About The Role:

The Senior IT Security Engineer is a hands-on, cross-functional role within VentureWell’s Information Technology (IT) team, responsible for both secure systems engineering and cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). This role owns the security and reliability of VentureWell’s macOS fleet, SaaS ecosystem, and cloud infrastructure while supporting compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Level 2.

This role is both strategic and execution-focused, requiring the ability to think holistically about how VentureWell’s systems and security posture should evolve, while also rolling up your sleeves to implement, support and continuously improve those systems in day-to-day operations.

You will proactively identify gaps and opportunities to strengthen security and system reliability and scalability, helping to mature VentureWell’s IT and security practices as the organization grows.

This position is ideal for someone who is equally comfortable engineering systems, securing them, and documenting how and why they are secured. You will work closely with IT leadership to implement security-by-design practices, respond to incidents, maintain audit readiness, and serve as a senior escalation point for complex technical and security issues.

You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, managing priorities across multiple systems and initiatives while balancing immediate operational needs with longer-term improvements.

Responsibilities:

Systems Engineering & IT Operations (40–45% of time)

Manage VentureWell’s device fleet (macOS, iOS, iPadOS) using Jamf, including configuration profiles, patching, encryption enforcement, and endpoint hardening
Configure, administer, and secure SaaS platforms including Google Workspace, Okta, Slack, Zoom, Salesforce, Box, and BetterCloud, including integrations and lifecycle management
Administer and maintain cloud-based systems and services (including AWS), partnering with vendors and internal teams to ensure uptime and security
Serve as the escalation point for complex technical issues related to SaaS platforms, device management, identity systems, and integrations
Maintain a transparent, documented SaaS application inventory and support software request review, vetting, and decision documentation
Develop and maintain SOPs and technical documentation for systems, integrations, and operational processes
Identify opportunities to improve system architecture, scalability, and reliability across SaaS and cloud environments and lead implementation of those improvements
Evaluate and recommend new tools, technologies and integrations to enhance system performance, security and operational efficiency
Drive continuous improvement of IT systems and processes, balancing day-to-day operational support with longer-term optimization initiatives

Security Operations & Threat Management (25–30% of time)

Monitor and respond to security alerts, vulnerability findings, and threat intelligence across endpoint, SaaS, and cloud environments
Perform root cause analysis on security incidents and recommend corrective actions
Manage endpoint security tooling and monitoring (e.g., Jamf Protect) and integrate telemetry with logging platforms (e.g., Datadog, CloudWatch)
Lead vulnerability scans, penetration test coordination, and remediation tracking
Review logs and security reports to identify risks, trends, and required remediation
Proactively identify security gaps, risks and emerging threats and implement improvements to strengthen VentureWell’s overall security posture
Continuously enhance monitoring, detection and response capabilities across endpoint, SaaS and cloud environments
Partner with internal team members to priorities and remediate vulnerabilities based on risk, business impact and organizational priorities

Governance, Risk & Compliance (30% of time)

Support implementation and ongoing maintenance of NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Level 2 controls
Maintain and update the System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
Draft, review, and maintain security policies, standards, baselines, and procedures
Conduct Security Impact Analyses (SIA) for system changes, integrations, or architectural decisions
Coordinate evidence collection and support internal and external audits
Ensure secure configuration baselines are defined, documented, and reviewed on a regular basis
Identify gaps in existing controls and lead efforts to strengthen and mature VentureWell’s compliance and security frameworks
Translate compliance requirements (i.e. NIST 800-171, CMMC) into scalable, practical technical and operational solutions
Drive continuous improvement of documentation, policies and control implementation to support audit readiness and long-term program maturity

What You Bring:

Experience & Skills

7+ years of experience in IT systems engineering, security engineering, or a combined role
Practical experience implementing or supporting cybersecurity compliance frameworks, particularly NIST 800-171 and/or CMMC
Strong hands-on experience using Jamf to manage macOS environments, including policy creation and enforcement
Experience administering SaaS platforms such as Google Workspace, Okta, Slack, Zoom, Salesforce, and Box
Experience managing or securing Linux-based systems (Ubuntu, CentOS) in cloud environments
Working knowledge of scripting or automation (Bash, Python, or similar)
Strong understanding of security principles including least privilege, defense in depth, and zero trust
Experience with vulnerability management, log aggregation, and monitoring/SIEM tools
Ability to clearly document technical configurations, security controls, and processes
Proven ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and drive initiatives forward with minimal oversight
Ability to identify gaps and recommend scalable solutions to improve security posture, system reliability and operational efficiency
Demonstrated ability to balance hands-on operational support with longer-term system and security improvements

Preferred Certifications (one or more)

Jamf 200, 300, or 370 (Endpoint Security Admin)
CompTIA Security+
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) or Security Essentials (GSEC)
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) or CISSP (Associate)
Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) or NIST 800-171 Implementer
Google Professional Workspace Administrator

Across the Board, VentureWell Staff:

Are able to succeed and thrive in an environment with competing and changing priorities and tight deadlines
Have track records of and ability to build solid collaborative working relationships, and are proven team players who enjoy a “customer service” orientation to collaboration
Are committed to embedding equity for all in our internal practices and culture and in our programs in order to live and achieve our mission
Bring openness and engagement to personal, professional, and organization-wide learning
Are curious and committed to issues of environmental sustainability
Are self-starters with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work
Are active learners who independently learn new tools and work processes quickly
Have excellent written and oral communication skills

Our Benefits*:

An attractive and equitable compensation package, including:

a salary range of $115,000 - $140,000 commensurate with experience and internal equity
403 (b) with 200% match up to a maximum contribution from VentureWell of 10% when the employee puts in 5% (eligible after one year of service for the match)
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
$1,000 home office stipend upon hire

A true focus on work-life balance with work weeks that reflect that

It’s our aim for our employees in this position to not work more than a 40-hour workweek
20 paid vacation days
12 paid holidays
12 paid wellness days

*Benefits are reviewed each fiscal year and may be subject to change.

What We Offer:

A culture where people work intentionally and collaboratively in pursuit of our mission
Values we believe in

About VentureWell:

VentureWell supports the cultivation of science and technology inventors and the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems critical to their success. Since its founding in 1995, VentureWell has funded or trained over 20,500 early-stage science and technology inventors and innovators, resulting in the emergence of more than 6,700+ ventures with groundbreaking technological advancements in fields like biomedicine and healthcare, sustainable energy and materials, and solutions for low-resource settings. The ventures it has supported have raised subsequent funds totaling more than $9.0 billion and are reaching millions of people globally.

Visit venturewell.org to learn more.