Job Title: AI Security Expert

Job Summary

Nelnet is a professional services company seeking a highly skilled AI security expert to join its team. As a key member of the organization, you will play a critical role in securing the company's AI/ML infrastructure and applications.

The ideal candidate will possess expertise in security engineering, artificial intelligence, and operations. They will work at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and IT to protect machine learning models, LLMs, data pipelines, and associated services from evolving threats.

This role requires strong technical acumen, practical problem-solving, and a forward-thinking mindset to defend next-generation AI systems.

Key Responsibilities

Monitor, evaluate, and enhance the security posture of AI/ML systems, APIs, and model-serving environments.
Implement detection mechanisms to identify adversarial AI threats such as model abuse, prompt injection, data poisoning, and model theft.
Collaborate with development, operations, and SOC teams to secure AI environments throughout the lifecycle.
Automate threat detection and remediation workflows related to AI misuse.
Evaluate and integrate AI security tools and model governance solutions.
Contribute to the design and implementation of AI-specific threat models and control frameworks.
Stay current on emerging threats to AI systems and participate in blue/red/purple team exercises involving LLMs and AI services.

Requirements

3-5 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.

Benefits

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.
Robust wellness program.

Competencies - Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

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).

Our company is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. We ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment 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.

Advanced AI Security Specialist

Job Type