STEM OPT IT Security Engineer Jobs
IT Security Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field like computer science, information security, or cybersecurity. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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INTRODUCTION
Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. We are currently seeking a Senior IT Security Engineer - Mission Systems Cybersecurity & Compliance to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment. The Senior IT Security Engineer - Mission Systems Cybersecurity & Compliance will play a key role in the development and deployment of Lunar Outpost Mission System. They will be responsible for ensuring the security, resilience, and compliance of mission and ground systems throughout their lifecycle. This role integrates cybersecurity principles into system design, development, and operations to protect mission data, assets, and critical infrastructure. They will take the lead on ensuring compliance of Lunar Outpost Mission System against NIST 800-53 framework. They will assist in developing strategies for maintaining requirements and contract obligations among which will be assisting in production of SSPs and POA&Ms. The ideal candidate will bring with them a thorough understanding of security architecture, risk management, US government contracting, controlled environments, and a readiness to work in a dynamic but pragmatic startup environment.
Take the #NextLeap with Lunar Outpost and work on the Pegasus LTV, which will carry NASA astronauts farther than they've ever been before on the lunar surface!
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Stand up and maintain security controls aligned to established frameworks and requirements such as NIST 800-171, FARS/DFARS, NIST 800-53 and ITAR
- Develop, decompose, and trace cybersecurity requirements into architecture, design, implementation, test and verification activities of the mission system.
- Design, implement, monitor, and maintain security controls in mission systems – including configuration reviews, continuous monitoring, incident response, role-based access controls, etc.
- Lead or assist in internal and external security compliance audits; ensure audit readiness and timely remediation of findings
- Manage security and compliance documentation including SSPs, POA&Ms, Security Control Traceability Matrices (SCTM) and provide evidence of cybersecurity compliance/supporting authorization for operation
- Lead or contribute to incident response, forensics, security monitoring, and remediation when cybersecurity incidents or vulnerabilities are discovered
- Support training and awareness programs to foster a culture of security across the organization
- Evaluate and implement tools for log monitoring (e.g., SIEM), DLP, and secure configurations
- Plan for and implement resilience, survivability, maintainability, and upgradability of mission systems in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats
- Partner with other compliance teams and the IT Manager to administrate and track work within a GRC
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, Information Technology, related discipline or relevant experience
- Bachelor’s Degree: 4+ years of direct experience in cybersecurity, governance, risk management, or compliance roles
- Master’s Degree: 2+ years of direct experience in cybersecurity, governance, risk management, or compliance roles
- Experience with security compliance audits and frameworks
- A deep sense of accountability for your project decisions and actions
- Experience with system engineering processes (requirements, architecture, design, V&V) applied to cyber-systems
- Strong technical skills in cloud architecture, operating systems networks, security controls, vulnerability scanning, incident response
- Familiarity with relevant cyber standards/frameworks (e.g., NIST, RMF, ISO) and mission assurance/survivability concepts.
- Ability to work cross-functionally, with strong written and verbal communication, documentation skills, and ability to influence engineering teams
- Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
- Excellent organization and time management skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- U.S. Person
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Familiarity with cloud security and compliance in AWS/AWS GovCloud environments
- Security certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+)
- Experience with aerospace/space/mission systems context or defense environment
- Experience in the design, development and maintenance for cloud-based architecture supporting critical operations
- Performed leadership role or served directly on a team that went through full security audit
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.
- Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
- Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
- Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
- Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
- Parental leave
- Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development
Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an IT Security Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Not every computer science or IT degree automatically qualifies for STEM OPT. Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm eligibility before you target employers.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment during screening
Ask your recruiter directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before any interview advances. Federal contractors are required to enroll, but many mid-size security firms aren't. Skipping this check can cost you weeks of wasted effort.
Build credentials around specific security frameworks
IT Security Engineer roles frequently list NIST, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 experience as non-negotiable. Earning a CompTIA Security+ or CISSP before your OPT period ends signals to hiring managers that you can contribute without an onboarding ramp.
Target employers with active government contracts
Federal contractors and agencies hiring IT Security Engineers are already E-Verify enrolled by law, which removes one of your biggest sponsorship barriers. Search for roles tied to FedRAMP compliance, FISMA, or DoD cybersecurity programs when evaluating where to apply.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Filter your IT Security Engineer job search on Migrate Mate to surface employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT sponsorship history. This saves you from screening dozens of postings that won't support your work authorization.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan before accepting an offer
Your employer must sign a formal I-983 training plan that maps your IT Security Engineer duties to your STEM degree. Raise this during the offer stage, not after you start, so USCIS reporting obligations are clear to HR before your extension is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as an IT Security Engineer?
Your degree qualifies if its CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in computer science, information assurance, cybersecurity, and electrical engineering typically qualify. Degrees in general business IT or management information systems may not. Confirm your specific CIP code with your Designated School Official before applying for the extension.
Does my IT Security Engineer employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard legal requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. If your employer is not enrolled when your extension is approved, you cannot legally work. Ask HR to provide their E-Verify Company ID number before you accept an offer. Federal contractors are required to be enrolled, making them lower-risk targets.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an IT Security Engineer role?
The I-983 must describe how your day-to-day IT Security Engineer duties directly relate to your STEM degree. It should identify specific learning objectives, such as implementing security controls or conducting vulnerability assessments, and explain how those objectives build on your academic training. Your employer signs the form and must provide updates every 12 months or when your role changes materially.
What happens to my work authorization if my H-1B is selected but my OPT expires before October 1?
Cap-gap protection automatically extends your OPT work authorization from your OPT expiration date through September 30 of the same fiscal year, as long as your employer filed a timely H-1B visa petition before your OPT expired. You can continue working as an IT Security Engineer during this window without any gap in authorization. USCIS confirms cap-gap eligibility through the receipt notice.
Where can I find IT Security Engineer jobs where employers already support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists IT Security Engineer roles filtered for employers with E-Verify enrollment and a track record of STEM OPT sponsorship. Searching there removes the guesswork of identifying which postings will actually support your extension. You can also cross-reference the O*NET occupation profile for IT Security Engineers to understand the exact degree and skill requirements hiring managers use.