Security Spec Lead - Digital Forensics Analyst

AEP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

401(k) match

Pension

Job summary

AEP in Kentucky is seeking an experienced Senior Security Investigator to lead large-scale security assignments, mentor a team, and drive complex incident analysis across Windows, Linux, MacOS, and mobile platforms.

You will coordinate investigations, produce reports for HR, Legal, Ethics, and Physical Security, and serve as SME for Insider Threat, DLP, and cyber investigations, with strong confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in cybersecurity, digital forensics, or related field.
• 7+ years IT/security experience with investigations or forensics preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct end-to-end investigations of internal and external security matters.
• Prepare findings reports for HR, Legal, Ethics, and Physical Security.
• Develop and maintain Digital Forensics policies and procedures.
• Support risk-reduction projects and post-incident lessons learned.
• Produce clear investigative and analytic reports for technical and executive audiences.

Skills

Security clearance

Investigations

Digital Forensics

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or related field

Tools

Splunk

Forensic tools

Malware analysis tools

Job description

**Job Summary**Responsible for large-scale security assignments providing direction to other team members. Responsible for gathering, investigating, and analyzing very complex security requirements, processes, and incidents. Leads analysis of security controls assessments (internal and third party) through application security testing, penetration testing or other means to ensure controls effectiveness. Leads the identification and documentation of potential mitigations /remediations and ensures report creation of findings with identified risk response. Responsible for the conceptual design of implementation strategies on assigned security projects/activities. Leads advanced level implementation, support, and/or usage of technical solutions. Leads others in advanced problem solving, decision-making, and functional area knowledge. Mentors and provides functional/technical work direction to team.**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* Annual bonus* Long-term incentive* 401(k) match* AEP Pension* Comprehensive benefits package designed to support and enhance the overall well-being of employees.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:**SP20-009**Compensation Range:**$116,255.00 - $151,132.50The 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.