Security Spec Lead - Digital Forensics Analyst

aep; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

The Digital Forensic Analyst at AEP investigates and examines digital assets within the Cybersecurity Intelligence & Defense organization. The role supports digital investigations using endpoint images, security analytics, and user activity monitoring across cybersecurity tools and IT environments.

You'll document findings, manage cases end-to-end, and communicate technical conclusions in clear business language while collaborating with HR, Legal, Ethics, and Physical Security stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
• Strong understanding of OSes (Windows, Linux/Unix, macOS, iOS, Android) and networks.
• Experience with malware reverse engineering and analysis.
• Knowledge of log sources, forensic tools and investigative methods.
• Ability to work independently with confidentiality under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Conduct end-to-end investigations of internal and external matters.
• Prepare findings reports for HR, Legal, Ethics, Physical Security, and others.
• Develop and maintain Digital Forensics policies and procedures.
• Support risk-reduction projects, including post-incident lessons learned.
• Serve as a technical SME for Insider Threat, DLP, and cyber investigations.
• Produce clear investigative and analytic reports for technical and executive audiences.
• Maintain tools and technologies pertaining to Digital Forensics collection and analysis.

Skills

Security clearance

OS forensics

Malware reverse engineering

Log analysis & SIEM

Investigations leadership

Confidentiality under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity

Equiv. experience acceptable

Tools

Splunk

Forensic tools

Job description

Job Posting End Date

09-14-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Digital Forensic Analyst investigates and examines digital assets. The position is aligned with AEP's Cybersecurity Intelligence & Defense organization and Insider Threat team. It is a highly technical role and supports digital investigations utilizing endpoint images, security analytics, and user activity monitoring across a broad range of cybersecurity and IT tools. The analyst also supports programs and policies that reduce internal risk.

The analyst partners with Cyber Incident Responders, HR, Legal, Ethics, Physical Security, and other stakeholders to support data acquisition and analysis. The analyst will document findings, manage cases from initiation to resolution, and communicate technical conclusions in clear business language.

Job Description

What You'll Do

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Conduct end-to-end investigations of internal and external matters.
• Prepare findings reports for HR, Legal, Ethics, Physical Security, and other stakeholders
• Develop and maintain Digital Forensics policies and procedures documentation
• Support risk-reduction projects, including post-incident lessons learned
• Serve as a technical SME for Insider Threat, DLP, and cyber investigations
• Produce clear investigative and analytic reports for technical and executive audiences
• Maintain tools and technologies pertaining to Digital Forensics collection and analysis

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
• In-depth understanding of Windows, Linux/Unix, MacOS, Android and iOS operating systems and interconnected network devices
• Understanding of mobile device forensics and evidence collection techniques
• Experience with malware reverse engineering and analysis
• Understanding of anomalous user activity monitoring and policy violation investigations
• Ability to use internal and external log sources, forensic tools, and established investigative methods to determine incident source and scope
• Work independently while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout investigations which sometimes involve high pressure situations or rapidly changing priorities
• Communicate clearly, verbally and in writing, with strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Handle sensitive and confidential material appropriately
• Understanding of forensic capture and analysis methodologies and evidence chain of custody procedures

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in cybersecurity, digital forensics, computer science, or related field
• Experience with standard forensic methods and leading collection and analysis tools
• Deep experience conducting technical investigations or root cause analysis in complex environments
• Experience identifying insider risk indicators through analytics tools
• Understanding and experience with digital forensics in a cloud environment
• Understanding of threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures
• Familiarity with electric utility operations, ICs/SCADA, or critical infrastructure protection frameworks such as NERC CIP
• Working knowledge of programming languages and Splunk query development
• Ability to apply AI to threat detection and analysis
• Understanding and experience with security monitoring tools, SIEM platforms, and endpoint detection solutions
• Ability to work and lead in cross-functional environments involving HR, Legal, Compliance, Privacy, and Security teams
• Knowledge of cyber investigations and incident response processes
• Experience with case management and evidence handling procedures
• Experience with data classification, information protection, data loss prevention (DLP), and sensitive data monitoring technologies

Preferred Certifications and Courses

• SANS Forensics Certifications (Ex. GASF, GCFA, GCFE, GREM, GNFA)
• Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Vendor specific certification for industry leading forensics tools

What We're Looking For:

Education requirements are listed below:

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).

Work Experience requirement listed below:

7 or more years of Information Technology related experience; OR 5 or more years of security related experience, which may include military/government work experience in addition to any experience identified above.

What You'll Get:

Base Salary from $ 116,255.00 - $151,132.50 /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.

At AEP, we're more than just an energy company - we're a team of dedicated professionals commit