Security Specialist - Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center
Carnegie Mellon University · PA · Posted 2026-09-03
Job description
Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here! The Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center (PSC) a joint research center of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, was established in 1986, and for over 30 years has provided university, government, and industrial researchers with access to several of the most powerful systems for advanced computational research, communications, and data storage available to scientists, engineers and scholars nationwide for unclassified research. PSC advances science across a wide spectrum of fields, including artificial intelligence / machine learning, medical imaging, weather modeling, cell biology, and genomics. We are seeking an Information Security Compliance Specialist. This is a per diem, hourly position that leads the planning, coordination, and execution of a structured effort to bring the Center’s data center facility and computing systems into alignment with applicable federal, sponsor, and regulatory information security requirements. This position evaluates current security posture, identifies gaps, develops and drives a prioritized remediation plan, and produces the policies, documentation, and evidence needed to demonstrate compliance. The position serves as a subject matter expert and an advisor to technical staff and senior management on cybersecurity risk, governance, and compliance, and works on a flexible, as-needed schedule. Core Responsibilities: Assess the security posture of facilities, systems, and operational processes against applicable federal, sponsor, and regulatory requirements, and document findings and associated risks. Develop, maintain, and drive a prioritized remediation plan, including scope definition, gap analyses, milestones, schedules, and resource estimates. Author and maintain security policies, standards, system security documentation, and supporting procedures. Coordinate with system administrators, engineers, and project staff to implement, validate, and document required security controls. Advise management on compliance obligations, risks, cost and schedule trade-offs, and assessment readiness. Track and report progress to stakeholders and maintain organized, audit-ready records and evidence. Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work. Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Information Assurance, or related field, e.g., Electrical Engineering. Master's Degree preferred Preferred: CISSP, CISA, CISM, or comparable professional information security certification. Five (5) years in Information security or cybersecurity compliance experience in a regulated, research, or high-performance computing environment Experience implementing federal security control frameworks (e.g., CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53), conducting gap assessments, authoring system security documentation, and preparing organizations for formal security assessment or audit. A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered. Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits. Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more! For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page. At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations. Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today! Location Pittsburgh, PA Job Function Systems Administration and Support Position Type Staff – Regular Full Time/Part time Part time Pay Basis Hourly More Information: Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. Click here to view a listing of employee benefits Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. Statement of Assurance