CyberSecurity AI Engineer

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities. The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work. The Cybersecurity AI Engineer at Nelnet plays a critical role in securing the organizationu2019s AI/ML infrastructure and applications. This position works at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and operations, focusing on protecting machine learning models, LLMs, data pipelines, and associated services from evolving threats. The ideal candidate combines expertise in security engineering with a deep understanding of AI technologies, and partners across IT, security, and data science teams to implement resilient, compliant, and secure AI solutions. This role requires strong technical acumen, practical problem-solving, and a forward-thinking mindset to defend next-generation AI systems. You will: u2022 Monitor, evaluate, and enhance the security posture of AI/ML systems, APIs, and model-serving environments. u2022 Implement detection mechanisms to identify adversarial AI threats such as model abuse, prompt injection, data poisoning, and model theft. u2022 Collaborate with development, operations, and SOC teams to secure AI environments throughout the lifecycle. u2022 Automate threat detection and remediation workflows related to AI misuse. u2022 Evaluate and integrate AI security tools and model governance solutions. u2022 Contribute to the design and implementation of AI-specific threat models and control frameworks. u2022 Stay current on emerging threats to AI systems and participate in blue/red/purple team exercises involving LLMs and AI services. AI and Security Engineering u00b7 Secure AI/ML model development and deployment environments (e.g., LLMs, vector databases, training pipelines). u00b7 Create automated tools to detect and mitigate AI-related threats (e.g., anomalous model outputs, prompt injections). u00b7 Perform adversarial testing and threat modeling of AI systems. u00b7 Support logging, monitoring, and alerting for AI/ML environments integrated with SIEM/XDR platforms. u00b7 Participate in the design of model access controls, encryption, and governance enforcement. u00b7 Assist in the development and enforcement of AI-related security policies and procedures. Innovation u00b7 Challenge legacy assumptions and recommend innovative, AI-native security approaches. u00b7 Identify short- and long-term strategies for securing AI assets that drive business value. u00b7 Develop security prototypes and proof-of-concepts for emerging AI architectures. u00b7 Stay current on adversarial ML research and translate findings into actionable defenses. Agility u00b7 Adapt to the rapidly evolving AI landscape and emerging threat vectors. u00b7 Navigate ambiguity in AI risk management and compliance controls. u00b7 Help business and technical partners adjust to changes in AI security requirements. u00b7 Be responsive and adaptive during incidents involving AI systems. Problem Solving u00b7 Investigate complex security incidents involving AI-generated outputs or manipulated inputs. u00b7 Apply critical thinking to defend against novel AI abuse cases. u00b7 Develop layered mitigation strategies across models, APIs, and infrastructure. u00b7 Own problem resolution end-to-end. Collaboration u00b7 Partner with SOC analysts, developers, AI engineers, and red teams to defend AI systems. u00b7 Lead threat modeling and tabletop exercises focused on AI threat scenarios. u00b7 Mentor peers on emerging risks and best practices in AI/ML security. u00b7 Foster cross-functional alignment to integrate AI security in enterprise roadmaps. Communication Skills u00b7 Translate technical AI security issues into business risk language for stakeholders. u00b7 Write clear documentation for AI detection rules, playbooks, and findings. u00b7 Present AI threat scenarios and mitigation strategies to technical and non-technical audiences. Strategic Focus u00b7 Align AI security efforts with Nelnetu2019s business, compliance, and technology goals. u00b7 Act as a trusted advisor on AI governance, LLM access, and model risk. u00b7 Anticipate future regulatory requirements around AI usage and safety. u00b7 Deliver security solutions that balance innovation and operational integrity. Pay Range for this role is - $100,000 -$135,000 EDUCATION: Knowledge equivalent to the completion of a Bacheloru2019s degree in Computer Science or a related field of study. EXPERIENCE: + 3u20135 years in a cybersecurity, security engineering, or threat detection role. + Hands-on experience with machine learning systems, LLMs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, or open-source models), or AI/ML platforms (e.g., SageMaker, Azure ML, Vertex AI). + Familiarity with adversarial machine learning concepts, model risk, or AI red teaming is preferred. + Experience with SIEM platforms, threat detection tools, or security automation frameworks. + Experience in application security, DevSecOps, or secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) is a plus. COMPETENCIES u2013 SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES: Needs: + Knowledge of security, control and computer technology. + Knowledge of how to lead and/or motivate others. + Knowledge of and ability to apply concepts of statistics and probability to identify and address problems, trends, and relationships in work related data. + Knowledge of at least one computer development language, methodology, and techniques. + Familiarity and understanding of AI system architectures and security implications. + Scripting or development experience in Python or similar languages. + Knowledge of AI-specific threat frameworks (e.g., MITRE ATLAS, OWASP LLM Top 10). + Strong investigative skills and comfort working with logs, telemetry, and alerts. + Ability to work across teams and lead cross-functional security initiatives. + Familiarity and experience with various regulations governing IT environments. + Familiarity with regulatory and ethical frameworks around AI security and model governance. + Familiarity and experience with infrastructure deployment and systems administration + Excellent organizational, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills + Ability to effectively assess and communicate risks and appropriate levels of urgency to management and engineering staff + Aptitude for self-study, setting and achieving long term goals + Actively seeks to remain technically current and increase expertise and abilities + Challenges prevailing assumptions when appropriate + Willing to adapt to changing technology and business landscapes + Considers change as opportunities to be challenged and grow + Ability to adapt style of communications to match audience and information sharing needs Wants: + Knowledge of cyber defense and SOC detection capabilities + Knowledge of Indicators of Compromise of common security tools and methodologies + Familiarity with reverse engineering methodologies and tools + Familiarity with forensic methodologies and tools + Familiarity with EDR, firewall, IDS/IPS evasion + Deep understanding of machine learning architectures, LLMs (e.g., GPT, LLaMA), and common AI frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face). -Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. To be considered, candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: LINK (. Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone. Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or . Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace. You may know Nelnet as the nationu2019s largest student loan servicer u2013 but we do more than that. _A lot more._ Weu2019re also a professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payment processor, renewable energy innovator, and K-12 and higher education expert (and thatu2019s just a shortlist). For over 40 years, weu2019ve been serving our customers, associates, and communities to make dreams possible. EEO Info ( EEO Letter ( EPPA Info ( FMLA Info (

Created: 2025-09-12