Fast Facts

WGU is seeking a Staff Application Security Engineer to lead efforts in securing applications and infrastructure, mentoring junior analysts, and collaborating with teams to enhance security posture.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include analyzing security threats, consulting on best practices, leading remediation efforts, mentoring staff, and evaluating security tools.

Skills: Required skills include strong knowledge of information security, advanced communication abilities, and experience in multiple security domains; CISSP certification is preferred.

Qualifications: Candidates should have over 8 years of information security experience, including at least 4 years in application security, with relevant certifications and experience considered.

Location: This is a full-time position located in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Compensation: $140200 - $217200 / Annually

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Technical 410Pay Range: $140,200.00 - $217,200.00

Job Description

The Staff IT Security Analyst is a position of technical expertise and leadership in the security technology function. They will use their knowledge of current security methods and standards to gather operational information and access and analyze tools, systems, and processes in defense of applications, systems, and networks and collaborate with Infrastructure and business teams. They will act as a lead support role for the IT Security team and provide mentorship to lower level analysts. They will also engage in the support of security focused tools and services. In addition, they may be asked to assist with risk assessments, forensics analysis, data collection, user training and other security related tasks.

Our Information Security team is dedicated to safeguarding WGU’s systems, applications, and networks in an ever-changing security landscape. We thrive on collaboration and innovation, working together to protect critical assets and ensure a secure environment for students and staff.  As a Staff Application Security Engineer, you will play a key role in defending WGU’s applications and infrastructure. You’ll leverage your advanced knowledge of security methods and standards to assess tools, systems, and processes; mentor security engineers and software developers; and lead efforts to strengthen our security posture. 

What You’ll Do 

• Analyze projects, systems, processes, and future initiatives to identify actual and potential security threats and identify requirements and recommendations to mitigate them.
• Consult with business units on security best practices and approaches at all project and system phases – from ideation, architecture, design, build, deployment, and maintenance through retirement.
• Identify, contextualize, articulate, and communicate security risk issues.
• Lead or coordinate efforts to remediate security issues across multiple security domains.
• Work with project and development teams to integrate the security lifecycle into their system and product development lifecycles.
• Mentor security, technology, and development staff to continually elevate security awareness and practices.
• Design, build, and use security policies, standards, tools, and processes. 
• Develop and maintain documentation for security systems and processes. 
• Evaluate, select, test, and implement security-focused products and services. 

What You’ll Bring 

• CISSP certification or equivalent knowledge and experience
• 8+ years of Information Security experience, with at least 4 in application security-specific roles
• Meaningful experience in multiple information security domains
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• The ability to forge positive and constructive relationships with individuals and organizations outside the Security team
• An innate understanding of the importance of, and demonstrated experience in aligning and managing customer expectations
• Ability to work effectively in both conceptual/architectural and technical implementation roles

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience with integration and automation of security tools. 
• Familiarity with cloud security practices and modern DevSecOps methodologies. 

Experience in Lieu of Education

Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential job functions may substitute for educational requirements. One year of relevant experience equals one year of education when evaluated by the hiring manager.

What to Expect

At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations, practical problem-solving, and authentic collaboration.

We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission. If selected, candidates will hear from a recruiter or hiring manager who will guide them through the process. We aim to communicate decisions promptly and respectfully.

Interview Steps

• Introductory call with the Talent Partner
• Interview with the hiring leader
• Technical interview with a senior team member

Work Location

This is a full-time, in-office position at WGU’s office in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Visa Sponsorship

While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

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Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.