American Electric Power

Security Spec Sr

American Electric Power$87K — $109K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in physical security systems or compliance programs.
  • Experience with enterprise security technologies like access control and video surveillance.
  • Strong analytical skills for data management and compliance documentation.
  • Project coordination abilities in a dynamic environment.
  • Bachelor's degree or relevant technical experience in IT or security.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate compliance activities, including audits and testing.
  • Support administration of security technology platforms.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet security program needs.
  • Identify and escalate compliance risks and operational concerns.
  • Enhance compliance processes and practices.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-disciplinary team interactions.
  • Opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation in security practices.
  • Engagement in a large-scale enterprise security program.
  • Access to training and development in security technologies.
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date
09-07-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

American Electric Power (AEP) is seeking a Senior Security Specialist to support enterprise physical security systems, regulatory compliance programs, security reporting, and operational performance management.

This position serves as a technical and compliance lead for Physical Security, with responsibility for administering security technology platforms, managing compliance activities, maintaining regulatory documentation, supporting audits, tracking mitigation plans, overseeing preventive maintenance programs, and developing operational and compliance reporting.

The successful candidate will work closely with Physical Security, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Operations, Telecommunications, Regulatory Compliance, and external stakeholders to ensure security systems and programs remain secure, reliable, compliant, and audit-ready.

Job Description

The ideal candidate is a highly organized security professional who combines strong technical skills with compliance, reporting, and program management expertise. Success in this role requires the ability to manage regulatory obligations, maintain audit-ready documentation, administer security systems, track mitigation and maintenance activities, and transform complex data into meaningful operational and compliance reporting.

This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys owning processes, managing details, solving problems, and using data to drive accountability and continuous improvement across a large enterprise security program.

What you'll do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks
  • Coordinate recurring compliance activities, including reviews, testing, certifications, tabletop exercises, and evidence retention.
  • Support physical security systems and processes related to access control, monitoring, preventive maintenance, recovery planning, and configuration documentation.
  • Work with security leadership, compliance teams, field personnel, vendors, IT, telecom, cybersecurity, and operations teams to support program requirements.
  • Identify documentation gaps, operational concerns, or compliance risks and escalate them through appropriate channels.
  • Support continuous improvement of physical security compliance processes, procedures, and evidence management practices.

Physical Security Systems Administration
  • Administer and support enterprise Physical Access Control Systems (PACS), Video Management Systems (VMS), intrusion detection systems, and related security technologies.
  • Configure and maintain system settings, badge access levels, user accounts, roles, permissions, workflows, and integrations.
  • Support system upgrades, testing, troubleshooting, patching, maintenance, and lifecycle management.
  • Coordinate issue resolution and technical improvements with vendors, contractors, and internal partners.


Compliance, Audits, and Governance
  • Lead annual reviews and updates of physical security policies, procedures, standards, and compliance documentation.
  • Coordinate compliance activities associated with NERC CIP, MARSEC, FAA, TSA, FERC, and corporate security requirements, as applicable.
  • Manage compliance evidence, audit records, corrective actions, mitigation plans, and regulatory deliverables.
  • Support and participate in internal audits, external audits, assessments, site inspections, and regulatory reviews.
  • Track audit findings, remediation activities, and compliance commitments through closure.


Reporting, Data Analysis, and Program Management
  • Develop, maintain, and analyze operational, compliance, and management reports.
  • Write SQL queries and create reports, dashboards, and data extracts supporting security operations and regulatory requirements.
  • Utilize advanced spreadsheet and reporting tools to analyze trends, track performance, and identify compliance risks.
  • Maintain security metrics, maintenance records, compliance trackers, and executive reporting packages.
  • Ensure data accuracy and integrity across security platforms and related systems.


Security Operations Support
  • Manage tracking and reporting for preventive maintenance testing programs.
  • Support physical security assessments, site reviews, commissioning activities, and operational readiness efforts.
  • Lead tracking and follow-up activities associated with physical security incidents, corrective actions, and mitigation plans.
  • Support security technology projects, modernization initiatives, and process improvement efforts.


Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ (security specialist assoc.), 5+ (security specialist), 7+ years (senior security specialist) of experience supporting physical security systems, compliance programs, security operations, or related technical environments.
  • Experience with enterprise access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and integrated security systems.
  • Experience supporting regulatory compliance programs, audits, inspections, and corrective action management.
  • Demonstrated experience developing procedures, standards, reports, and compliance documentation.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and project coordination skills.
  • Experience managing large volumes of operational, compliance, and performance data.


Technical Skills Preferred
  • Lenel OnGuard administration experience preferred.
  • SQL query development and report writing.
  • Microsoft SQL Server experience.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, Power Query, dashboards, formulas, and data analysis.
  • Power BI or similar reporting and visualization tools.
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) administration.
  • Security system integrations and data interfaces.
  • Working knowledge of TCP/IP networking and system communications.
  • ServiceNow dashboard development skills.


What We're Looking For:

Education requirements are listed below:
  • Bachelor's Degree; OR associate degree with 2 years of relevant experience in system administration, help desk, cybersecurity, or physical security; OR High School Diploma/GED with 3 years of relevant experience in IT system administration, help desk, cybersecurity, or physical security; OR Graduation from an approved Cybersecurity Program; OR Equivalent hands-on technical experience demonstrated through assessment and technical evaluation.


Work Experience requirement listed below:
  • 2+ years of Information Technology related experience; OR 1+ years of security-related experience, which may include military or government service.


The ideal candidate is a technically skilled security professional who can balance day-to-day operational support with long-term strategic improvements while ensuring reliable, secure, and compliant physical security services across the organization. For a Senior-level opportunity, a target of 7+ years of applicable experience is strongly preferred.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-007

Compensation Range:

$87,633.00 - $109,543.00

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.

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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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