STEM OPT Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs
Cybersecurity Specialist roles in threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and security operations qualify for STEM OPT because they typically require a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related STEM field. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.
Find STEM OPT Cybersecurity Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 40+ Cybersecurity Specialist jobs
See all 40+ Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Cybersecurity Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The mission of TikTok's Global Security Organization is to build and earn trust by reducing risk and securing our businesses and products. Also known as "GSO", this team is the foundation of our efforts to keep TikTok safe, secure, and operating at scale for over 1 billion people around the world. We work to ensure that the TikTok platform is safe and secure, that our users' experience and their data remains safe from external or internal threats, and that we comply with global regulations wherever TikTok operates. Trust is one of TikTok's biggest initiatives, and security is integral to our success. In whatever ways users interact with us — whether they're watching videos on their For You page, interacting with a Live video, or buying products on TikTok Shop — GSO protects their data and privacy, so they can have a secure and trustworthy experience.
As a Cybersecurity Resilience Specialist at TikTok, you will serve as the connective tissue between security, engineering, operations, and business operations ensuring that TikTok's most critical processes, departments, systems, and third-party partners can withstand, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity threats and disruptions. You will work across every major function of the organization, translating complex cyber risk into actionable resilience strategies and preparing teams at all levels to perform when it matters most.
Responsibilities
As a Security Resilience Specialist, you will be responsible for:
- Identifying and mapping TikTok's most critical business processes, departments, systems, and third-party dependencies conducted Business Impact Analyses (BIAs) and Technology Impact Analyses (TIAs) to define Recovery Time Objectives/Recovery Point Objectives (RTOs/RPOs) and single points of failure
- Partnering cross-functionally with infrastructure, Site Reliability Engineering, application, legal, procurement, and business teams to embed resilience and security requirements in critical business functions
- Governing, documenting, and continuously improving Disaster Recovery (DR) architectures including failover strategies, backup and replication methods, and multi-region redundancy in collaboration with engineering and platform teams
- Leading and facilitating cyber-resilience exercises such as failover simulations, recovery validation tests, load/stress assessments, and cyberattack tabletop scenarios
- Preparing business units, technology teams, and leadership to understand their roles in cybersecurity scenarios by building organizational readiness and response capability, not just documentation
- Identifying, tracking, and remediating third-party risks across the full vendor lifecycle from pre-onboarding through operational monitoring to offboarding and reviewing secure technical integrations including APIs, network connections, cloud configurations, and identity/access patterns
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep knowledge of continuity methodologies and standards (e.g., ISO 22301, NIST SP 800-34, FFIEC), with hands-on experience conducting BIAs, TIAs, and dependency mapping to define RTOs/RPOs and validate technical recovery strategies
- Ability to translate third-party and technical risk into clear business impact, aligning resilience strategies with cybersecurity controls, regulatory requirements, and operational priorities
- Ability to work from the NYC office at least 5 days per week, with domestic and international travel as needed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years in business continuity, disaster recovery, operational risk, or cyber resilience, with a demonstrated track record of leading technical continuity and recovery initiatives across complex, global environments
- Experience supporting enterprise-scale resilience programs in high-growth, rapidly evolving, or highly scrutinized technology environments
- Hands-on experience with business continuity planning tools, platforms, or GRC systems
- Relevant certifications such as CBCP, ISO 22301 Lead Implementer, CRISC, CISM, or PMP
- Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience
ABOUT TIKTOK
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
WHY JOIN US
Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy – a mission we work towards every day. We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.
TIKTOK ACCOMMODATION
TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at https://tinyurl.com/RA-request
JOB INFORMATION
【For Pay Transparency】Compensation Description (Annually) The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $134400 - $235600 annually. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.
Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, among others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 paid sick days per year and 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure).
The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.
For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:
1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.
INTRODUCTION
The mission of TikTok's Global Security Organization is to build and earn trust by reducing risk and securing our businesses and products. Also known as "GSO", this team is the foundation of our efforts to keep TikTok safe, secure, and operating at scale for over 1 billion people around the world. We work to ensure that the TikTok platform is safe and secure, that our users' experience and their data remains safe from external or internal threats, and that we comply with global regulations wherever TikTok operates. Trust is one of TikTok's biggest initiatives, and security is integral to our success. In whatever ways users interact with us — whether they're watching videos on their For You page, interacting with a Live video, or buying products on TikTok Shop — GSO protects their data and privacy, so they can have a secure and trustworthy experience.
As a Cybersecurity Resilience Specialist at TikTok, you will serve as the connective tissue between security, engineering, operations, and business operations ensuring that TikTok's most critical processes, departments, systems, and third-party partners can withstand, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity threats and disruptions. You will work across every major function of the organization, translating complex cyber risk into actionable resilience strategies and preparing teams at all levels to perform when it matters most.
