Security Operations Analyst Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Security Operations Analyst roles are among the more visa-friendly positions in cybersecurity. Employers filing H-1B visa and O-1 visa petitions regularly list this title, and the specialty occupation designation is well-established, making sponsorship a realistic path for qualified candidates. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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How to Apply
Please include a cover letter by attaching it as the first page of your resume, address your specific interest in the position and DPSS, and outline the skills that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
The Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) leads all public safety functions within the university, including police, security, and emergency management, and offers an integrated approach to safety and security, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. DPSS combines Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint operations to provide students, visitors, faculty, and staff with a safe and secure environment. Through our partnerships across the university and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, we use a blended service model to meet the needs of our community and exceed expectations.
Job Summary
The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) is seeking a Lead Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst to support campus safety through advanced operations, training, and intelligence support.
The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) provides integrated public safety services through law enforcement, security, emergency management, dispatch, intelligence, and enterprise physical security. The Security Operations Center (SOC) serves as the division's centralized hub for integrating security technologies and operational information to enhance situational awareness, support incident response, and improve the safety and security of the university community.
As a senior SOC team member, you will provide mentorship and technical expertise while working alongside SOC Associates. The position serves as a subject matter expert in SOC technologies and procedures and supports the onboarding and development of new personnel.
This role also contributes to continuous improvement through training, quality assurance, troubleshooting, and collaboration with internal partners, including Dispatch Services, ITS, Physical Security, Emergency Management, and law enforcement.
This position, working in a 24/7 environment, requires strong technical knowledge, situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to perform effectively during complex incidents.
This position requires successful completion of an extensive law enforcement background investigation and drug screen.
Responsibilities
- Training & Personnel Development: Assist with onboarding, training, and mentoring SOC Operations and Intelligence Associates while serving as a resource for procedures, systems, and best practices, and supporting ongoing development and knowledge sharing.
- Security Operations & Monitoring: Serve as a senior operator monitoring campus security systems, verifying incidents, and supporting real-time response by communicating critical information to appropriate personnel.
- Systems Expertise & Troubleshooting: Maintain advanced working knowledge of all SOC technologies, systems, and operational platforms while troubleshooting operational issues, coordinating with technology partners and vendors to resolve system problems, and assisting with system testing, implementation efforts, and operational readiness activities.
- Intelligence & Information Gathering: Monitor digital tip platforms, open-source sources, and internal reporting channels to collect and document information on suspicious activity and emerging threats, supporting analysts through trend identification and report preparation.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain effective relationships with DPSS Dispatch Services, Physical Security, ITS, Emergency Management, and other partners to support coordination, system integration, and communication on workflows and improvements.
- Quality Assurance & Operational Support: Review operational documentation for accuracy and compliance, identify improvements, support personnel during complex incidents, and ensure continuity during emergencies.
- Dispatch Collaboration and Emergency Communications: Coordinate with DPSS Dispatch Services on response efforts, support situational awareness, monitor radio traffic, and assist with emergency communication systems during urgent incidents.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Three (3) years progressively responsible experience in a Security Operations Center (SOC), public safety, intelligence, emergency management, fusion center, military operations center, or similar critical operations environment.
- Demonstrated experience utilizing video management systems, access control platforms, alarm monitoring technologies, and other enterprise security systems.
- Experience training, mentoring, coaching, or developing personnel in an operational environment.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities related to security technologies and operational systems.
- Experience supporting intelligence gathering, information analysis, threat monitoring, or operational situational awareness.
- Working knowledge of public safety dispatch operations, emergency communications, and mass notification systems.
- Experience working in higher education, critical infrastructure, or another complex enterprise environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong multitasking abilities and the capacity to perform effectively under stress.
- Ability to work rotating shift work and unscheduled overtime, when necessary.
