IT Security Engineer

The Virginia Tech Transportation institute seeks an IT Security Engineer to join our IT team to help lead/support efforts pertaining to information security and IT operations. Working within a scientific research environment, this unique position will need cybersecurity expertise to build on existing DevOps practices in the support of VTTI’s research. This role will be responsible for implementation of security controls/tools and collaborating on system design to meet security and continuity of operations objectives. They will assist VTTI’s Information Security Officer with incident response, information security education and training, policy development, establishing controls and methods pertaining to data sharing, risk assessment, and other information security matters providing a crossover role with the Sys Admin team. As such, this position will provide expertise to researchers and staff in evaluating, implementing and troubleshooting software and hardware systems in support of VTTI operations and research. The successful candidate will be engaged in designing and implementing research computing clusters, petabyte scale storage, and supporting services.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate strong customer service and interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently with minimal supervision. Familiarity with IT security issues, risk analysis, and compliance is required. Familiarity with federal requirements and related formal documentation is ideal.

Directions given and Received:
-Independently performs most assignments with instructions on global objectives and general results expected.
-Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgement.
-Position may supervise/mentor/provide training and coordinate the work of research assistants, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.

Duties and responsibilities:
-Work closely with the Information Security Officer to implement and improve the IT security plan.
-Lead information security operations, particularly pertaining to incident response, forensics, centralized logging, etc.
-Perform system administration duties, oversee occasional operation and maintenance activities.
-Oversee development of documentation and standards for continuity of operations, risk analysis and mitigation procedures.
-Work with center faculty and staff to establish standards and controls for data sharing and management.
-Establish an institute-wide information security training program, working with and supervising other IT professionals to implement this program.
-Contribute to proposal and report development, especially as it pertains to matters of data management and information security.
-Maintain knowledgebase of information security policy, legislation, and advisories, and vulnerabilities; disseminate throughout VTTI IT team and VTTI researchers as appropriate.