OPT Systems Security Engineer Jobs
Systems Security Engineer jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles in tech. Employers across defense contracting, finance, and cloud infrastructure regularly sponsor H-1B visa and O-1 visas. STEM OPT extension eligibility applies, giving you up to three years of authorized work to build your security career.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 9,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values—agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
We are seeking a Security Systems Engineer 2 to join our Security and Electronic Systems (SES) business Unit. As part of (SES) Strategic Business Unit you will be part of a team that designs, engineers, integrates, operates and maintains electronic security services inclusive of intrusion detection, access control, biometric authentication, video surveillance, audio visual, IT systems, perimeter defense and command and control systems for federal, local and commercial customers across high-growth markets.
Responsibilities
This position plays a key role in supporting the design, implementation, and sustainment of enterprise-level physical security and IT systems. As a Security Systems Engineer 2 you will work closely with the Design/Install and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) teams to install, configure, test, and maintain systems, provide technical support, and ensure compliance with security standards. This role requires strong technical problem-solving skills, hands-on system integration experience, and the ability to lead tasks independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Essential responsibilities and activities include but are not limited to:
- Diagnose and remediate complex systems availability, performance, and information assurance issues in a dynamic, always-on, mission critical environment.
- Assist with the analysis, evaluation, engineering, and implementation of system improvements, automation, optimization, and deployments.
- Document designs, and changes to infrastructure environments including physical/logical drawings, engineering design plans, implementation plans, transition plans, test plans, failover plans, and standard operating procedures/playbooks.
- Perform security updates to hardware and software to ensure the security posture across all systems implemented and managed.
- Research, prototype, and develop emerging technologies by working closely with industry partners and OEMs to implement the latest and best-in-bread capabilities to meet the customers’ emerging needs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
Education: Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical, or a Related Engineering Discipline or Information Technology degree.
- Master’s Degree and 0+ Years of experience preferred or
-
Bachelor’s Degree and 2+ Years of experience required
-
Strong engineering & administration experience with most of the following core platforms and services:
- Access Control Systems such as CCURE 9000 or Lenel OnGuard.
- Video Management Systems such as Milestone XProtect or Genetec.
- Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems such as Senstar and Southwest Microwave.
- Other Electronic Security Systems such as Zenitel, Gatekeeper, HID, CertiPath, or D3.
- Hypervisors such as everRun, VMware ESXi and vSphere.
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016-2025 Deployment and Administration.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Deployment and Administration.
- Microsoft Windows Server Features such as: DNS, DFS, DHCP and KMS.
- Active Directory and defining, implementing, and maintaining Group Policy.
- Data center networking fundamentals (experience with software defined data center networks a plus).
- Hyperconverged storage fundamentals.
- Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining highly secure and reliable solutions that meet all organizational Cybersecurity and Information Assurance requirements.
- Experience performing security scans, performing system updates, and applying security configurations, e.g., DISA STIG/SRGs to system hardware and software.
- Experience with Data Center Automation and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), API management, scripting languages including PowerShell, Python, JSON, Bash, etc.
- Strong Oral, Written and Presentation Skills with the ability and experience communicating directly with executive leadership.
- Demonstrated background working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated time management and organization skills to meet deadlines and quality objectives.
- Strong MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio Skills is a plus.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
- Experience designing, deploying, and maintaining SQL Database Infrastructure such as Microsoft SQL Server.
- Experience engineering and implementing platforms and services in a software-defined network environment.
- Experience with Enterprise Deployment Solutions such as SCCM/MECM, Manage Engine, PDQ, etc.
- Vendor certifications for any of the previously mentioned platforms and services.
WHAT WE OFFER
A collaborative team inspired by the way engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes, improve lives, and change the world for the better. We are driven by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust.
- An opportunity to lead and build a business with the support of an industry-leading firm that has been in business for 75 years.
- Investment in your skills and expertise through a combination of professional and technical training programs, including leadership training and tuition reimbursement.
- Open and transparent communication with senior leadership as well as local office management.
We offer an excellent benefits package including:
- A competitive salary
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Military Reserve pay offset
- Paid maternity leave
ABILITIES
- Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
- Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
- Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Identify and understand the speech of another person.
INTRODUCTION
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 9,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values—agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
We are seeking a Security Systems Engineer 2 to join our Security and Electronic Systems (SES) business Unit. As part of (SES) Strategic Business Unit you will be part of a team that designs, engineers, integrates, operates and maintains electronic security services inclusive of intrusion detection, access control, biometric authentication, video surveillance, audio visual, IT systems, perimeter defense and command and control systems for federal, local and commercial customers across high-growth markets.
Responsibilities
This position plays a key role in supporting the design, implementation, and sustainment of enterprise-level physical security and IT systems. As a Security Systems Engineer 2 you will work closely with the Design/Install and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) teams to install, configure, test, and maintain systems, provide technical support, and ensure compliance with security standards. This role requires strong technical problem-solving skills, hands-on system integration experience, and the ability to lead tasks independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Essential responsibilities and activities include but are not limited to:
- Diagnose and remediate complex systems availability, performance, and information assurance issues in a dynamic, always-on, mission critical environment.
- Assist with the analysis, evaluation, engineering, and implementation of system improvements, automation, optimization, and deployments.
- Document designs, and changes to infrastructure environments including physical/logical drawings, engineering design plans, implementation plans, transition plans, test plans, failover plans, and standard operating procedures/playbooks.
- Perform security updates to hardware and software to ensure the security posture across all systems implemented and managed.
