Senior Application Security Engineer

Western Governors University • Full-time • Hybrid in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States • $127,700 - $191,500 / year • 3w ago

Fast Facts

WGU is seeking a Senior Application Security Engineer to enhance its security posture through vulnerability identification and remediation efforts within the software development lifecycle.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include analyzing source code for vulnerabilities, overseeing vulnerability scans, performing threat modeling, and collaborating with engineering teams on security best practices.

Skills: Required skills include experience in software development, proficiency in programming languages (Python, Java, JavaScript, etc.), and strong knowledge of web application security frameworks like OWASP.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, over 5 years in information security, and security certifications like CISSP or OSCP.

Location: This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is not remote.

Compensation: $127700 - $191500 / Annually

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Technical 409Pay Range: $127,700.00 - $191,500.00

Job Description

About the Team

You’ll collaborate on security-focused tools and services while helping shape security documentation and standards.

As a Senior Application Security Engineer, you will play a critical role in strengthening WGU’s security posture by reviewing access requests, guiding vulnerability remediation, and contributing to security policies and standards. Your expertise will help ensure our applications and systems remain secure, resilient, and aligned with best practices.

You will safeguard systems and applications by identifying, analyzing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities throughout the full software development lifecycle (SDLC).

What You’ll Do

Analyze source code to identify security flaws such as injection flaws and broken authentication.

Oversee vulnerability scanning of applications and APIs.
Perform threat modeling to identify potential attack vectors and security weaknesses during system design
Perform architecture reviews and create security documentation for new projects
Build, configure, and maintain application security tools (e.b., SAST, DAST, IAST, SCA) and integrate them into CI/CD pipelines
Collaborate with engineering teams to prioritize and fix security vulnerabilities.
Educate developers on secure coding practices and emerging threats.
Assess user access to software-related systems to ensure least-privilege access and provide appropriate risk mitigation.
Contribute to the development and improvement of security policies, standards, and procedures.
Identify gaps and help develop standards, guidelines, and procedures to strengthen WGU’s security framework.

What You’ll Bring

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.

5+ years of information security experience.
Meaningful experience in software development, including proficiency in languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, Go, C/C++, etc.
Security Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of OWASP Top 10, web application security, API security, and secure architecture principles.
Strong understanding of SDLC processes
Comfort with CLI and experience using open-source security tools (e.g., Kali, Nessus, Burp, NMap, Metasploit, Wireshark).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify technical details for executive audiences.

Bonus Points if You Have

Security certifications such as CISSP, CSSLP, OSCP, CEH, or similar.
Experience with cloud infrastructure security.
Familiarity with tools like Burp Suite, Snyk, Checkmarx, or similar SAST/DAST tools.

Experience in Lieu of Education

Equivalent relevant experience may substitute for educational requirements at the hiring manager’s discretion.

What to Expect

At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations, practical problem-solving, and authentic collaboration.

We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission. If selected, you will hear from a recruiter or hiring manager who will guide you through the process. We aim to communicate decisions promptly and respectfully.

Here is what that typically looks like:

Introductory call/Recruiter screen
Technical assessment with team
Hiring Leader interview

Work Location

This is a full-time, in-office position at WGU’s office in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Visa Sponsorship

While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

What You’ll Receive as a Full-Time WGU Employee

Comprehensive healthcare
HSA and FSA options
Life and disability insurance
Legal assistance and identity protection
Retirement savings plan
Wellbeing programs
Discounted WGU tuition for you and your family
Flexible PTO and Sick time
11 paid holidays
Additional paid leaves, including parental leave
Explore the full benefits overview at https://wgubenefits.com.

We are looking forward to getting to know you and seeing how you think, collaborate and build. Welcome to WGU.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.