American Electric Power

Security Specialist - Security Controls Management

American Electric Power$74K — $151K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Risk Management, or related field.
  • Experience in cybersecurity, risk management, or compliance.
  • Experience in security assessments or control testing.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

Responsibilities

  • Assess and enhance the effectiveness of cybersecurity controls.
  • Develop and maintain control documentation and standards.
  • Conduct control testing and validation activities.
  • Support audits by providing compliance evidence and documentation.
  • Produce reports on risk exposure and overall security posture.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Exposure to various cybersecurity frameworks and standards.
  • Engagement in projects to integrate security throughout the project lifecycle.
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date
09-19-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Security Controls Specialist is an individual contributor responsible for assessing, monitoring, and improving the effectiveness of cybersecurity controls across the organization.

This role partners with Technology, Security, Compliance, Audit, and business stakeholders to identify and mitigate risk, evaluate control performance, support regulatory compliance efforts, and strengthen the organization's overall security posture.

The position performs risk-based assessments, develops and maintains control documentation, evaluates control effectiveness, supports audit readiness activities, and drives continuous improvement initiatives through automation, metrics, and operational reporting. The Security Specialist serves as a trusted advisor to stakeholders by translating security requirements into practical, business-focused risk management solutions.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks:

Security Controls Management:
  • Execute and maintain administrative, technical, operational, and detective security controls to ensure consistent performance and regulatory compliance.
  • Evaluate and assess the effectiveness of administrative, technical, operational, and detective security controls.
  • Perform control testing, validation, and monitoring activities to verify compliance with established security requirements.
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance control procedures, standards, and supporting documentation.
  • Identify control gaps, weaknesses, or deficiencies and recommend appropriate remediation strategies.
  • Support implementation of new controls and enhancements to improve operational efficiency and risk reduction.
  • Collaborate with business and technology teams to ensure controls remain effective as systems and processes evolve.


Compliance & Audit Readiness:
  • Support internal and external audits by producing evidence, validating control execution, and coordinating stakeholder responses.
  • Maintain audit-ready documentation and supporting artifacts.
  • Assist with regulatory compliance activities aligned to applicable frameworks and standards.
  • Review controls for ongoing compliance and identify opportunities for process improvement and automation.
  • Participate in audit remediation activities and corrective action tracking.


Monitoring, Metrics & Reporting:
  • Develop and maintain security control metrics, dashboards, and reporting capabilities.
  • Analyze trends and control performance data to identify areas requiring management attention.
  • Partner with data and reporting teams to automate evidence collection and control monitoring activities.
  • Produce reports that communicate risk exposure, compliance status, remediation progress, and overall security posture.
  • Support the development of meaningful and repeatable performance indicators for security controls and compliance programs.


Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Serve as a liaison between cybersecurity, operational technology, technology support teams, and business stakeholders.
  • Provide consultative guidance on security requirements, control implementation, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Educate stakeholders on security processes, controls, risk management principles, and compliance obligations.
  • Support projects and initiatives by integrating security requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Build strong partnerships that promote a risk-aware and security-focused culture.


Required Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Risk Management, Business, or a related field.
  • Associates degree with 2 years relevant experience in security (cyber or physical)
  • Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
  • Experience in cybersecurity, risk management, compliance, audit, or security controls management.
  • Experience performing security assessments, risk analysis, or control testing activities.
  • Experience supporting regulatory compliance or audit programs.
  • Experience working with cross-functional technology and business teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong analytical and critical-thinking ability.
  • Ability to investigate handle sensitive and confidential information.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Risk Management, Business, or a related field.
  • Security governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) principles.
  • Security control frameworks and assessment methodologies.
  • Security monitoring and reporting processes.
  • Risk assessment and remediation practices.
  • Audit readiness and evidence management.
  • Knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as NERC CIP, NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, CIS Controls, ISO 27001, or similar frameworks is preferred.
  • Risk analysis and critical thinking
  • Security controls assessment
  • Analytical problem solving
  • Technical and business communication
  • Regulatory compliance knowledge
  • Stakeholder relationship management
  • Process improvement and automation
  • Report writing and presentation skills
  • Continuous improvement mindset


What We're Looking For:

Security Spec (SG6)

Education and Work Experience requirements are listed below:
  • Bachelor's degree OR Associates degree with one-year relevant experience in system administration/help desk/security (cyber or physical) OR High School Diploma/GED with 2 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).No additional experience required in addition to experience identified above.


Security Spec Sr (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 Spec Prin (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.


Security Spec Lead (SG9)

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.


Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-006

Compensation Range:

$74,551.00 - $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.

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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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