Security Operations Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Security operations engineer jobs in Ohio are in active demand, with consistent hiring from defense contractors, financial services firms, and healthcare networks at every level from entry-level analyst to senior engineer. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati anchor most of the hiring, with major employers like Nationwide, KeyBank, and Battelle maintaining ongoing security operations needs. The most sought-after specialties include SIEM management, cloud security operations, and incident response engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Who we are:
As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.
The Security Operations Manager I will oversee delivery of physical security services for QTS data center security operations, including oversight of contract guard operations, alarm investigation and incident reporting and coordination with regional security disciplinary specialists on projects, expansions and other security-related efforts. This role is responsible for providing a visual security presence to ensure visitors, clients, and employees have a safe and pleasant experience while providing excellent customer service to all individuals that enter the facility and further employee/management relations, goodwill and public relations to keep our customers for life.
RESPONSIBILITIES, other duties may be assigned
- Supervise contract frontline security staff and daily security operations to provide a safe experience for all who enter the facility
- Manage security operations for a data center
- Maintain close coordination with security vendor management to ensure continuous improvement of security team skills through targeted training, practical exercises and the documentation and application of lessons-learned
- Interface with and assist in mobilizing vendors involved in system repairs for current sites and new security for construction
- Evaluate and drive continuous improvement of contract guard operations through the use of key performance indicators, collaborative improvement plans, conducting training and leading security briefing for contractor and sub-contractor personnel to ensure great customer service in all Security interactions
- Ensure the Security Department is following all proper protocols, including monitoring the cameras, fire alarms, physical patrolling, recognition of items for proper written documentation of all security-related incidents, dispatching, and completing various logs/files on a daily basis.
- Verify Data Center security programs are delivered to meet defined corporate security standards
- Assume 24/7/365 availability to respond to and manage appropriately all requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance in a professional manner
- Managing the process of bringing on new contract security staff for sites under construction
- Ensure all security systems are fully functional to include Access Control, Visitor Management, Service Now, CCTV
- Create, assign, and issue facility access badges to authorized personnel
- Investigate accidents, thefts, disturbances, and discrepancies and provide appropriate and timely notifications to required parties
- Knowledge and familiarization with all emergency response plans and evacuation procedures including conducting fire evacuation drills
- Confirm all security equipment is kept in excellent working condition through regular inspection and by following QTS preventative maintenance programs
- Develop and maintain working relationships with Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement as well as Fire and EMS
- Generate reports and prepare presentations on the status of physical security operations and be able to deliver presentations and briefings to customers, stakeholders and senior leaders
- Provides reports as needed for internal and external audits
- Serve as a customer advocate by identifying security-related opportunities and crafting innovative solutions that maintain uncompromising security standards
- Perform security officer duties as needed to ensure efficient operations and guest service standards are met
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of experience in security patrolling and reporting
- 3+ years of experience managing security vendors, contractors and customers.
- 3+ years working in operations, physical security or equivalent environment.
- 2+ years project management experience
- Bachelor's degree or five or more years working in an operations, physical security or equivalent environment or Associate's degree or three or more years experience working in an operations, physical security or equivalent environment
- Must be able to travel up to 10% including the ability to travel to other sites to provide training and support as needed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of Security-related management and leadership experience
- 2+ years of experience in access control and video surveillance software applications (ex. ProWatch & Genetec)
- 2+ years of experience working in a facility and observing security gaps in physical barriers, security officer procedure, policies, surveillance equipment, and alarm points.
- 2+ years of experience driving campaigns to reduce nuisance alarms.
- 2+ years of experience influencing others in helping you achieve your security excellence goals in a corporate environment.
- 2+ years of experience with excellent verbal and written communications skills in a professional work setting.
- 2+ years of overseeing security sub-contractors that provide guards, electronic security systems, door construction, door repair, fencing, and access controls.
- 2+ years of experience overseeing security construction projects.
