Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to eliminate the back row in education – and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class digital education at scale. As the parent company of edX, the world’s leading online learning platform, 2U powers more than 4,000 online higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporate partners, we are helping to unlock human potential.

What We’re Looking For:

The Senior Cybersecurity Engineer will be a key contributor to 2U’s efforts to maintain a secure and resilient technology environment. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and a proactive mindset to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks across cloud, application, and infrastructure layers.

This position focuses on implementing scalable security solutions, automating security processes, and integrating security best practices into operational workflows and development pipelines. The ideal candidate has broad experience in cybersecurity, hands-on familiarity with DevOps/DevSecOps practices, and an aptitude for learning and applying new technologies.

Being a senior position, the Cybersecurity Engineer III will take on a leadership role in shaping and executing the organization’s cybersecurity strategy. This includes spearheading complex security initiatives, guiding technical teams in best practices, and providing expertise to solve advanced security challenges. The role demands strong decision-making capabilities, the ability to manage critical projects, and a commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats. This individual will play a pivotal part in driving the security maturity of 2U’s technology landscape.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Security Operations and Implementation

• Deploy and maintain security controls to protect cloud, application, and infrastructure resources.
• Monitor and analyze security events, identifying and mitigating potential threats.
• Develop tools and scripts to automate security processes and enhance visibility.

DevOps/DevSecOps Practices

• Embed security into CI/CD pipelines, enabling automated detection and remediation of vulnerabilities.
• Implement and manage container security measures for platforms like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to ensure security is an integral part of workflows.

Infrastructure and Cloud Security

• Support the configuration and security of cloud environments, with a focus on AWS.
• Develop and manage Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) templates to enforce security standards.
• Perform periodic reviews and updates to IAM roles, security groups, and other cloud configurations.

Application Security

• Assist in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in application code and dependencies.
• Support secure development practices, such as code reviews and automated scanning tools.
• Help maintain security for APIs, web applications, and microservices.

Proactive Risk Management

• Conduct security assessments to identify gaps and recommend improvements.
• Implement tools and processes for continuous vulnerability scanning and remediation.
• Contribute to compliance initiatives such as SOC 2, PCI, and ISO 27001.

Provide Technical Leadership

• Lead the design and implementation of advanced security solutions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for complex security issues across cloud, application, and infrastructure layers.
• Mentor and guide engineers and other team members in best practices.

Drive Strategic Initiatives

• Define and implement security strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Lead efforts to improve security processes, tools, and architectures at scale.
• Develop long-term roadmaps for enhancing security posture and maturity.
• Build strong relationships with development, DevOps, and other technical teams to ensure seamless security integration

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, DevOps, or a related field with a proven track record of handling complex security challenges.
• Hands-on experience with public cloud platforms, particularly AWS (GCP or Azure is a plus).
• Proficiency in programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash).
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or GitLab CI/CD.
• Knowledge of container security tools and practices.
• Experience with web application firewalls (WAF) for protecting applications and APIs.
• Proven experience implementing and managing new security policies, standards, and processes to address risks and improve security posture.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the rollout of cybersecurity initiatives, including deploying advanced tools and managing organizational change.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with the ability to lead and mentor teams while working independently.

Benefits & Culture

Our global employee base is a diverse collection of innovators, dreamers, and doers working together to transform lives through higher education. We believe that every employee can advance our shared purpose, and that life at 2U should be fun and meaningful. If you’re excited by the opportunity to provide over 40 million learners and counting with access to world-class online higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference. #NoBackRow

We offer comprehensive benefits (unique per country) and excellent work/life balance.
Full-time, ZA benefits include: 

• 2 complimentary Getsmarter short courses per year
• Subsidised medical aid with Discovery Health Medical Scheme
• 4% 2U contribution towards Discovery Life Pension Fund and Group Risk Benefit
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous leave policy including time off to volunteer for non-profit organization, study leave, sports leave and a company-wide festive season break

2U Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At 2U, we are committed to building and sustaining a culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion. We are proud of the steps we’ve taken to bring together an employee base that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by what makes us different, as well as by how we are alike. 

2U is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodations, please reach out to us at: recruitingaccommodations@2u.com. 

About 2U Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)

For more than a decade, 2U, Inc. has been the digital transformation partner of choice to great non-profit colleges and universities delivering high-quality online education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform, 2U provides over 45 million learners with access to world-class education in partnership with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporations. Our people and technology are powering more than 4,000 digital education offerings — from free courses to full degrees — and helping unlock human potential. To learn more: visit 2U.com.

About edX

edX is the education movement for restless learners and a leading global online learning platform from 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU). Together with the majority of the world’s top-ranked universities and industry-leading companies, we bring our community of over 45 million learners world-class education to support them at every stage of their lives and careers, from free courses to full degrees. And we're not stopping there — we're relentlessly pursuing our vision of a world where every learner can access education to unlock their potential, without the barriers of cost or location. Learn more at edX.org.

Learn more at https://2u.com/careers/
#NoBackRow

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U’s equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits and pay. 

2U is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups who may contribute to Employment Equity within the workplace and the further diversification of ideas. In this regard, the relevant laws and principles associated with Employment Equity will be considered when appointing potential candidates. We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. 2U requires that you submit a copy of either your identity document or your passport and any applicable work permit if you are a foreign national, along with an updated curriculum vitae.