American Electric Power

Security Spec Lead

American Electric Power$116K — $151K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in Information Technology or 5+ years in security roles is required.
  • Strong understanding of adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
  • Experience with security monitoring technologies such as SIEM, EDR, NDR.
  • Current government security clearance or ability to obtain one is necessary.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is mandatory.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, test, and deploy security detections across various platforms.
  • Translate threat intelligence into actionable detection content.
  • Create and enhance detection rules and alerting mechanisms.
  • Tune existing detections to improve accuracy and reduce alert fatigue.
  • Collaborate with other cybersecurity teams to enhance detection effectiveness.
  • Develop use cases for emerging threats and adversarial behaviors.
  • Automate detection engineering workflows when applicable.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and certification reimbursement.
  • Participation in industry-leading tabletop exercises and purple team activities.
  • Access to a collaborative work environment with experienced cybersecurity professionals.
  • Support for work-life balance and flexibility in work arrangements.
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date
09-05-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Detection Engineer to join our Cybersecurity Intelligence and Defense team. The Detection Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, tuning, and maintaining threat detection capabilities across enterprise environments. This role works closely with Threat Intelligence Analysts, Threat Hunters, Incident Responders, and Security Operations Center (SOC) personnel to identify emerging threats and improve the organization's ability to detect malicious activity.

Job Description

The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), security monitoring technologies, and data analysis. This individual will play a critical role in advancing detection coverage, reducing false positives, and improving overall cyber resilience.

What you'll do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks
  • Design, develop, test, and deploy security detections across SIEM, EDR, NDR, cloud, and other security platforms.
  • Translate threat intelligence and threat hunting findings into actionable detection content.
  • Create and maintain detection rules, correlation searches, behavioral analytics, and alerting mechanisms.
  • Tune existing detections to improve fidelity and reduce alert fatigue.
  • Map detections to the MITRE ATT&CK framework and identify coverage gaps.
  • Collaborate with Threat Hunting and Incident Response teams to improve detection effectiveness.
  • Develop use cases and detection strategies for emerging threats and adversary behaviors.
  • Analyze security telemetry from endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and identity providers.
  • Measure and report on detection performance, effectiveness, and coverage.
  • Support purple team exercises, tabletop exercises, and adversary emulation activities.
  • Maintain documentation, detection standards, and engineering processes.
  • Automate detection engineering workflows where appropriate.


Nice to have:

Licenses and Certifications: CSFA, GCCC, GCDA, GCED, GCFA, GCFE, GCIA, GCIH, GCIP, GCTI, GDAT, GICSP, GMON, GOSI, GREM, GRID, GSOM, GXPN, OSCP, OSEE, Treadstone Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst/Certified Threat Counterintelligence Analyst, CERT Incident Response Process Professional, CREST Certified Host Intrusion Analyst, CREST Certified Incident manager, CREST Certified malware Reverse Engineer, CREST Certified Network Intrusion Analyst, CREST Certified Threat Intelligence Manager

Experience: Demonstrable experience in one or more of the following disciplines:
  • Detection Engineer
  • Incident Response Analyst
  • CIRC/SOC Lead
  • Threat Intelligence or Counterintelligence Analyst
  • Cyber Threat Hunt Analyst
  • Malware Reverse Engineer
  • Clearance: Current government security clearance or ability to obtain a security clearance at a minimum of the Secret level.


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 NERC CIP compliance; 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 Cyber Security Program; alternatively, may have non-degree qualifications (such as hands-on demonstrated ability in a technical interview/assessment).

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; OR NERC-CIP compliance in addition to any experience identified above.


Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

The 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.

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About American Electric Power

American Electric Power generates, transmits, and distributes electricity, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers nationwide. AEP serves millions of customers across 11 states. It operates in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, providing power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. AEP generates electricity using diverse sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy like wind and solar. The company maintains a vast transmission network that delivers electricity from power plants to local distribution systems, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. AEP is actively involved in renewable energy initiatives, investing in wind farms and solar facilities to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, the company engages in community outreach, supporting education, environmental conservation, and various social initiatives.

American Electric Power Careers

Join the dynamic team at American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, and ignite your career with a company known for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the energy sector.

Opportunities Await

At AEP, we offer a multitude of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional interests. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, our diverse range of employment options ensures that there's a place for every ambitious individual in our team.

Grow and Innovate

Embark on a journey of growth and professional development with AEP. Our company is at the forefront of the energy industry’s transformation, integrating sustainable and innovative practices that not only lead the market but also contribute to a greener planet. Engage in work that challenges the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the energy sector.

Culture and Benefits

AEP is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued. We offer competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From comprehensive health benefits to professional development programs and diversity training, AEP ensures that our team is equipped for both personal and professional success.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AEP internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities that pave the way for future employment. Interns at AEP work on real projects, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of energy.

Leadership and Development

Leadership at AEP means more than guiding teams – it involves inspiring change and driving innovation. With leadership development programs, employees are prepared to take on challenging roles that shape the future of the company and the industry. Our focus on leadership and continuous improvement creates an environment where ambitious professionals can thrive.

Join Our Team

Explore the career possibilities at American Electric Power today. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are constantly hiring new talent and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a company where your career can flourish.

Stay Connected

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Explore American Electric Power Jobs

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, AEP offers a dynamic work environment where innovation, leadership, and growth are part of everyday life. Join us in powering a new and brighter future for everyone.
Learn more about American Electric Power
Size
16,688 employees
Market Cap
$48.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.2 billion
Founded
1906
5 Year Trend
+0.5%
Revenue
$14.9 billion
NASDAQ

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