STEM OPT IT Security Specialist Jobs
IT Security Specialist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, information technology, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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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 Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT IT Security Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an IT Security Specialist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before targeting IT Security roles. Information security degrees often qualify, but general business IT degrees may not, so confirm eligibility with your DSO early.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
Confirm every prospective employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer. An employer who was enrolled last year may have lapsed, so ask your HR contact for their E-Verify Company ID as a concrete verification step.
Build your I-983 training plan around security competencies
Draft your I-983 before your offer closes, not after. IT Security Specialists should map training goals to specific competencies like threat detection, SIEM tools, or incident response frameworks so the plan reflects genuine job duties, not generic language.
Use Migrate Mate to target verified STEM OPT employers
Search for IT Security Specialist openings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with documented STEM OPT hiring history. Targeting companies that have filed for STEM OPT workers before cuts time spent on employers unfamiliar with E-Verify requirements.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for your specific SOC code and work location before entering salary discussions. STEM OPT doesn't require LCA filing, but knowing the wage benchmark strengthens your negotiating position with the employer.
Submit your STEM OPT extension application 90 days early
File your STEM OPT extension with USCIS up to 90 days before your initial OPT end date. IT Security roles often require background checks and clearance processes that take time, so a delayed extension filing can disrupt your start date if USCIS processing runs long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension for IT Security Specialist jobs?
Your degree qualifies if it appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and carries an eligible CIP code. Degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, information assurance, and electrical engineering typically qualify. General IT management or business administration degrees often don't. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying to IT Security roles under the STEM OPT extension.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my IT Security Specialist employer?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify at the specific worksite where you'll be employed, not just at the corporate level. Before accepting an offer, ask HR to confirm their E-Verify Company ID. If your employer isn't enrolled, your DSO cannot approve the I-983 training plan, and your STEM OPT extension cannot begin regardless of when USCIS approves your application.
What should my I-983 training plan include for an IT Security Specialist role?
Your I-983 must describe how the IT Security Specialist position provides practical training directly related to your STEM degree. Include specific learning objectives tied to job duties such as vulnerability assessments, security monitoring, or compliance auditing. Both you and your supervisor sign the plan, and your DSO must approve it before your extension activates. Vague or generic descriptions increase the risk of a DSO rejection.
Does the cap-gap rule protect my work authorization if I'm selected in the H-1B lottery while on STEM OPT?
Yes. If your STEM OPT expires on September 30 and your H-1B visa petition is properly filed and accepted by USCIS before that date, the cap-gap rule extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of that year. Your employer can keep you working in your IT Security Specialist role without interruption as long as the petition remains pending or approved. USCIS issues updated guidance on cap-gap each fiscal year.
How do I find IT Security Specialist employers who are already familiar with STEM OPT requirements?
Search for IT Security Specialist openings on Migrate Mate, which identifies employers with verified STEM OPT and E-Verify enrollment history. Targeting companies that have previously hired STEM OPT workers significantly reduces the risk of late-stage offer withdrawals caused by employers who discover E-Verify or I-983 requirements for the first time after extending an offer.