STEM OPT Network Security Engineer Jobs
Network Security Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. You'll need a STEM degree in computer science, information security, or a related field, plus a signed I-983 training plan before your extension starts.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency. The Network Security Analyst is an integral position within the Network operations group. This role is responsible for supporting and sustaining existing security processes for the City of Philadelphia along with developing new processes. Please note, this position requires individuals to drive a city vehicle and have a valid drivers license.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Analyze alerts from monitoring tools to determine remediation.
- Assist with configuration of policy and implementation.
- Assist with security controls to meet auditing requirements.
- Interface with department leaders as needed for remediation purposes.
- Work with customers to form and fix appropriate policy and signature rules.
COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Firewall policy, application identification
- Secure network architecture
- Vulnerability testing
- Firewalls
- Cloud security
- VPN technologies (SSL & IPSEC)
- Encryption (IPSEC, MAC‐SEC)
- SIEM
- Familiarity with the following compliance requirements a plus (HIPAA, CJIS, and IRS1075)
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field.
- Three to Five years applicable work experience in IT with emphasis in network security.
- Experience managing and maintaining complex networking systems and hardware.
- Network Security certification preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience deemed acceptable by the Office of Innovation & Technology and Human Resources also considered.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Salary Range: $95,000 - $110,000
Salary cannot exceed $110,000.
All applications should include the following:
- Cover Letter clarifying your interest and qualifications for the role.
- Resume
We won’t accept or review incomplete applications.
Work Setting: in-person (onsite)
Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
- We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
- Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Generous retirement savings options are available
- Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
- Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
- Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too! Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!
The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire. No relocation assistance is provided at this time. Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.
INTRODUCTION
The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency. The Network Security Analyst is an integral position within the Network operations group. This role is responsible for supporting and sustaining existing security processes for the City of Philadelphia along with developing new processes. Please note, this position requires individuals to drive a city vehicle and have a valid drivers license.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Analyze alerts from monitoring tools to determine remediation.
- Assist with configuration of policy and implementation.
- Assist with security controls to meet auditing requirements.
- Interface with department leaders as needed for remediation purposes.
- Work with customers to form and fix appropriate policy and signature rules.
COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Firewall policy, application identification
- Secure network architecture
- Vulnerability testing
- Firewalls
- Cloud security
- VPN technologies (SSL & IPSEC)
- Encryption (IPSEC, MAC‐SEC)
- SIEM
- Familiarity with the following compliance requirements a plus (HIPAA, CJIS, and IRS1075)
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field.
- Three to Five years applicable work experience in IT with emphasis in network security.
- Experience managing and maintaining complex networking systems and hardware.
- Network Security certification preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience deemed acceptable by the Office of Innovation & Technology and Human Resources also considered.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Salary Range: $95,000 - $110,000
Salary cannot exceed $110,000.
All applications should include the following:
- Cover Letter clarifying your interest and qualifications for the role.
- Resume
We won’t accept or review incomplete applications.
Work Setting: in-person (onsite)
Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
- We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
- Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Generous retirement savings options are available
- Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
- Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
- Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too! Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!
The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire. No relocation assistance is provided at this time. Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.
See all STEM OPT Network Security Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Network Security Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Network Security Engineer
Verify your CIP code qualifies first
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before applying. Computer science, cybersecurity, and information assurance codes typically qualify, but electrical engineering or mathematics degrees may require your DSO to confirm eligibility.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension can begin. Search the E-Verify employer search tool or ask the recruiter for their E-Verify Company ID number during the offer stage, not after signing.
Build a network security credential portfolio early
Certifications like CISSP, CompTIA Security+, or CEH signal to hiring managers that your skills transfer directly to U.S. enterprise security environments. Employers filing I-983 training plans for network security roles expect documented technical competencies tied to specific learning objectives.
Target employers with active LCA filings in security roles
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for network security or information security positions. LCA filing history shows which companies have already navigated STEM OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship for similar roles.
Draft your I-983 training objectives before the offer stage
Network security engineers can map training goals to specific NIST frameworks, SOC operations, or penetration testing projects your employer will assign. Having a draft ready speeds up the employer sign-off process and signals you understand the STEM OPT training plan requirement.
Time your extension filing to protect cap-gap coverage
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap rules extend your work authorization through September 30 of that year. File your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days before your initial OPT end date to avoid any gap in authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a network security engineer?
Your degree qualifies if it appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, information assurance, electrical engineering, and applied mathematics commonly support network security roles. Check the specific Classification of Instructional Programs code on your degree with your DSO, since the job title alone doesn't determine eligibility.
What does the I-983 training plan need to cover for a network security engineer role?
Your I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to your actual job duties, not a generic job description. For network security engineers, that means outlining training in areas like intrusion detection, firewall management, vulnerability assessment, or incident response. Your employer signs the plan and must evaluate your progress at the six-month and twelve-month marks throughout the extension period.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before my STEM OPT extension starts?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact for the company's E-Verify Company ID number during the offer stage. You can also search the E-Verify employer search tool using the company name to confirm active enrollment. If the employer isn't enrolled, they cannot legally employ you on a STEM OPT extension, and enrollment must be completed before your extension begins.
How does cap-gap work if I'm on STEM OPT and my employer files an H-1B petition?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition before your STEM OPT expires, cap-gap provisions automatically extend your work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year the petition is pending. You can continue working in your network security engineer role during this period. USCIS provides guidance on the specific timely filing requirements that trigger cap-gap protection.
Where can I find network security engineer jobs where employers are already familiar with STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters network security engineer listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and LCA filing history, so you can target companies that have already sponsored STEM OPT and H-1B workers in security roles. This reduces the back-and-forth of explaining authorization requirements to employers who haven't hired international graduates before.