IT SECURITY SPECIALIST-CDA 2026

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

IT SECURITY SPECIALIST

Department of Aviation

MIS-Departmental ITT Section

Number of Positions:5

(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: GY11 $106,272.00 annually

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 3/31/2026

Job Overview

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is seeking an experienced and dynamic IT Security Specialist to join our team. This critical role supports the safety and security of one of the busiest airport systems in the world. The ideal candidate will have expertise in network, internal, and web-facing applications and operational technology (OT) security, along with a strong understanding of designing and implementing cutting-edge security solutions for enterprise environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

- Design, implement, and manage network security measures, including reviewing firewall rules, configuring network protections, and analyzing architecture for enhancements.

- Conduct regular vulnerability scans, security audits, and collaborate with development teams to remediate application and system risks promptly.

- Secure operational technology (OT) systems, such as SCADA, IoT, and building controls, by implementing and maintaining security measures and reviewing external connections.

- Monitor cybersecurity dashboards and logs, respond to threats, manage tools like anti virus, EDR, IDS/IPS, and lead efforts to detect and mitigate suspicious activity.

- Ensure compliance with NIST, and other regulatory frameworks and collaborating with agencies like DHS, FAA, and the City's CISO.

- Coordinate tasks with IT leadership, ISO team members, and external contractors to resolve security issues and ensure alignment on key initiatives.

- Track global cybersecurity events, analyze potential risks to CDA systems, and recommend proactive measures. Participate in 24/7 on-call rotations for incident response and disaster recovery efforts, ensuring quick action to mitigate threats.

- Lead third-party risk assessments and contractor security reviews.

- Develop and refine CDA security policies in alignment with City policies while coordinating with the City CISO and IT Security Team.

- Support cross-functional security projects, assist with policy development, and contribute to the continuous improvement of CDA's security posture.

Additional duties may be required for this position

Location: 8420 W. Bryn Mawr Ave 8th FL. (Must be flexible to travel to Midway Airport, based on operational needs)

Hours: Varies (Must be flexible to early and/or late meetings)

Shift: Varies

NOTE: The candidate(s) selected for hire must pass an airport background check and a Security Threat Assessment (STA).

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CAREER SERVICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Six (6) years of work experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance, OR Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, or a directly related field, plus four (4) years of experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance, OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, or a directly related field, plus two (2) years of experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance, OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology/Systems, or a directly related field, plus one (1) year of experience in information security, network architecture or engineering, application development, information technology auditing/compliance

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

* This position requires a valid driver's license at the time of hire.

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:

- Professional certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, GCWN, GPEN, CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, or CCSK.

- Demonstrated experience securing OT systems and environments.

- Proficient with tools and technologies like firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, log management, and identity/access management.

- Knowledge of cybersecurity regulations and frameworks.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf

APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 3/31/2026