Responsibilities
As a Security Resilience Specialist, you will be responsible for:
- Identifying and mapping TikTok's most critical business processes, departments, systems, and third-party dependencies conducted Business Impact Analyses (BIAs) and Technology Impact Analyses (TIAs) to define Recovery Time Objectives/Recovery Point Objectives (RTOs/RPOs) and single points of failure
- Partnering cross-functionally with infrastructure, Site Reliability Engineering, application, legal, procurement, and business teams to embed resilience and security requirements in critical business functions
- Governing, documenting, and continuously improving Disaster Recovery (DR) architectures including failover strategies, backup and replication methods, and multi-region redundancy in collaboration with engineering and platform teams
- Leading and facilitating cyber-resilience exercises such as failover simulations, recovery validation tests, load/stress assessments, and cyberattack tabletop scenarios
- Preparing business units, technology teams, and leadership to understand their roles in cybersecurity scenarios by building organizational readiness and response capability, not just documentation
- Identifying, tracking, and remediating third-party risks across the full vendor lifecycle from pre-onboarding through operational monitoring to offboarding and reviewing secure technical integrations including APIs, network connections, cloud configurations, and identity/access patterns
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep knowledge of continuity methodologies and standards (e.g., ISO 22301, NIST SP 800-34, FFIEC), with hands-on experience conducting BIAs, TIAs, and dependency mapping to define RTOs/RPOs and validate technical recovery strategies
- Ability to translate third-party and technical risk into clear business impact, aligning resilience strategies with cybersecurity controls, regulatory requirements, and operational priorities
- Ability to work from the NYC office at least 5 days per week, with domestic and international travel as needed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years in business continuity, disaster recovery, operational risk, or cyber resilience, with a demonstrated track record of leading technical continuity and recovery initiatives across complex, global environments
- Experience supporting enterprise-scale resilience programs in high-growth, rapidly evolving, or highly scrutinized technology environments
- Hands-on experience with business continuity planning tools, platforms, or GRC systems
- Relevant certifications such as CBCP, ISO 22301 Lead Implementer, CRISC, CISM, or PMP
- Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience
ABOUT TIKTOK
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
WHY JOIN US
Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy – a mission we work towards every day. We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.
TIKTOK ACCOMMODATION
TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at https://tinyurl.com/RA-request
JOB INFORMATION
【For Pay Transparency】Compensation Description (Annually) The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $134400 - $235600 annually. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.
Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, among others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 paid sick days per year and 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure).
The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.
For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:
1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.
See all 40+ STEM OPT Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Cybersecurity Specialist
Verify your CIP code matches cybersecurity
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to a STEM-designated field like computer science, information security, or electrical engineering. Your DSO confirms the match before approving your STEM OPT extension request.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether the specific legal entity making your offer is enrolled in E-Verify, not just a parent company. Enrollment must cover the worksite location where you'll be placed, including third-party client sites for consulting roles.
Target security teams at E-Verify-enrolled contractors
Federal contractors and subcontractors are legally required to use E-Verify, making them reliable targets. Defense, intelligence, and civilian agency contractors regularly hire cybersecurity analysts and are already compliant with the enrollment requirement.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan around real deliverables
Your employer must complete the I-983 before your STEM OPT begins. For cybersecurity roles, ground learning objectives in specific work products, such as incident response runbooks or penetration testing reports, so USCIS sees a genuine training relationship.
Use Migrate Mate to filter by E-Verify enrollment status
Search for Cybersecurity Specialist openings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and LCA filing history so you're not cold-applying to companies that can't legally hire STEM OPT students.
File your extension 90 days before OPT expires
USCIS requires the STEM OPT extension application to be submitted no earlier than 90 days before your initial OPT end date. Missing this window ends your work authorization with no grace period for active employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a cybersecurity degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree carries a STEM-designated CIP code. Degrees in computer science, information assurance, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, and related fields typically qualify. Your DSO will verify the CIP code against the Department of Homeland Security's STEM Designated Degree Program List before approving your extension request. Check your official transcript and confirm the match with your school's international student office before applying.
What does the I-983 training plan require for a Cybersecurity Specialist role?
The I-983 must describe how your day-to-day cybersecurity work relates to your STEM degree, list concrete learning objectives such as threat modeling or security architecture, and identify a supervising mentor. USCIS reviews whether the role provides genuine training, not just employment. Your employer signs the form, and you must report to your DSO every six months to confirm the training relationship remains active.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify to hire me on STEM OPT?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for every employer that hires a STEM OPT student. The enrollment must cover the specific legal entity and worksite where you'll work. If you're placed at a client site through a staffing or consulting firm, both the staffing firm and the end client may need to satisfy this requirement depending on the employment structure. Confirm enrollment before your start date.
How does cap-gap protection apply if I'm a Cybersecurity Specialist waiting on an H-1B?
If your STEM OPT is still active when an H-1B visa petition is filed on your behalf for the following fiscal year, cap-gap automatically extends your OPT work authorization through September 30. You can continue working as a Cybersecurity Specialist during this period without interruption. USCIS issues a cap-gap extension on your I-20, which you should carry as proof of continued authorization.
Where can I find Cybersecurity Specialist jobs with employers already enrolled in E-Verify?
Migrate Mate surfaces Cybersecurity Specialist openings filtered by employers with E-Verify enrollment and active LCA filing history, so you can focus applications on companies already set up to hire STEM OPT students. This saves the back-and-forth of asking HR teams to confirm compliance status before you've even had a first interview.