Senior IT Security Engineer

About The Role:

The Senior IT Security Engineer is a hands-on, cross-functional role within VentureWell’s Information Technology (IT) team, responsible for both secure systems engineering and cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). This role owns the security and reliability of VentureWell’s macOS fleet, SaaS ecosystem, and cloud infrastructure while supporting compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Level 2.

This role is both strategic and execution-focused, requiring the ability to think holistically about how VentureWell’s systems and security posture should evolve, while also rolling up your sleeves to implement, support and continuously improve those systems in day-to-day operations.

You will proactively identify gaps and opportunities to strengthen security and system reliability and scalability, helping to mature VentureWell’s IT and security practices as the organization grows.

This position is ideal for someone who is equally comfortable engineering systems, securing them, and documenting how and why they are secured. You will work closely with IT leadership to implement security-by-design practices, respond to incidents, maintain audit readiness, and serve as a senior escalation point for complex technical and security issues.

You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, managing priorities across multiple systems and initiatives while balancing immediate operational needs with longer-term improvements.

Responsibilities:

Systems Engineering & IT Operations (40–45% of time)

• Manage VentureWell’s device fleet (macOS, iOS, iPadOS) using Jamf, including configuration profiles, patching, encryption enforcement, and endpoint hardening
• Configure, administer, and secure SaaS platforms including Google Workspace, Okta, Slack, Zoom, Salesforce, Box, and BetterCloud, including integrations and lifecycle management
• Administer and maintain cloud-based systems and services (including AWS), partnering with vendors and internal teams to ensure uptime and security
• Serve as the escalation point for complex technical issues related to SaaS platforms, device management, identity systems, and integrations
• Maintain a transparent, documented SaaS application inventory and support software request review, vetting, and decision documentation
• Develop and maintain SOPs and technical documentation for systems, integrations, and operational processes
• Identify opportunities to improve system architecture, scalability, and reliability across SaaS and cloud environments and lead implementation of those improvements
• Evaluate and recommend new tools, technologies and integrations to enhance system performance, security and operational efficiency
• Drive continuous improvement of IT systems and processes, balancing day-to-day operational support with longer-term optimization initiatives

Security Operations & Threat Management (25–30% of time)

• Monitor and respond to security alerts, vulnerability findings, and threat intelligence across endpoint, SaaS, and cloud environments
• Perform root cause analysis on security incidents and recommend corrective actions
• Manage endpoint security tooling and monitoring (e.g., Jamf Protect) and integrate telemetry with logging platforms (e.g., Datadog, CloudWatch)
• Lead vulnerability scans, penetration test coordination, and remediation tracking
• Review logs and security reports to identify risks, trends, and required remediation
• Proactively identify security gaps, risks and emerging threats and implement improvements to strengthen VentureWell’s overall security posture
• Continuously enhance monitoring, detection and response capabilities across endpoint, SaaS and cloud environments
• Partner with internal team members to priorities and remediate vulnerabilities based on risk, business impact and organizational priorities 

Governance, Risk & Compliance (30% of time)

• Support implementation and ongoing maintenance of NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Level 2 controls
• Maintain and update the System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
• Draft, review, and maintain security policies, standards, baselines, and procedures
• Conduct Security Impact Analyses (SIA) for system changes, integrations, or architectural decisions
• Coordinate evidence collection and support internal and external audits
• Ensure secure configuration baselines are defined, documented, and reviewed on a regular basis
• Identify gaps in existing controls and lead efforts to strengthen and mature VentureWell’s compliance and security frameworks
• Translate compliance requirements (i.e. NIST 800-171, CMMC) into scalable, practical technical and operational solutions
• Drive continuous improvement of documentation, policies and control implementation to support audit readiness and long-term program maturity 

What You Bring:

Experience & Skills

• 7+ years of experience in IT systems engineering, security engineering, or a combined role
• Practical experience implementing or supporting cybersecurity compliance frameworks, particularly NIST 800-171 and/or CMMC
• Strong hands-on experience using Jamf to manage macOS environments, including policy creation and enforcement 
• Experience administering SaaS platforms such as Google Workspace, Okta, Slack, Zoom, Salesforce, and Box
• Experience managing or securing Linux-based systems (Ubuntu, CentOS) in cloud environments
• Working knowledge of scripting or automation (Bash, Python, or similar)
• Strong understanding of security principles including least privilege, defense in depth, and zero trust
• Experience with vulnerability management, log aggregation, and monitoring/SIEM tools
• Ability to clearly document technical configurations, security controls, and processes
• Proven ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and drive initiatives forward with minimal oversight
• Ability to identify gaps and recommend scalable solutions to improve security posture, system reliability and operational efficiency
• Demonstrated ability to balance hands-on operational support with longer-term system and security improvements

Preferred Certifications (one or more)

• Jamf 200, 300, or 370 (Endpoint Security Admin)
• CompTIA Security+ 
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty 
• GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) or Security Essentials (GSEC)
• ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) or CISSP (Associate)
• Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) or NIST 800-171 Implementer 
• Google Professional Workspace Administrator

Across the Board, VentureWell Staff:

• Are able to succeed and thrive in an environment with competing and changing priorities and tight deadlines
• Have track records of and ability to build solid collaborative working relationships, and are proven team players who enjoy a “customer service” orientation to collaboration
• Are committed to embedding equity for all in our internal practices and culture and in our programs in order to live and achieve our mission
• Bring openness and engagement to personal, professional, and organization-wide learning
• Are curious and committed to issues of environmental sustainability
• Are self-starters with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work 
• Are active learners who independently learn new tools and work processes quickly
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills

Our Benefits*:

• An attractive and equitable compensation package, including: 
• a salary range of $115,000 - $140,000 commensurate with experience and internal equity
• 403 (b) with 200% match up to a maximum contribution from VentureWell of 10% when the employee puts in 5% (eligible after one year of service for the match)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• $1,000 home office stipend upon hire

• A true focus on work-life balance with work weeks that reflect that
• It’s our aim for our employees in this position to not work more than a 40-hour workweek 
• 20 paid vacation days
• 12 paid holidays 
• 12 paid wellness days 

*Benefits are reviewed each fiscal year and may be subject to change.

What We Offer:

• A culture where people work intentionally and collaboratively in pursuit of our mission  
• Values we believe in

About VentureWell: 

VentureWell supports the cultivation of science and technology inventors and the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems critical to their success. Since its founding in 1995, VentureWell has funded or trained over 20,500 early-stage science and technology inventors and innovators, resulting in the emergence of more than 6,700+ ventures with groundbreaking technological advancements in fields like biomedicine and healthcare, sustainable energy and materials, and solutions for low-resource settings. The ventures it has supported have raised subsequent funds totaling more than $9.0 billion and are reaching millions of people globally.

Visit venturewell.org to learn more.