- Research, prototype, and develop emerging technologies by working closely with industry partners and OEMs to implement the latest and best-in-bread capabilities to meet the customers’ emerging needs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
Education: Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical, or a Related Engineering Discipline or Information Technology degree.
- Master’s Degree and 0+ Years of experience preferred or
-
Bachelor’s Degree and 2+ Years of experience required
-
Strong engineering & administration experience with most of the following core platforms and services:
- Access Control Systems such as CCURE 9000 or Lenel OnGuard.
- Video Management Systems such as Milestone XProtect or Genetec.
- Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems such as Senstar and Southwest Microwave.
- Other Electronic Security Systems such as Zenitel, Gatekeeper, HID, CertiPath, or D3.
- Hypervisors such as everRun, VMware ESXi and vSphere.
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016-2025 Deployment and Administration.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Deployment and Administration.
- Microsoft Windows Server Features such as: DNS, DFS, DHCP and KMS.
- Active Directory and defining, implementing, and maintaining Group Policy.
- Data center networking fundamentals (experience with software defined data center networks a plus).
- Hyperconverged storage fundamentals.
- Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining highly secure and reliable solutions that meet all organizational Cybersecurity and Information Assurance requirements.
- Experience performing security scans, performing system updates, and applying security configurations, e.g., DISA STIG/SRGs to system hardware and software.
- Experience with Data Center Automation and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), API management, scripting languages including PowerShell, Python, JSON, Bash, etc.
- Strong Oral, Written and Presentation Skills with the ability and experience communicating directly with executive leadership.
- Demonstrated background working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated time management and organization skills to meet deadlines and quality objectives.
- Strong MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio Skills is a plus.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
- Experience designing, deploying, and maintaining SQL Database Infrastructure such as Microsoft SQL Server.
- Experience engineering and implementing platforms and services in a software-defined network environment.
- Experience with Enterprise Deployment Solutions such as SCCM/MECM, Manage Engine, PDQ, etc.
- Vendor certifications for any of the previously mentioned platforms and services.
WHAT WE OFFER
A collaborative team inspired by the way engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes, improve lives, and change the world for the better. We are driven by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust.
- An opportunity to lead and build a business with the support of an industry-leading firm that has been in business for 75 years.
- Investment in your skills and expertise through a combination of professional and technical training programs, including leadership training and tuition reimbursement.
- Open and transparent communication with senior leadership as well as local office management.
We offer an excellent benefits package including:
- A competitive salary
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Military Reserve pay offset
- Paid maternity leave
ABILITIES
- Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
- Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
- Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Identify and understand the speech of another person.
See all 55+ OPT Systems Security Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Systems Security Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Systems Security Engineer
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers first
Systems Security Engineering falls under CIP codes tied to computer science and information security, qualifying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Prioritize employers enrolled in E-Verify, which is required to sponsor STEM OPT extensions.
Lead with certifications, not just your degree
Security clearance eligibility, CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ certifications signal job-readiness to hiring managers. Employers weighing visa sponsorship costs want evidence you can contribute immediately. Certifications reduce perceived risk and accelerate hiring decisions.
Address clearance eligibility proactively
Many Systems Security Engineer roles require or prefer security clearances. As an F-1 student, clarify your clearance eligibility early. Some roles accept non-citizens for lower-tier clearances. Avoiding clearance-required roles entirely cuts your market unnecessarily.
Frame your OPT timeline as an asset
Three years of STEM OPT gives employers a long runway before H-1B visa sponsorship is needed. Present this explicitly in interviews. Employers who understand the timeline are far more likely to proceed with candidates who explain it clearly upfront.
Target industries with established sponsorship pipelines
Finance, healthcare IT, cloud providers, and federal contractors sponsor Systems Security Engineers at higher rates than most industries. These sectors have legal teams experienced with OPT and H-1B processes, making sponsorship conversations significantly less complicated.
Quantify your impact in security terms
Employers sponsoring visas expect measurable contributions. Frame resume achievements around incidents prevented, vulnerabilities remediated, or compliance frameworks implemented. Numbers tied to security outcomes are far more compelling than generic descriptions of responsibilities.
Systems Security Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Systems Security Engineer on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Systems Security Engineering is a STEM-designated field, meaning your F-1 OPT authorization covers this role directly. If your degree is in computer science, information security, or a related field, you also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month OPT period, giving you up to three years of total work authorization.
Do Systems Security Engineer roles commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, more consistently than most engineering roles. Cybersecurity talent is in short supply, and employers in finance, cloud infrastructure, defense contracting, and healthcare IT regularly file H-1B petitions for Systems Security Engineers. Migrate Mate filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, so you can focus on employers who have sponsored these roles before.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify for STEM OPT?
Yes. To authorize your 24-month STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify at the time of your extension request. This is a federal requirement with no exceptions. Before accepting an offer, confirm E-Verify enrollment directly with the employer's HR team, as not all companies maintain active enrollment.
Will a security clearance requirement disqualify me as an OPT student?
Not automatically. Many Systems Security Engineer roles require eligibility for a clearance rather than an active one. Some agencies and contractors can sponsor non-citizens for lower-tier clearances depending on role, contract type, and nationality. Roles requiring Top Secret or SCI access are generally not viable on F-1 OPT, so filter accordingly when applying.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch employers as a Systems Security Engineer?
Your OPT authorization remains valid when you change employers, but you must report the change to your DSO within ten days and update your SEVIS record. The new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify if you are on a STEM OPT extension. Gaps in employment exceeding 90 days can jeopardize your OPT status, so plan transitions carefully.