Information Technology Specialist 5 - Information Security Engineer

Information Technology Specialist 5 - Information Security Engineer

Salary: $79,601.60 - $122,428.80 Annually

Location: Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Management (DOM), Division of Information Technology (DoIT), is seeking an Information Technology Specialist 5 - Information Security Engineer to join the team and play a critical role in safeguarding the organization's IT infrastructure and sensitive data from evolving cyber threats.

This dynamic position involves managing advanced security systems such as SIEM and IDS, overseeing cloud security measures, supporting the Security Operations Center (SOC), and contributing to security strategy through continuous monitoring, incident response, and best practice implementation. Strong analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and support security infrastructure including SIEM, IDS, and other SOC systems, ensuring accurate log collection and reliable operation.
• Implement and review cloud and on-premise security platforms, applying best practices and responding to security incidents to protect organizational assets.
• Provide technical support, configuration, and coordination to ensure optimal performance of the SIEM/SOAR system.
• Develop and manage configurations, procedures, and log feeds, including data retention policies and alerting mechanisms.
• Collaborate with agencies, vendors, and stakeholders to collect, validate, and distribute log data across enterprise cybersecurity tools.
• Deliver user training and create comprehensive documentation to support proper system use and operational procedures.
• Maintain and support SOC tools and other security platforms, ensuring optimal performance, availability, and technical accuracy through regular maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting in collaboration with internal teams and vendors.
• Provide technical guidance and training to SOC analysts and stakeholders on system configurations, processes, and implementation of effective alerting and reporting.
• Support and maintain security platforms and systems by providing backup coverage, coordinating with stakeholders during upgrades, and ensuring timely issue resolution to minimize operational downtime.
• Support and secure enterprise cloud platforms by providing technical expertise, conducting security reviews, and collaborating with SOC analysts.
• Advise management on emerging information security threats, trends, and technologies while supporting incident response efforts and recommending tools and best practices to enhance organizational security.

Working Arrangement:

This position requires onsite work in Des Moines, IA each week. Employees meeting all expectations of their work responsibilities may request remote work and develop a hybrid/remote schedule collaboratively with their manager.

Please note, candidates for this position must reside in the state of Iowa at the time of starting the role.

Employer Highlights:

The Department of Management, Division of Information Technology provides adaptable, secure, and cost-effective technology services and solutions to support the agencies across the State of Iowa, trusted partners, and citizens. We are responsible for managing all IT assets, projects, and resources to deliver top-tier technology support and expertise across the enterprise. Our strength is driven by the skills, talents, and diversity of our people.

We have a great total compensation package for all our full-time employees, including:

• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC)
• Flexible Working Environment- Work from Home Opportunities
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

Background Check Requirements:

After a conditional offer of employment has been made, and as the final step in the hiring process, candidates for this position will be subject to a background investigation, which may include but not be limited to a verification of a candidate's education, previous employment/work history, contact of personal references, motor vehicle records, and a criminal history check (including through Federal, State, or Local criminal justice agencies).

Selectives:

• 717 Security Administration:
• 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in building and maintaining skillset and knowledge base for security issues that impact information technology systems.
• AND
• 716 Penetration Testing:
• 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in testing information technology system vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access.
• AND
• 714 Vulnerability Testing:
• 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in assessing and analyzing information technology systems for weaknesses and misconfigurations.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in: operating a multi-job computer; installing, operating, and coordinating computer-based networks; installing/maintaining database management systems; developing business application processes; developing/operating system programs; installing/maintaining personal computers, Local Area Networks, and/or servers; managing operating systems; developing/delivering information management training; providing Information Technology (IT) customer service; designing/administering websites; or executing technology projects (e.g., systems analysis, requirements, design, development, and testing).

2) All of the following (a and b):

a. Three years of full-time work experience in: operating a multi-job computer; installing, operating, and coordinating computer-based networks; installing/maintaining database management systems; developing business application processes; developing/operating system programs; installing/maintaining personal computers, Local Area Networks, and/or servers; managing operating systems; developing/delivering information management training; providing Information Technology (IT) customer service; designing/administering websites; or executing technology projects (e.g., systems analysis, requirements, design, development, and testing); and

b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Three years of full-time work experience in: operating a multi-job computer; installing, operating, and coordinating computer-based networks; installing/maintaining database management systems; developing business application processes; developing/operating system programs; installing/maintaining personal computers, Local Area Networks, and/or servers; managing operating systems; developing/delivering information management training; providing Information Technology (IT) customer service; designing/administering websites; or executing technology projects (e.g., systems analysis, requirements, design, development, and testing); and

b. Certification by an authorized educational institution/major computer or software producer in an area directly related to one of the computer specialty fields described in part a.

4) All of the following (a and b):

a. Three years of full-time work experience in: operating a multi-job computer; installing, operating, and coordinating computer-based networks; installing/maintaining database management systems; developing business application processes; developing/operating system programs; installing/maintaining personal computers, Local Area Networks, and/or servers; managing operating systems; developing/delivering information management training; providing Information Technology (IT) customer service; designing/administering websites; or executing technology projects (e.g., systems analysis, requirements, design, development, and testing); and

b. Eighteen semester hours of accredited post-high-school coursework in one of the specialty fields described in part a.

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of fulltime work as an Information Technology Specialist 4.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.