- 2+ years of experience teaching others the proper security processes and method
- Military Background or prior Law Enforcement experience desired
- Active Security Credentials (ASIS - Management Security, etc.)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Proficient with computer skills including Microsoft Office suite
- Proficient in Access Control Systems and related software
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; for the purpose of public interaction and report writing. Have excellent customer service skills
- Ability to handle typical emergency and crisis situations efficiently and effectively
- Ability to walk, stand or sit for at least eight hours
- Position may involve frequent typing, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching and lifting. Lifting requirements may range from 10 lbs. to 50 lbs. on a regular basis with heavier weights done in conjunction with other individuals or lifting aids
- May require 24x7x365 on call responsibilities
- Position may involve frequent typing, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching and lifting. Lifting requirements may range from 10 lbs. to 50 lbs. on a regular basis with heavier weights done in conjunction with other individuals or lifting aids
TOTAL REWARDS
This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits.
This position is Bonus eligible.
In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees:
- Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Every employee is bonus or commission eligible
- Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays
- Stock Purchase Plan (SPP)
- 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked
- Pet and Legal Insurance
- Q-Rest Sabbatical Program
- Q-Anniversary Service Award Program
- Parental Leave
- Military Benefits Package
- QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
- QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
- QTS Crisis Fund
- Wellness Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
QTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more: Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.
The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:
Know Your Rights (English)
Know Your Rights (Spanish)
QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to talentacquisition@qtsdatacenters.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
See All 15 Security Operations Engineer Jobs in Ohio
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Find JobsSecurity Operations Engineer Jobs by City in Ohio
Where Ohio roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Operations Engineer Job Market in Ohio
A snapshot from current Ohio openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Ohio Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security operations engineer jobs across Ohio.
- Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related information technology field
- Hands-on experience with SIEM platforms such as Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, or IBM QRadar
- Active certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, or GIAC GSOC preferred by Ohio employers
- Demonstrated ability to detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents in enterprise environments
- Familiarity with network traffic analysis, endpoint detection tools, and vulnerability management frameworks
- Experience working within compliance frameworks including NIST, ISO 27001, or HIPAA relevant to Ohio industries
Security Operations Engineer Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security operations engineer in Ohio?
Most Ohio employers expect a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or computer science as the foundation. Ohio does not issue a state license for this role, so hiring decisions hinge on vendor-neutral certifications like CompTIA Security+ or GIAC credentials alongside hands-on SOC experience. Many candidates enter through helpdesk or network analyst roles at Ohio companies before moving into dedicated security operations positions.
How much do security operations engineers make in Ohio?
Security operations engineers in Ohio earn a median of about $110,480 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $68,070 for the lowest 10% to over $171,450 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security operations engineers in Ohio?
Employers hiring security operations engineers in Ohio right now include Allied Universal, BWE, and QTS, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Ohio's concentration of insurance headquarters, regional banks, and defense-affiliated research institutions means security operations hiring stays consistent across the state throughout the year.
Which Ohio cities have the most security operations engineer jobs?
Columbus, Cincinnati, and Newark have the most security operations engineer openings in Ohio. Columbus drives the largest share because it is home to major insurance carriers, financial institutions, and state government IT operations, while Cleveland and Cincinnati add volume through regional bank headquarters, healthcare systems, and manufacturing companies with enterprise security needs.
Are there remote security operations engineer jobs in Ohio?
Yes, and more than most fields. Security operations engineering is primarily desk and analytical work, making it well suited to remote arrangements. About 83% of security operations engineer openings tied to Ohio are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting broad employer acceptance of distributed SOC teams. Tier-one incident response and on-site SOC analyst roles are the most likely to require an in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a security operations engineer in Ohio with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting in an IT helpdesk or junior network analyst role at an Ohio employer and moving laterally into a tier-one SOC analyst position once you have CompTIA Security+ or an equivalent certification. Large Ohio-based institutions like Nationwide, Cleveland Clinic, and state government agencies run structured associate or early-career IT programs that accept candidates without prior security-specific experience. Building a home lab and earning a GIAC entry certification strengthens applications considerably.
Where can I find and apply to security operations engineer jobs in Ohio?
You can find and apply to security operations engineer jobs in Ohio on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 15 Security Operations Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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