Security Specialist Firewall/IDS/IPS

Job Posting End Date

12-04-2025

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

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. More involved in advanced level implementation, support, and/or usage of technical solutions. Assists with problem solving, decision-making, and functional area knowledge.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

• Participates in security projects/initiatives/incidents; directs security assignments.
• Associated tasks:  Translates and presents security topics competently to team members and AEP's leaders; Establishes recommendations based on options presented.
• Presents security information in a clear and concise manner. 
• Collaborates on team learning needs and engages in opportunities to increase knowledge in security areas.
• Gathers first-hand information on security requirements to find the most cost-effective improvements in security posture.
• Researches and supplies new opportunities to improve security posture; presents new ideas and approaches.
• Manages time and resources efficiently to accommodate multiple assignments. 
• Formulates most effective work plan and shares with other team members and groups to meet required security objectives. 
• Communicates the role and expectations of Security in meeting Enterprise Security strategies and requirements.
• Proven experience with distributed enterprise-level, centrally-managed firewalls, IDS and IPS.
• Familiarity with threat landscape and threats specific to the utility industry.  Willing to stay up to date as threat landscape changes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of TCP/IP and associated protocols such as DNS, SMTP, HTTPS, TCP, UDP.
• Ability to interpret system logs for troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Ability to collect and interpret packet captures
• Proven experience in cybersecurity administration, network security, or a related role.
• Strong understanding of security protocols, cryptography, and network security technologies.
• Experience with security tools such as SIEM, firewalls, and intrusion detection including system selection, implementation and management.
• Strong knowledge of operating systems including but not limited to Linux.
• Able to work with non-cyber technical teams on cybersecurity projects.
• Able to work with project managers to report project progress, inform of potential roadblocks, providing timelines and budgets, and meeting project timetables.
• Strong communication skills including the ability to explain cybersecurity concepts to non-cyber or non-technical coworkers.
• Able to work individually or as part of a highly technical cybersecurity team.

What We're Looking For:

Education:  

• Bachelor's degree OR Associates 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).   

Experience:  

• 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.

Other Must Haves:

• Licenses/Certifications: CISSP or other Security certification preferred.
• This position requires a NERC/CIP 7-year background check.

American Electric Power (On-Site)

$61K- $90K / Year  

#LI-Onsite

#AEPCareers

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-008

Compensation Range:

$96,110.00-124,940.00 USD

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: 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.  

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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.