Engineer - Security

Mission:

The role of the Information Security Engineer is to utilize current Information Security policies, standards and guidelines to implement and maintain operational security controls to protect all of IDEA’s technology resources including networks, systems, data centers, and applications to prevent loss of data or malicious acts. Performs the most complex security operational tasks to ensure compliance with defined requirements and seamless integration with various technologies.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Security Analyst

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

Quarterly and as needed

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Review security architecture to identify gaps, vulnerabilities, and deficiencies within the network and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Design, administer, and maintain the organization's security architecture, including secure file transfer systems, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), firewalls, VPNs, Zero Trust solutions, endpoint protection, AI Guardrails, and other critical security technologies.
• Perform security validation reviews to ensure network devices and systems are properly configured, tested, implemented, and maintained through upgrades, patches, and updates in accordance with established security standards.
• Evaluate and recommend new security solutions or enhancements to existing technologies to strengthen the organization's overall security posture.
• Research emerging cybersecurity threats, technologies, and industry trends to recommend and implement improvements to existing security systems and processes.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews security architecture to identify gaps or deficiencies within the network in order to resolve issues or find a solution.
• Administers, designs, and maintains the IT security architecture, including the district’s secure file transfer system, WAF, SEIM, firewall, VPN, Zero-Trust, end point, and all other security and application areas.
• Performs validation reviews to ensure that network devices are tested, implemented, and maintained via upgrades, patches, and updates with appropriate security controls.
• Recommends security solutions or enhancements to existing security solutions to improve overall enterprise security.
• Research IT security issues and industry trends to make recommendations and implement modifications for internal improvement.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

Make Strategic Decisions:

This team member uses data and trends to drive decisions that impact multiple teams, while anticipating risks and planning contingencies for key initiatives. They apply strategic frameworks to clarify challenges and guide coherent action, and they actively support others in strengthening their strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.

Manage Work and Teams:

This team member designs scalable systems that anticipate future organizational needs, driving sustainable impact through cross-functional collaboration and strategic problem-solving. They foster a culture of ownership and accountability, lead change with clarity and purpose, and balance hands-on leadership with empowering others to build capacity and achieve long-term success.

Grow Self and Others:

This team member identifies development needs across multiple groups and integrates them into broader strategic plans. They create structures that support ongoing growth, engage in succession planning, and continuously refine development strategies based on outcomes and data. Through this work, they foster a culture where continuous learning is a core part of daily work and leadership.

Build a Culture of Trust:

This team member builds trust and drives positive engagement across multiple groups, as reflected in strong feedback and survey results. They proactively address concerns, model transparency and authenticity, and foster collaboration through open, honest communication and shared ownership.

Communicate Deliberately:

This team member communicates a clear and compelling vision that aligns team efforts with organizational goals. They proactively identify and address communication gaps across workstreams, implementing solutions to enhance coordination, while anticipating and resolving stakeholder concerns before they surface.

Additional Skills

Management

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Develop and maintain standardized security configurations aligned with industry best practices.
• Ensure adherence to established change management policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain clear communication plans and implementation schedules.
• Provide technical guidance, support, and cross-training to Security Analysts.

Security Analysis

• Utilize recognized cybersecurity frameworks and industry best practices to ensure organizational security requirements are met.
• Review security alerts, trends, and emerging threats to proactively recommend improvements to the organization's security posture.
• Analyze security reports and vulnerability scan results to identify, document, prioritize, and track risks through remediation.
• Ensure network infrastructure and security systems follow established patch management schedules.
• Monitor and evaluate security controls to ensure their effectiveness in protecting organizational systems and data.
• Collaborate with technical teams to develop and implement remediation plans that address identified security risks.

Communications

• Effectively communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences in a clear and understandable manner.
• Share technical knowledge, industry trends, and best practices with leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders to communicate security risks, recommendations, and technical solutions.
• Provide timely updates on security initiatives, system changes, incidents, and potential risks to appropriate stakeholders.
• Promote security awareness and best practices through knowledge sharing, training, and collaboration across the organization.

Required experience:

Associate’s degree in technology field

Preferred Education and Experience:

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred

License or Certification: Information Security or Network Related Certifications (Security +, Network +, GSEC, CYSA+, CCNA, CEH, GCIH) preferred

Physical Requirements:

• This is a sedentary position.
• The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations.
• The ability to safely climb ladders while carrying 20 pounds.
• Bending, crawling, stooping, standing, vision, lifting, walking.

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $89,600 and $105,300, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA, we use our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values.