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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The Compliance Analyst is responsible for completing and maintaining system security plans (SSP) for new and existing systems. The system security plans are documented in the Governance, Risk, Compliance tool. This requires close coordination with IT project teams, tech leads, business and enterprise security representatives, and product owners, to establish and maintain processes and security controls for systems, and to identify security vulnerabilities and coordinate remediation plans. Compliance Analysts are assigned resources for DTMB development projects. Compliance Analysts are typically not assigned resources and are available for consult, if needed, for Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) procurement phase projects. For COTS implementation phase projects, Compliance Analysts are typically listed resources to navigate SSP/Authority to Operate (ATO) activities with Michigan Cyber Security (MCS) in order to support security requirements to Go Live.
Responsibilities:
- Create SSPs via collaboration with MDOT Automation Managers, System Owners, System Security Administrators, and project team for new applications in alignment with the Secure Application Development Life Cycle and Michigan Security Accreditation Process.
- Maintain SSPs for existing applications requiring ATO and those facing software and/or hardware enhancements.
- Collaborate with business representatives to establish system registration.
- Lead and identify security testing and system scanning requirements.
- Perform risk assessments and provide responses for security controls.
- Continuously monitor plans of action and milestones and corrective action plans as they relate to the SSPs in collaboration with the MDOT Enterprise Information Management office.
- Validate respective SSPs to ensure NIST control requirements are met.
- Author recommendations associated with findings on how to improve the customer’s security posture in accordance with SOM Policies, Standards, and Procedures, and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) controls.
- Lead team members and vendors with proper artifact collection to satisfy assessment requirements.
- Coordination of scanning activities/enterprise activities with MCS, tech leads, and business areas.
- Lead the system Data Classifications part of the SSP/ATO process.
Required Skillset:
- 1 to 3 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
- Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
- A bachelor's degree or higher with 21 semester (32 term) credits in computer science, data processing, computer information systems, data communications, networking, systems analysis, computer programming, or mathematics; or an associate's degree with 16 semester (24 term) credits in computer science, data processing, computer information systems, data communications, networking, systems analysis, computer programming, mathematics or equivalent; AND at least two years of experience as an application programmer, computer operator, or information technology technician.
OR
- A high school diploma, or equivalent education, AND three years of experience as an application programmer, computer operator, or information technology technician. If so, please attach a copy of your official transcripts.
OR
- IT Certification
Top Skills & Years of Experience:
- 1 to 3 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
- Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field (NIST, SSP, GRC, etc.)
- Experience with Keylight is a plus
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Candidates MUST have either a bachelor's degree or higher specific to IT or a Cyber Security certification. You must attach a copy of the candidate's official transcripts or the Cyber Security certificate. This is required.
Benefits at IntelliBee
- Long-Term Stability: Join us on a multi-year opportunities with room to grow.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access quality healthcare benefits to keep you and your family well.
- Future Planning: Enroll in our 401(k) program and invest in your financial security.
- GC Assistance: We support immediate Green Card processing, if required.
Role:
The Compliance Analyst is responsible for completing and maintaining system security plans (SSP) for new and existing systems. The system security plans are documented in the Governance, Risk, Compliance tool. This requires close coordination with IT project teams, tech leads, business and enterprise security representatives, and product owners, to establish and maintain processes and security controls for systems, and to identify security vulnerabilities and coordinate remediation plans. Compliance Analysts are assigned resources for DTMB development projects. Compliance Analysts are typically not assigned resources and are available for consult, if needed, for Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) procurement phase projects. For COTS implementation phase projects, Compliance Analysts are typically listed resources to navigate SSP/Authority to Operate (ATO) activities with Michigan Cyber Security (MCS) in order to support security requirements to Go Live.
Responsibilities:
- Create SSPs via collaboration with MDOT Automation Managers, System Owners, System Security Administrators, and project team for new applications in alignment with the Secure Application Development Life Cycle and Michigan Security Accreditation Process.
- Maintain SSPs for existing applications requiring ATO and those facing software and/or hardware enhancements.
- Collaborate with business representatives to establish system registration.
- Lead and identify security testing and system scanning requirements.
- Perform risk assessments and provide responses for security controls.
- Continuously monitor plans of action and milestones and corrective action plans as they relate to the SSPs in collaboration with the MDOT Enterprise Information Management office.
- Validate respective SSPs to ensure NIST control requirements are met.
- Author recommendations associated with findings on how to improve the customer’s security posture in accordance with SOM Policies, Standards, and Procedures, and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) controls.
- Lead team members and vendors with proper artifact collection to satisfy assessment requirements.
- Coordination of scanning activities/enterprise activities with MCS, tech leads, and business areas.
- Lead the system Data Classifications part of the SSP/ATO process.
Required Skillset:
- 1 to 3 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
- Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
- A bachelor's degree or higher with 21 semester (32 term) credits in computer science, data processing, computer information systems, data communications, networking, systems analysis, computer programming, or mathematics; or an associate's degree with 16 semester (24 term) credits in computer science, data processing, computer information systems, data communications, networking, systems analysis, computer programming, mathematics or equivalent; AND at least two years of experience as an application programmer, computer operator, or information technology technician.
OR
- A high school diploma, or equivalent education, AND three years of experience as an application programmer, computer operator, or information technology technician. If so, please attach a copy of your official transcripts.
OR
- IT Certification
Top Skills & Years of Experience:
- 1 to 3 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
- Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field (NIST, SSP, GRC, etc.)
- Experience with Keylight is a plus
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Candidates MUST have either a bachelor's degree or higher specific to IT or a Cyber Security certification. You must attach a copy of the candidate's official transcripts or the Cyber Security certificate. This is required.
Benefits at IntelliBee
- Long-Term Stability: Join us on a multi-year opportunities with room to grow.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access quality healthcare benefits to keep you and your family well.
- Future Planning: Enroll in our 401(k) program and invest in your financial security.
- GC Assistance: We support immediate Green Card processing, if required.
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.