OPT Security Specialist Jobs
Security Specialist roles on OPT are available across federal contractors, tech firms, and financial institutions. Many require security clearances, which can complicate short OPT timelines. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree field, typically information technology, computer science, or cybersecurity.
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At Wegmans, our store security teams are committed to keeping our customers and employees safe. Our security specialists play a critical role helping to communicate between the Asset Protection team and the store leadership group. We’re seeking an independent individual who is task-oriented and can build strong relationships throughout the store while keeping customer service top of mind!
Click HERE to learn more and get a feel for the role!
- Prioritize safety in our stores to create a positive shopping and working environment
- Analyze trends and data to implement a strategy to maximize sales and minimize loss due to theft
- Monitor activity to prevent loss, including apprehending and processing shoplifters
- Foster a collaborative relationship with community partners and emergency responders
- Coordinate and manage the use of all Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) systems
- Respond to emergency situations; provide ongoing support and guidance to both employees and customers
- Conduct investigations as directed by leadership
Requirements
- 1+ years full-time experience as a sworn police officer with arrest authority in a military, municipal, county, state, or federal police agency
- Valid license to carry a firearm
- Valid driver’s license
- Conflict management and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Sound judgement skills and ability to manage conflict and communicate effectively under pressure
- Effective communication skills and ability to maintain composure in stressful environments
- Strong technical aptitude, including proficiency with Microsoft Office
Preferred Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field
- Related experience, including security and/or loss prevention
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or First Responder
- Leadership experience, preferably in a retail setting
At Wegmans, we’ve always believed we can achieve our goals only if we first fulfill the needs of our people. Putting our people first and offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a wide range of meaningful perks is just the beginning of what defines a rewarding career at Wegmans.
Comprehensive benefits
- Paid time off (PTO) to help you balance your personal and work life
- Higher premium pay rates for working overtime, on Sundays, or on a recognized holiday
- Health care benefits that provide a high level of coverage at a low cost to you
- Retirement plan with a 401(k) match
- A generous scholarship program to help employees meet their educational goals
- LiveWell Employee & Family program to support your emotional, work-life and financial wellness
Our employees have put us high on Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list every year since it was first produced in 1998. Discover what it means to work for a mission-driven, values-based company where YOU make the difference.
Certain eligibility requirements must be satisfied, and offerings may differ based upon area or the company and/or position.
EARN A BONUS UP TO $2,500!
At Wegmans, our store security teams are committed to keeping our customers and employees safe. Our security specialists play a critical role helping to communicate between the Asset Protection team and the store leadership group. We’re seeking an independent individual who is task-oriented and can build strong relationships throughout the store while keeping customer service top of mind!
Click HERE to learn more and get a feel for the role!
- Prioritize safety in our stores to create a positive shopping and working environment
- Analyze trends and data to implement a strategy to maximize sales and minimize loss due to theft
- Monitor activity to prevent loss, including apprehending and processing shoplifters
- Foster a collaborative relationship with community partners and emergency responders
- Coordinate and manage the use of all Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) systems
- Respond to emergency situations; provide ongoing support and guidance to both employees and customers
- Conduct investigations as directed by leadership
Requirements
- 1+ years full-time experience as a sworn police officer with arrest authority in a military, municipal, county, state, or federal police agency
- Valid license to carry a firearm
- Valid driver’s license
- Conflict management and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Sound judgement skills and ability to manage conflict and communicate effectively under pressure
- Effective communication skills and ability to maintain composure in stressful environments
- Strong technical aptitude, including proficiency with Microsoft Office
Preferred Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field
- Related experience, including security and/or loss prevention
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or First Responder
- Leadership experience, preferably in a retail setting
At Wegmans, we’ve always believed we can achieve our goals only if we first fulfill the needs of our people. Putting our people first and offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a wide range of meaningful perks is just the beginning of what defines a rewarding career at Wegmans.
Comprehensive benefits
- Paid time off (PTO) to help you balance your personal and work life
- Higher premium pay rates for working overtime, on Sundays, or on a recognized holiday
- Health care benefits that provide a high level of coverage at a low cost to you
- Retirement plan with a 401(k) match
- A generous scholarship program to help employees meet their educational goals
- LiveWell Employee & Family program to support your emotional, work-life and financial wellness
Our employees have put us high on Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list every year since it was first produced in 1998. Discover what it means to work for a mission-driven, values-based company where YOU make the difference.
Certain eligibility requirements must be satisfied, and offerings may differ based upon area or the company and/or position.
See all 54+ OPT Security Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Security Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Security Specialist
Target STEM-eligible degree fields
Security Specialist roles most commonly qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles requiring longer authorization.
Address clearance requirements early
Many Security Specialist positions require security clearances. Clearance eligibility depends on citizenship, which OPT students typically lack. Ask recruiters upfront whether the role requires a clearance or if a non-cleared position exists within the same team.
Prioritize employers familiar with OPT
Federal contractors and large tech companies sponsor OPT more reliably than smaller firms. Target employers with established international hiring programs, as they understand E-Verify requirements and the transition from OPT to H-1B visa sponsorship after your authorization period.
Emphasize compliance and technical certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH signal job-readiness and reduce employer hesitation about OPT timelines. Listing relevant certifications prominently helps hiring managers see immediate value independent of your visa status.
Apply before your OPT window narrows
Security Specialist hiring processes often include background checks and multi-round interviews that take four to eight weeks. Starting your search at least three months before your current authorization expires gives you realistic buffer for longer timelines.
Frame your international background as an asset
Global threat awareness, multilingual ability, and cross-cultural communication are genuinely valued in security roles. Framing your international background as relevant expertise rather than a visa complication shifts the conversation toward your qualifications.
Security Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Security Specialist on OPT?
Yes, if the role is directly related to your degree field. Security Specialist positions typically qualify when your degree is in cybersecurity, information technology, or computer science. Your job duties must align with your degree's field of study, and your DSO should confirm the match before you accept an offer.
Do Security Specialist roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, provided your degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code such as computer science, information security, or information technology. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which is mandatory for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirm both conditions with your DSO and the employer's HR team before accepting.
How do security clearance requirements affect my OPT job search?
Many Security Specialist roles at federal contractors require clearances that are only available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, which rules out most OPT students. However, private sector security roles at technology companies and financial institutions often do not require clearances. Filtering by sector helps you avoid wasted applications on ineligible roles.
Where can I find Security Specialist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters Security Specialist roles by sponsorship willingness and employer E-Verify enrollment. Searching there saves significant time compared to manually screening general job listings for OPT compatibility. You can also filter by STEM-eligible roles if you qualify for the extension.
Will a Security Specialist employer transition me to H-1B after OPT?
It depends on the employer. Large technology companies and financial institutions with established immigration programs commonly sponsor H-1B petitions for strong performers coming off OPT. Smaller firms may lack the infrastructure or budget. Ask about long-term immigration support during the offer stage, not after you have started, so expectations are clear from the beginning.