devices, CCTV, and other components of physical security systems.
- Design of physical security system for new construction, expansion and retrofit projects.
- Preparation of security design standards, typical drawings, and technical specification documents for projects for the purposes of pricing by approved vendors. Review and provide quality assurance of vendor quotes. Submission of complete and accurate vendor quote packages to the Infrastructure Technical Project Manager for inclusion in project requisitions.
- Project management of multiple, concurrent security system installation projects and vendors.
- Subject Matter Expert for physical security system testing and acceptance, and assuring operational readiness at project completion.
- Preparation and archiving of project close-out documentation.
- Reporting vendor performance metrics regarding system installation, service delivery, and equipment availability / reliability.
- Travel 25% within USA
About the team
AWS Infrastructure Services (AIS) owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
Diverse Experiences
AWS values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Why AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences.
Mentorship & Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Travel up to 25% of the time
- 2+ years of overseeing security operations and working with security vendors/contractors experience
- 2+ years’ experience in physical security project management.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with security equipment such as intrusion detection devices, access control systems, etc.
- PSP, CPP, PMP Certification.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
Location
USA, OR, Hermiston - 80,000.00 - 140,000.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Amazon.com serve customers and developers all over the world who rely on storage, compute, and other services that power Amazon’s consumer, digital and AWS businesses. Our customers trust us to handle their data with air-tight security. Customer data security is a given and a guarantee for our businesses.
AWS Infrastructure Physical Security team is looking for a highly talented and motivated Physical Security System Project Manager and Technology Expert to lead physical security projects. This position will be responsible for the management of data center physical security systems and projects. A successful candidate will be responsible for interpretation of Threat Assessments and AWS Physical Security Standards to assure the proper security mitigations are selected to meet the unique challenges in each area. You will be responsible for collaborating with AWS architectural and engineering teams to assure each data center meets the high standards AWS sets for physical security. After implementation, this position will be responsible for assuring local security teams have the technical knowledge and resources necessary to meet the physical security mission.
Considered candidates should be at least 18 years old.
As this is a GovCloud region, selected candidate requires US Citizenship or equivalent status.
Effective May 15, 2017, logical access to the AWS GovCloud region will be restricted to Amazon employees who are U.S. Citizens. (GovCloud may NOT be accessed from outside of the United States)
Key job responsibilities
- Manage installation of approved physical security system hardware, including, but not limited to, access control devices, intrusion detection devices, CCTV, and other components of physical security systems.
- Design of physical security system for new construction, expansion and retrofit projects.
- Preparation of security design standards, typical drawings, and technical specification documents for projects for the purposes of pricing by approved vendors. Review and provide quality assurance of vendor quotes. Submission of complete and accurate vendor quote packages to the Infrastructure Technical Project Manager for inclusion in project requisitions.
- Project management of multiple, concurrent security system installation projects and vendors.
- Subject Matter Expert for physical security system testing and acceptance, and assuring operational readiness at project completion.
- Preparation and archiving of project close-out documentation.
- Reporting vendor performance metrics regarding system installation, service delivery, and equipment availability / reliability.
- Travel 25% within USA
About the team
AWS Infrastructure Services (AIS) owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
Diverse Experiences
AWS values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Why AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences.
Mentorship & Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Travel up to 25% of the time
- 2+ years of overseeing security operations and working with security vendors/contractors experience
- 2+ years’ experience in physical security project management.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with security equipment such as intrusion detection devices, access control systems, etc.
- PSP, CPP, PMP Certification.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
Location
USA, OR, Hermiston - 80,000.00 - 140,000.00 USD annually
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Security Program Manager
Target organizations with formal security compliance mandates
Federal contractors, financial institutions, and healthcare systems must maintain security programs by law. These organizations run ongoing programs rather than one-off projects, which means consistent demand for program managers and higher willingness to sponsor OPT workers.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility before applying
If your degree is in computer science, information systems, or cybersecurity, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirming this upfront makes you significantly more attractive to employers weighing the cost of eventual H-1B sponsorship against your authorization window.
Highlight security frameworks you have direct experience with
Employers hiring for this role prioritize candidates who know NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2, or FedRAMP. Naming specific frameworks you have implemented or assessed in your work history signals you can contribute immediately without an extended ramp-up period.
Pursue a security certification before your OPT period ends
Credentials like CISSP, CISM, or PMP signal long-term professional commitment and compensate for limited U.S. work history. Many employers use certification status as a proxy for seniority when evaluating OPT candidates for program management roles.
Address your OPT timeline directly in cover letters
Proactively stating your authorization end date and STEM extension eligibility removes the guesswork for hiring managers. A brief, confident sentence about your work authorization removes ambiguity and prevents your application from being filtered out before a recruiter reviews it.
Seek roles with active security programs, not just new initiatives
Established security programs have documented budgets, existing stakeholder relationships, and headcount approvals already in place. Joining a program that is already running reduces the risk that your role gets delayed or cancelled before your OPT start date.
Security Program Manager jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Security Program Manager roles typically sponsor OPT students?
Yes, but selectively. Federal contractors, large financial institutions, and enterprise technology companies are the most consistent sponsors because security programs are ongoing, budget-approved functions rather than short-term projects. Smaller companies without a dedicated security function are less likely to invest in OPT sponsorship for this role. Browse Security Program Manager positions on Migrate Mate to identify which employers actively hire OPT candidates.
Does a Security Program Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree field, not the job title. If your degree is in computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, or a closely related STEM discipline, you are likely eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The role itself involves technical program management, which your DSO and employer will need to confirm aligns with your degree program under the STEM designated degree list.
What security clearance considerations apply to OPT students in this role?
Most U.S. security clearances, including Secret and Top Secret, are restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. As an F-1 OPT student, roles requiring formal clearances are generally out of reach. However, many Security Program Manager positions in the private sector, particularly in financial services and healthcare, do not require clearances and are fully accessible to OPT workers with the right technical background.
How long does OPT authorization typically last for this role, and what happens next?
Standard OPT authorization lasts 12 months. If your degree qualifies as STEM, you can apply for a 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months total. After that, continued employment requires a different visa status, most commonly H-1B. Employers who sponsor Security Program Managers for OPT are generally familiar with this timeline and factor it into their longer-term hiring plans.
What should I look for in a Security Program Manager job posting to confirm it is OPT-friendly?
Look for language like 'will sponsor work authorization,' 'open to OPT or CPT,' or 'visa sponsorship available.' Postings that list H-1B sponsorship as a benefit are a strong signal the employer understands the full sponsorship pipeline. Avoid roles that specify 'must be authorized to work without sponsorship.' On Migrate Mate, you can filter specifically for OPT-eligible Security Program Manager positions so you are only applying to roles where sponsorship is already confirmed.
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