IT Security Specialist

Position Overview

The IT Security Specialist (5–9 years experience) plays a critical technical role within the Information Security Team, protecting Ascend Performance Materials global enterprise networks, end-user environments, cloud resources, and critical infrastructure. Operating at a mid-to-senior technical tier, this individual is responsible for advanced security operations, multi-vector threat triage, escalated incident response, vulnerability management, and driving security optimization across systems. Working in close collaboration with Infrastructure, Networking, End-User Support, and Application development teams, the IT Security Specialist ensures robust defense mechanisms while maintaining seamless business productivity and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Incident Support & Response: Provide Tier 2/3 escalation support for security requests, complex phishing campaigns, malware outbreaks, web proxy bypasses, DLP violations, and endpoint protection alerts.
• Security Monitoring & SIEM Triage: Proactively monitor security alerts, SIEM logs, EDR portals, and MDR escalations to identify suspicious patterns, lateral movement, and unauthorized access attempts.
• Incident Investigation: Lead investigation efforts for reported incidents, execute containment procedures, coordinate remediation with cross-functional IT groups, and conduct root-cause analyses.
• Vulnerability Management: Coordinate security assessments, vulnerability scans, and patch tracking; work directly with Infrastructure and DevOps teams to enforce timely remediation schedules.
• Infrastructure Hardening: Partner with Network and Infrastructure teams to harden Active Directory, Windows/Linux server builds, WAN/LAN architectures, VPNs, and cloud tenant configurations.
• Process Documentation & Playbooks: Author and maintain comprehensive security documentation, incident runbooks, disaster recovery procedures, and audit defense records.
• On-Call & Project Work: Participate in the IT Security on-call rotation and serve as a security SME on critical enterprise technology projects.

• Experience: 5 to 9 years of hands-on technical experience in IT Security, Security Operations (SOC), or Cybersecurity Engineering within an enterprise environment.
• Education: Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or equivalent practical experience.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications preferred (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CySA+, CEH, GSEC, CISSP, or vendor certifications in Azure/AWS/CrowdStrike/Palo Alto).
• Technical Mastery: Proven experience with SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, Sentinel), EDR solutions (e.g., CrowdStrike, Defender), vulnerability scanners (Nessus, Qualys), firewalls, and network security protocols.
• Analytical & Communication Skills: Strong capability to analyze complex security logs, draw logical conclusions under pressure, and articulate technical risks to executive and non-technical stakeholders.
• Work Style: Highly collaborative team player with excellent customer-service orientation, meticulous attention to detail, and proven ability to multitask in high-velocity settings.

About Us

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Why work at Ascend

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS.

Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.

Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.