Security Spec Prin

Job Summary

Responsible for moderate-scale security assignments with limited direction from senior team members. Develops and maintains necessary documentation of security systems, projects, and/or processes to ensure unified understanding of system details. Performs and analyzes security controls assessments (internal and third party) through application security testing, penetration testing or other means to ensure controls effectiveness. Identifies and documents potential mitigations/remediations and creates reports of findings with identified risk response. Participates in the review, evaluation, and recommendation of emerging security technologies.

Job Description

Provides direction to team members and leads efforts in the review, evaluation, and recommendation of emerging security technologies relevant to critical infrastructure. Leads and participates in security incidents and projects, directing assignments that enhance the security posture of the organization. Demonstrates advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills, along with deep knowledge of the cybersecurity landscape, particularly in industrial environments. Frequently involved in the implementation, support, and utilization of technical solutions tailored to safeguard operational technology.

What You'll Do

• Lead the Cyber Intelligence & Response Center (CIRC) in the prevention, identification, and response of cyber threats across IT, OT, and cloud environments.
• Analyze logs, network traffic, endpoint telemetry and various other data sources to support investigations.
• Execute containment, eradication, and recovery steps in coordination with stakeholders while balancing the safety and operational continuity in industrial systems.
• Investigate incidents and produce concise response plans and after action reports covering containment, eradication, recovery, evidence preservation, remediation, and root cause analysis.
• Contribute to tabletop exercises, simulations and readiness activities focused on cyber events affecting operations.
• Participate in the development and refinement of playbooks, runbooks, and response procedures.
• Analyze cyber threat intelligence products to assess impacts on critical infrastructure.
• Collaborate on cyber threat and security best practices with government and industry partners.
• Maintain expertise in OT protocols, ICS, and SCADA systems for comprehensive threat detection.
• Conduct forensic analysis of host and network events to support investigations.
• Prepare and deliver engaging cyber threat briefings to diverse audiences.
• Reverse engineer malware to understand threats targeting industrial control systems.
• Communicate security challenges effectively to senior leadership.
• Promote diversity and ensure team members receive training for skill development.
• Create presentations on cybersecurity topics and simplify complex concepts.
• Formulate solutions for advanced security challenges and identify process improvements.
• Motivate the team to learn about security trends and foster professional growth.

Nice to Have

• Demonstrable experience in one or more of the following disciplines: Incident Response Analyst, CIRC/SOC Lead, Threat Intelligence or Counterintelligence Analyst, Cyber Threat Hunting Analyst, Malware Reverse Engineer, Operational Technology Specialist, particularly in securing industrial control systems and related environments.

What We're Looking For

• Educational requirements are listed below:
• Bachelor's degree or associate degree with 2 years relevant experience in system administration/help desk/security (cyber or physical) OR High School Diploma/GED with 4 years relevant experience in IT system administration/help desk/security (cyber or physical); OR graduation from an approved Cybersecurity Program; alternatively, may have non-degree qualifications (such as hands-on demonstrated ability in a technical interview/assessment).
• Work Experience requirement listed below:
• 4 or more years of Information Technology related experience; OR 2 or more years of security related experience, which may include military/government work experience in addition to any experience identified above.

Pay & Benefits

Base Salary from $98,993 - $128,689/year. In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Physical Demands

S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.