Senior security engineer

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.

Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025.

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Senior Security Engineer, Vulnerability & Threat Management will contribute to achievement of P&L objectives for the business through providing a single point of accountability for Technology & Operations deliverables. In this critical role the candidate will provide technical security leadership on multiple programs and security operations to ensure IT security best practices and IT compliance requirements are met for both industry and regulatory standards. The candidate will provide information security expertise for programs within any of the information systems disciplines and has the ability to provide IT security guidance to multiple technical teams. This individual will possess a thorough understanding of emerging technologies and our current business strategy and is able to offer and develop solutions. Maintains recognized expertise in hardware, software, and technology disciplines relevant to Ascend’s IT security needs.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position offers the flexibility of remote work in the United States.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Collaborates with the Information Security Manager, Technology Engineers, IT Compliance, and cross-functional stakeholders to align security operations and controls with business objectives
• Functions as the Threat & Vulnerability Program Operations Lead and liaison to one or more managed services providers; this includes assisting in providing operational guidance to contract and less senior engineers
• Ensures alerts and operational processes are actioned within required SLAs and in line with approved processes and procedures
• Supports critical operational issues, urgent threat alerts and maintenance after hours as needed
• Leads threat and vulnerability research for high risks and coordinates an effective response across multiple teams
• Provides technology security expertise and recommendations on strategies and tools for key programs and issues
• Works directly with Technology Engineers, third parties and various technology team members to convey and drive security initiatives
• Assists with the implementation, configuration and operations of various security tools as required

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• 6+ years of professional, industry related experience in network and/or infrastructure engineering and the vulnerability and/or threat intelligence domains
• 5+ years of experience in vulnerability and threat management engineering, managing or leading a mature vulnerability management operation, and improving vulnerability identification and reporting processes required
• 5+ years of experience working with Threat intelligence required
• 3+ years of operational experience in Network Security required
• 3+ years of experience administering server, container workload, and threat intelligence platforms required
• Demonstrated success in leading, developing, operating and implementing security solutions and functions through progressive experience
• Experience leading two or more security operations domains
• Experience streamlining processes, automating manual tasks and using technical and non-technical solutions to solve complex problems
• Self‑motivated, adaptable, and capable of operating effectively in a fast‑paced, evolving security environment
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure while managing time‑sensitive projects and competing priorities
• Strong leadership presence with excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable leading cross‑team coordination
• Proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate risks, identify gaps, and implement practical solutions
• Willingness and ability to flex between strategic leadership and hands‑on technical execution as needed

HIRING RANGE

The current full-time annualized hiring range for this role is $104,400.00-$149,270.00 and does not include discretionary bonus or sales incentives, if applicable. In accordance with applicable state laws, we are providing the expected salary range for this position. Individual compensation will be determined by various factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, current business needs and local market factors. Most regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in an Ascend incentive bonus or sales plan.

BENEFITS

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Company paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and parental leave
• Employee assistance program
• Other employee wellness programs such as Headspace and Airvet
• Charitable matching program

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S.-based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.