IT Systems Security Engineer

Syntax Talent Solutions; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Syntax Talent Solutions in Itasca, IL seeks a Systems Security Engineer to own and evolve security capabilities across multi-site entertainment, retail, and hospitality operations. You will design, implement, and maintain secure systems, focusing on payment platforms, POS, and revenue management to support high transaction volumes.

You will develop automation scripts (PowerShell, Python), manage centralized monitoring and SIEM, ensure PCI DSS compliance, and collaborate with IT and business

Qualifications

• Experience as a Systems Security Engineer in enterprise/multi-site environments.
• Hands-on with securing POS or revenue management systems.
• Scripting and automation using PowerShell or Python.
• Experience with centralized monitoring and SIEM in production.
• Knowledge of PCI DSS or payment security compliance frameworks.
• OS knowledge (Windows/Linux), virtualization, and core infra.
• Experience in entertainment, retail, or hospitality settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement, configure, and maintain security controls across servers, endpoints, networks, and applications in multi-site environments.
• Secure POS and revenue management systems in line with payment security standards.
• Develop and maintain scripts and automation to streamline security tasks and operations.
• Administer and optimize centralized monitoring, SIEM, and alerting platforms.
• Perform security assessments, log reviews, and vulnerability analysis with remediation.
• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to design secure architectures for new deployments.
• Maintain security documentation, configurations, and runbooks for audits.
• Support incident handling, containment, and root cause analysis.

Skills

PowerShell

Python

Automation scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT / CS / Cybersecurity

Tools

SIEM

Defender

Azure security tools

Group Policy

VMware / virtualization

Job description

Step into a high-impact role where your security expertise directly protects complex, multi-site operations in fast-paced entertainment, retail, and hospitality environments. You'll be the go-to engineer for securing mission-critical systems, payment platforms, and infrastructure that support high transaction volumes and customer-facing services. This is a direct hire opportunity to own and evolve core security capabilities, not just maintain them.

About the Role:

You will design, implement, and maintain secure systems and infrastructure with a focus on payment-related platforms, POS, and revenue management systems across multiple locations. Working closely with operations and IT teams, you'll ensure environments meet security and compliance requirements while remaining stable and performant. Your work will strengthen monitoring, detection, and response capabilities to reduce risk and support business continuity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement, configure, and maintain security controls across servers, endpoints, networks, and applications in multi-site environments.
• Secure Point of Sale and revenue management systems, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and payment security standards.
• Develop and maintain scripts and automation (e.g., PowerShell, Python) to streamline security tasks, configuration management, and infrastructure operations.
• Administer and optimize centralized monitoring, SIEM, and alerting platforms to improve detection, triage, and incident response.
• Perform regular security assessments, log reviews, and vulnerability analysis, recommending and implementing remediation actions.
• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to design secure architectures for new systems, integrations, and deployments.
• Maintain and update security documentation, configurations, and runbooks to support consistent operations and audits.
• Support incident handling activities, including investigation, containment, and root cause analysis for security-related events.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Systems Security Engineer or similar role supporting enterprise or multi-site environments.
• Hands-on experience securing POS or revenue management systems and understanding their operational context.
• Strong scripting and automation skills using tools such as PowerShell and/or Python for infrastructure and security workflows.
• Practical experience with centralized monitoring, SIEM, or alerting platforms in production environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of PCI DSS or other payment-related compliance frameworks and their technical implications.
• Solid understanding of operating systems (Windows and/or Linux), virtualization, and core infrastructure components.
• Ability to translate security requirements into technical implementations and communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders.
• Track record of working in entertainment, retail, or hospitality environments or similarly high-transaction, customer-facing operations.
• Experience with VMware or other virtualization platforms, including security hardening and best practices.
• Familiarity with Microsoft security technologies (e.g., Defender, Azure security tools, Group Policy).
• Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and associated security services.
• Experience integrating security tooling with IT service management and incident management workflows.
• Background in log analytics, threat hunting, or advanced monitoring use case development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Relevant security or infrastructure certifications such as CISSP, Security+, VCP, or Microsoft certifications.
• Additional security or cloud certifications (e.g., CEH, Azure Security Engineer, AWS Security Specialty) preferred.