IT Security Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
IT Security Specialists are among the most consistently sponsored roles in tech. Employers file H-1B petitions for this role year-round, and many qualify for cap-exempt pathways through universities and nonprofit research institutions. A bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or information systems is typically required. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Number: 416499
Description
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IT SECURITY SPECIALIST
Department of Aviation
MIS-Departmental ITT Section
Number of Positions: 5
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: GY11 $106,272.00 annually
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 3/31/2026
Job Overview
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is seeking an experienced and dynamic IT Security Specialist to join our team. This critical role supports the safety and security of one of the busiest airport systems in the world. The ideal candidate will have expertise in network, internal, and web-facing applications and operational technology (OT) security, along with a strong understanding of designing and implementing cutting-edge security solutions for enterprise environments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Design, implement, and manage network security measures, including reviewing firewall rules, configuring network protections, and analyzing architecture for enhancements.
- Conduct regular vulnerability scans, security audits, and collaborate with development teams to remediate application and system risks promptly.
- Secure operational technology (OT) systems, such as SCADA, IoT, and building controls, by implementing and maintaining security measures and reviewing external connections.
- Monitor cybersecurity dashboards and logs, respond to threats, manage tools like anti-virus, EDR, IDS/IPS, and lead efforts to detect and mitigate suspicious activity.
- Ensure compliance with NIST, and other regulatory frameworks and collaborating with agencies like DHS, FAA, and the City’s CISO.
- Coordinate tasks with IT leadership, ISO team members, and external contractors to resolve security issues and ensure alignment on key initiatives.
- Track global cybersecurity events, analyze potential risks to CDA systems, and recommend proactive measures.
- Participate in 24/7 on-call rotations for incident response and disaster recovery efforts, ensuring quick action to mitigate threats.
- Lead third-party risk assessments and contractor security reviews.
- Develop and refine CDA security policies in alignment with City policies while coordinating with the City CISO and IT Security Team.
- Support cross-functional security projects, assist with policy development, and contribute to the continuous improvement of CDA’s security posture.
Additional duties may be required for this position
Location: 8420 W. Bryn Mawr Ave 8th FL. (Must be flexible to travel to Midway Airport, based on operational needs)
Hours: Varies (Must be flexible to early and/or late meetings)
Shift: Varies
NOTE: The candidate(s) selected for hire must pass an airport background check and a Security Threat Assessment (STA).
THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CAREER SERVICE
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Six (6) years of work experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance, OR Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, or a directly related field, plus four (4) years of experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance, OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, or a directly related field, plus two (2) years of experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance, OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, or a directly related field, plus one (1) year of experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance.
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
This position requires a valid driver’s license at the time of hire.
Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:
- Professional certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, GCWN, GPEN, CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, or CCSK.
- Demonstrated experience securing OT systems and environments.
- Proficient with tools and technologies like firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, log management, and identity/access management.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity regulations and frameworks.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.
APPLICATION EVALUATION:
Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11: 59pm CDT on 3/31/2026
Job Posting: Mar 18, 2026, 12:00:00 AM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Mar 31, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 00 | Salary: $106,272.00 annually
Pay Basis: Yearly
Job Number: 416499
Description
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IT SECURITY SPECIALIST
Department of Aviation
MIS-Departmental ITT Section
Number of Positions: 5
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: GY11 $106,272.00 annually
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 3/31/2026
Job Overview
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is seeking an experienced and dynamic IT Security Specialist to join our team. This critical role supports the safety and security of one of the busiest airport systems in the world. The ideal candidate will have expertise in network, internal, and web-facing applications and operational technology (OT) security, along with a strong understanding of designing and implementing cutting-edge security solutions for enterprise environments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Design, implement, and manage network security measures, including reviewing firewall rules, configuring network protections, and analyzing architecture for enhancements.
- Conduct regular vulnerability scans, security audits, and collaborate with development teams to remediate application and system risks promptly.
- Secure operational technology (OT) systems, such as SCADA, IoT, and building controls, by implementing and maintaining security measures and reviewing external connections.
- Monitor cybersecurity dashboards and logs, respond to threats, manage tools like anti-virus, EDR, IDS/IPS, and lead efforts to detect and mitigate suspicious activity.
- Ensure compliance with NIST, and other regulatory frameworks and collaborating with agencies like DHS, FAA, and the City’s CISO.
- Coordinate tasks with IT leadership, ISO team members, and external contractors to resolve security issues and ensure alignment on key initiatives.
