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.
Find STEM OPT IT Security Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 14+ IT Security Engineer jobs
See all IT Security Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new IT Security Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The IT Security Analyst will support and monitor the University’s cybersecurity systems to ensure the protection of its network, applications, and information assets. This role focuses on security monitoring, risk analysis, incident response, and compliance support. The IT Security Analyst will work closely with the Senior Security Engineer and the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to identify security risks, respond to security events, implement security measures, and assist in maintaining compliance with security policies and regulations.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Work Location: Virginia Beach, VA (Qualified candidates may be considered for remote work.)
Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 annually
Essential duties:
- Monitor and analyze security alerts, logs, and events from security tools (SIEM, endpoint protection, and network monitoring) to detect threats.
- Investigate and escalate security incidents following established response procedures.
- Assist in vulnerability assessments, tracking remediation efforts and maintaining accurate risk documentation.
- Support security compliance efforts by collecting evidence for audits and ensuring adherence to GLBA, FERPA, NIST, and other regulatory standards.
- Maintain and update security documentation, including incident reports, risk assessments, and security policies.
- Review third-party vendors for security risks during the onboarding process, ensuring they align with security policies and compliance requirements.
- Audit baseline images for workstations and virtual machines to ensure secure configurations.
- Ensure systems and devices are hardened according to industry best practices and organizational security standards.
- Contribute to security process improvements, including refining monitoring procedures, escalation workflows, and security reporting.
- Monitor security ticket queues and respond to security-related requests.
- Conduct basic investigations into anomalous network or system activity.
- Assist with email security management, including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations and monitoring.
- Work with vulnerability management tools to track and document security findings and remediation progress.
- Develop and utilize basic scripts for automating security tasks, such as log parsing, report generation, or patch deployment.
- Assist in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) efforts, supporting documentation for audits and regulatory adherence.
- Provide input on security best practices for IT staff and end-users.
- Support identity and access management (IAM) processes, reviewing access controls and assisting with privilege audits.
- Engage in continuous learning, staying updated on cybersecurity threats and best practices.
- Assume other duties as assigned by the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
- Relevant certifications such as Security+, SC-900, GSEC, Practical SOC Analyst Associate (PSAA) or Blue Team Level1 (BTL1) are highly recommended
- 1-3 years professional experience in cybersecurity field
- Experience with managing and troubleshooting security tools
- Familiarity with Active Directory, Microsoft Office 365, and Azure environments
- Basic understanding of firewalls, VPNs, and network security concepts
- Competency with PowerShell and scripting for automation and configuration
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have:
- Ability and willingness to communicate well and to work cooperatively with others at all levels of the organization
- Ability to work autonomously within project parameters
- Ability to handle privileged access in a responsible manner
- Ability to deal discreetly with confidential matters
- Ability to handle routines and records with accuracy and orderliness
- Commitment to Regent’s core values of Excellence, Innovation, and Integrity
BENEFITS
Regent offers a wide range of generous benefits including health, life and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; tuition incentives; fully vested retirement plans; life and disability insurance options, time off, and more. All regular faculty and staff serving at Regent and working a minimum of 30 hours per week will receive an attractive benefits package.
INTRODUCTION
The IT Security Analyst will support and monitor the University’s cybersecurity systems to ensure the protection of its network, applications, and information assets. This role focuses on security monitoring, risk analysis, incident response, and compliance support. The IT Security Analyst will work closely with the Senior Security Engineer and the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to identify security risks, respond to security events, implement security measures, and assist in maintaining compliance with security policies and regulations.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Work Location: Virginia Beach, VA (Qualified candidates may be considered for remote work.)
Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 annually
Essential duties:
- Monitor and analyze security alerts, logs, and events from security tools (SIEM, endpoint protection, and network monitoring) to detect threats.
- Investigate and escalate security incidents following established response procedures.
- Assist in vulnerability assessments, tracking remediation efforts and maintaining accurate risk documentation.
- Support security compliance efforts by collecting evidence for audits and ensuring adherence to GLBA, FERPA, NIST, and other regulatory standards.
- Maintain and update security documentation, including incident reports, risk assessments, and security policies.
- Review third-party vendors for security risks during the onboarding process, ensuring they align with security policies and compliance requirements.
- Audit baseline images for workstations and virtual machines to ensure secure configurations.
- Ensure systems and devices are hardened according to industry best practices and organizational security standards.
- Contribute to security process improvements, including refining monitoring procedures, escalation workflows, and security reporting.
- Monitor security ticket queues and respond to security-related requests.
- Conduct basic investigations into anomalous network or system activity.
- Assist with email security management, including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations and monitoring.
- Work with vulnerability management tools to track and document security findings and remediation progress.
- Develop and utilize basic scripts for automating security tasks, such as log parsing, report generation, or patch deployment.
- Assist in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) efforts, supporting documentation for audits and regulatory adherence.
- Provide input on security best practices for IT staff and end-users.
- Support identity and access management (IAM) processes, reviewing access controls and assisting with privilege audits.
- Engage in continuous learning, staying updated on cybersecurity threats and best practices.
- Assume other duties as assigned by the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
- Relevant certifications such as Security+, SC-900, GSEC, Practical SOC Analyst Associate (PSAA) or Blue Team Level1 (BTL1) are highly recommended
- 1-3 years professional experience in cybersecurity field
- Experience with managing and troubleshooting security tools
- Familiarity with Active Directory, Microsoft Office 365, and Azure environments
- Basic understanding of firewalls, VPNs, and network security concepts
- Competency with PowerShell and scripting for automation and configuration
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have:
- Ability and willingness to communicate well and to work cooperatively with others at all levels of the organization
- Ability to work autonomously within project parameters
- Ability to handle privileged access in a responsible manner
- Ability to deal discreetly with confidential matters
- Ability to handle routines and records with accuracy and orderliness
- Commitment to Regent’s core values of Excellence, Innovation, and Integrity
BENEFITS
Regent offers a wide range of generous benefits including health, life and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; tuition incentives; fully vested retirement plans; life and disability insurance options, time off, and more. All regular faculty and staff serving at Regent and working a minimum of 30 hours per week will receive an attractive benefits package.
See all STEM OPT IT Security Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT IT Security Engineer Jobs.
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.