- Successfully pass an in-depth background investigation, drug screening, and motor vehicle driving record check.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance including "Other Qualified Adult" coverage
- Generous time off including parental leave
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Dental insurance, Life insurance, and Vision insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Tuition Support Program
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
All members of the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. As such, you are required to report Clery reportable offenses that come to your attention. DPSS employees are required to complete Clery Compliance Training within the first 14 days of employment and annually thereafter.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
281400
Working Title
Lead Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Job Title
Security Coordinator
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Division Pub Saf Sec
Department
DPSS ADMIN OPERATIONS
Posting Begin/End Date
8/07/2026 - 8/21/2026
Salary
$65,000.00 - $72,000.00
Career Interest
Environmental Safety & Security
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Security Operations Analyst
Target employers with active H-1B filing histories
Large financial institutions, defense contractors, healthcare systems, and managed security service providers file H-1B petitions for Security Operations Analysts regularly. Focusing on organizations with established sponsorship infrastructure dramatically increases your chances of a successful outcome.
Lead with certifications that signal immediate readiness
Employers sponsoring visas want confidence you can contribute fast. CompTIA Security+, CEH, GCIH, or CySA+ certifications reduce perceived hiring risk and support the specialty occupation argument USCIS scrutinizes during H-1B adjudication for security roles.
Quantify your SIEM and incident response experience
Vague descriptions of SOC work won't stand out. Specify tools you've operated, alert volumes you've handled, and incidents you've contained. Concrete metrics make petition support letters stronger and distinguish you from candidates with similar job titles.
Understand that OPT STEM extension eligibility applies here
Security Operations Analyst roles typically fall under CIP codes qualifying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. If you hold an F-1 visa, this gives you up to three years of work authorization before your employer needs to file an H-1B petition.
Clarify your clearance eligibility early in conversations
Many SOC roles at federal contractors require security clearances limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. On a work visa, positions requiring Secret or Top Secret clearance are typically off-limits, so targeting commercial or non-cleared roles avoids wasted application cycles.
Frame your degree field precisely in sponsorship conversations
USCIS requires a direct relationship between your degree and the SOC role. Computer Science, Information Security, Cybersecurity, and Information Systems degrees map cleanly. Degrees in unrelated fields need supporting evidence showing equivalent specialized training and relevant coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Operations Analyst role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, Security Operations Analyst consistently qualifies as a specialty occupation under H-1B visa requirements. USCIS recognizes cybersecurity roles as requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. Degrees in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Security, or Information Systems directly support the petition. Roles that blend general IT support with security functions face more scrutiny, so the job description should clearly emphasize the analytical and technical security responsibilities.
Can I get sponsored for a Security Operations Analyst role on an F-1 OPT?
Yes, and it's one of the most common pathways. Most Security Operations Analyst positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years total on F-1 before an H-1B is required. During that window, your employer files an H-1B registration in the annual lottery. If selected, your status transitions from OPT to H-1B. Browse open roles accepting OPT candidates on Migrate Mate.
Are security clearance requirements a common barrier for visa holders applying to SOC roles?
Yes, and it's the most overlooked obstacle in this field. Roles requiring Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI clearances are legally restricted to U.S. citizens in most cases, and sometimes to permanent residents. This eliminates a significant portion of federal contractor and government-adjacent SOC positions for H-1B and F-1 holders. Commercial sector roles at financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and technology companies rarely carry clearance requirements and are more accessible to international candidates.
What degree fields does USCIS accept for Security Operations Analyst H-1B petitions?
USCIS looks for a direct relationship between the degree field and the role. Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Engineering, and Information Systems are the strongest fits. Degrees in Mathematics or Electrical Engineering can work with supporting documentation. A general Business or unrelated STEM degree creates petition risk unless accompanied by evidence of specialized coursework or certifications in security disciplines. Your employer's attorney will typically assess this during the pre-filing review.
Is the H-1B lottery a significant obstacle for getting sponsored as a Security Operations Analyst?
It's a real constraint, but not unique to this role. In recent fiscal years, selection rates have hovered around 25% for the general pool. Australian citizens can sidestep the lottery entirely with the E-3 visa, which has no lottery and no cap issues in practice. Canadians and Mexicans may qualify for TN visa status. For everyone else, maximizing OPT duration while building a strong employer relationship before the lottery gives the best odds of a successful H-1B outcome.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Security Operations Analyst 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.