- Track global cybersecurity events, analyze potential risks to CDA systems, and recommend proactive measures.
- Participate in 24/7 on-call rotations for incident response and disaster recovery efforts, ensuring quick action to mitigate threats.
- Lead third-party risk assessments and contractor security reviews.
- Develop and refine CDA security policies in alignment with City policies while coordinating with the City CISO and IT Security Team.
- Support cross-functional security projects, assist with policy development, and contribute to the continuous improvement of CDA’s security posture.
Additional duties may be required for this position
Location: 8420 W. Bryn Mawr Ave 8th FL. (Must be flexible to travel to Midway Airport, based on operational needs)
Hours: Varies (Must be flexible to early and/or late meetings)
Shift: Varies
NOTE: The candidate(s) selected for hire must pass an airport background check and a Security Threat Assessment (STA).
THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CAREER SERVICE
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Six (6) years of work experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance, OR Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, or a directly related field, plus four (4) years of experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance, OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, or a directly related field, plus two (2) years of experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance, OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, or a directly related field, plus one (1) year of experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance.
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
This position requires a valid driver’s license at the time of hire.
Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:
- Professional certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, GCWN, GPEN, CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, or CCSK.
- Demonstrated experience securing OT systems and environments.
- Proficient with tools and technologies like firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, log management, and identity/access management.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity regulations and frameworks.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.
APPLICATION EVALUATION:
Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11: 59pm CDT on 3/31/2026
Job Posting: Mar 18, 2026, 12:00:00 AM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Mar 31, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BU: 00 | Salary: $106,272.00 annually
Pay Basis: Yearly
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an IT Security Specialist
Target industries with the highest sponsorship volume
Financial services, defense contractors, healthcare systems, and cloud infrastructure companies file the most H-1B petitions for security roles. These employers have established immigration programs and are far more likely to sponsor than smaller firms.
Lead with certifications alongside your degree
CISSP, CISM, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ signal specialized expertise that strengthens the specialty occupation case for your H-1B petition. Employers and USCIS both treat industry certifications as evidence the role requires specific technical knowledge.
Clarify your clearance eligibility early
Many federal IT security roles require a U.S. security clearance, which nonimmigrant visa holders cannot obtain. Focus on private-sector employers or commercial divisions of defense firms that don't list clearance as a requirement in the job posting.
Understand how your specialization affects sponsorship likelihood
Cloud security, application security, and threat intelligence roles attract more sponsors than generalist IT support positions. The more specialized your focus, the easier it is for employers to justify the H-1B specialty occupation requirement to USCIS.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Migrate Mate filters IT security jobs by employers with a documented history of visa sponsorship. This removes the guesswork of cold applications to companies that may not have an established immigration process or legal support.
IT Security Specialist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does IT Security Specialist qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS generally accepts IT security roles as specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, information security, or a related technical field. Roles with vague requirements like 'any bachelor's degree acceptable' can face RFEs, so the job description needs to specify a relevant degree field.
How often do employers sponsor H-1B visas for IT security roles?
IT security is one of the more actively sponsored technical disciplines. Large employers in financial services, healthcare IT, and cloud infrastructure regularly file H-1B petitions for security analysts, engineers, and architects. Smaller companies sponsor less frequently due to legal costs and process complexity, so employer size matters when targeting your job search on Migrate Mate.
Can I work as an IT Security Specialist on OPT before transitioning to H-1B?
Yes. If your degree is in computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, or a related STEM field, you likely qualify for 24 months of STEM OPT extension on top of the standard 12 months, giving you up to three years of post-graduation work authorization. This window covers two H-1B cap seasons, significantly improving your odds of selection before OPT expires.
Will having a security clearance requirement on a job posting disqualify me as a visa holder?
Effectively, yes. U.S. security clearances require citizenship and cannot be granted to nonimmigrant visa holders or most green card holders. If a posting lists an active clearance or the ability to obtain one as a requirement, it's not a viable sponsorship target. Stick to commercial cybersecurity roles in private-sector companies without federal contract dependencies.
Does a three-year bachelor's degree qualify for H-1B sponsorship in this field?
It depends. USCIS evaluates whether the degree is equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor's degree. A three-year degree from certain countries, particularly India, is often found equivalent when combined with relevant postgraduate education or substantial work experience. Your employer's immigration attorney will typically commission a credential evaluation from a NACES-approved organization to make this determination before filing.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored IT Security Specialist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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