Senior Security Engineer
The Security Engineer supports and strengthens OIST’s information security operations, helping protect institutional systems, data, and research activities. The role operates security controls, responds to incidents, and contributes to improving security practices and maturity across the organization.
Working within the information security team, the Security Engineer collaborates with technical and nontechnical stakeholders to manage security risks, support incident response, and embed security into day-to-day operations in line with recognized standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Reporting to the Information Security Manager, the Security Engineer ensures the ongoing delivery and improvement of OIST’s information security program.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.
English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
- Operate and improve security controls and tools, including monitoring, endpoint protection, and identity‑related services
- Monitor, investigate, and respond to security alerts and incidents
- Lead or support incident response activities, including analysis and follow‑up actions
- Manage vulnerability findings and support risk mitigation with system owners
- Maintain security documentation, procedures, and operational reports
- Work with internal teams and external partners to support secure systems and services
- Contribute to security awareness and training activities
- Support continuous improvement of security operations and practices
(Required)
- 4–7+ years of relevant experience in information security, IT operations, risk management, or a related technical field
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Practical experience with security operations, such as monitoring, incident response, or vulnerability management
- Business‑level English communication skills, with the ability to work in an international environment
(Preferred)
- Experience with enterprise security tools, such as SIEM, endpoint protection, Microsoft 365 security features, or identity‑related platforms
- Broad understanding of security domains such as incident response, access control, vulnerability management, and risk management
- Information security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CISA) or progress toward certification
- Japanese language skills are an advantage
- Experience working in a multicultural or international organization
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations(IT2).
Benefits:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Remote Work System
- Curriculum vitae in English
* Up to 2 references may be requested during the final interview stage.
* Please click APPLY HERE to be redirected to our application platform (Interfolio) and follow the instructions there to upload the required documents.
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential in accordance to the OIST Privacy Policy; documents will not be returned.
- Recruiting Organization: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology School Corporation
- Prevention of Passive Smoking: No smoking indoors
- Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities: Rules for Concurrent Appointment.
- Further details about the University can be viewed on our website.
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years.
Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive).
This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.