Security Specialist Associate - Principle

AEP; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP in Columbus, Ohio seeks a Security Specialist Associate to handle moderate-scale security projects with direction from senior staff. You will document security systems and processes, assess safeguards, and prepare reports that capture risk and remediation options for leadership.

This role emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and effective security posture improvements. Responsibilities include supporting security initiatives and incidents, translating complex topics for teams,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in IT or related field with security emphasis.
• 1+ years of IT/system administration, help desk, or security experience.
• Knowledge of NERC-CIP compliance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participates in security projects and incidents, guiding tasks as needed.
• Documents requirements, findings, and remediation options for leadership.
• Gathers information to identify cost-effective security improvements.
• Keeps security posture aligned with Enterprise Security strategies.

Skills

IT security

Risk management

Security policies

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate degree with 2 years relevant experience

High School Diploma/GED with 4 years relevant experience

Job description

## Security Specialist Associate - PrincipleApply: Columbus, OH: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: September 20, 2026 (9 days left to apply): R18650**Job Posting End Date**09-20-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.**Job Summary**Responsible for moderate-scale security assignments with limited direction from senior team members. Develops and maintains necessary documentation of security systems, projects, and/or processes to ensure unified understanding of system details. Evaluates technical, physical, and behavioral safeguards to assess the effectiveness of Human Risk Management controls and training. Identifies and documents potential mitigations/remediations and creates reports of findings with identified risk response. Participates in the review, evaluation, and recommendation of emerging security technologies. More involved in advanced level implementation, support, and/or usage of technical solutions. Assists with problem solving, decision-making, and functional area knowledge.**Job Description****What You’ll Do:****Essential Job Functions & Tasks:*** Participates in security projects/initiatives/incidents; directs security assignments.* Associated tasks: Translates and presents security topics competently to team members and AEP's leaders; Establishes recommendations based on options presented.* Presents security information in a clear and concise manner.* Collaborates on team learning needs and engages in opportunities to increase knowledge in security areas.* Gathers first-hand information on security requirements to find the most cost-effective improvements in security posture.* Research and supplies new opportunities to improve security posture; presents new ideas and approaches.* Manages time and resources efficiently to accommodate multiple assignments.* Formulates most effective work plan and shares with other team members and groups to meet required security objectives.* Communicates the role and expectations of Security in meeting Enterprise Security strategies and requirements.**What We're Looking For:****Security Specialist (SG6)**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 NERC-CIP compliance OR High School Diploma/GED with 4 years relevant experience in IT system administration/help desk, security (cyber or physical) or NERC CIP complianceWork Experience requirement listed below:* One or more years of experience in system administration, help desk, security (cyber or physical) or NERC-CIP compliance in addition to any experience identified above.**Security Specialist Senior (SG7)**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 3 years relevant experience in IT system administration/help desk/security (cyber or physical); OR graduation from an approved Cybersecurity Program; alternatively, may have non-degree qualifications (such as hands-on demonstrated ability in a technical interview/assessment).Work Experience requirement listed below:* 2 or more years of Information Technology related experience; OR 1 or more years of security related experience, which may include military/government work experience in addition to any experience identified above.**Security Specialist Principal (SG8)**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); OR graduation from an approved Cybersecurity Program; alternatively, may have non-degree qualifications (such as hands-on demonstrated ability in a technical interview/assessment).Work Experience requirement listed below:* 4 or more years of Information Technology related experience; OR 2 or more years of security related experience, which may include military/government work experience in addition to any experience identified above.**License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below:*** CISSP or other Security certification preferred**Compensation Data****Compensation Grade:**SP20-008**Compensation Range:**$74,551.00 - $128,688.00The 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.