Lead AI Security Operations Engineer

Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Shape the future of AI security and help protect the next generation of intelligent systems. As the Lead AI Security Operations Engineer, you will lead the design, security, and operation of autonomous and semi-autonomous AI systems across both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments. You will drive AI-powered security operations by building and managing an advanced Security Operations Center capable of detecting, monitoring, and responding to threats targeting both traditional infrastructure and agentic AI systems. Partnering with cross-functional teams, you will strengthen the organization's cybersecurity posture through red teaming, vulnerability management, and the development of enterprise security guardrails. This role is ideal for an innovative cybersecurity leader who thrives at the intersection of AI, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies while making a lasting impact on enterprise security.

The salary range for this position is $128,000 - $192,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

This position may be based at our Corporate Headquarters Office in Salisbury, MD (relocation assistance available for qualified candidates) or structured as a remote role for individuals residing within a four-hour driving radius of Salisbury, MD. The remote role also requires travel up to 25% of the time, which may include visits to other company facilities, customer or vendor locations, training sessions, meetings, and industry events.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate an AI-enabled Security Operations Center for Information Technology, Operational Technology, and agentic AI systems.
• Deploy AI-driven detection, triage, and response capabilities to augment and automate traditional Security Operations Center workflows.
• Integrate and optimize Security Information and Event Management, Security Orchestration, Automation and Response, and AI analytics platforms for intelligent detection and response.
• Conduct threat hunting focused on AI misuse, adversarial attacks, Operational Technology and Industrial Control Systems threats, and behavioral anomalies.
• Build detection mechanisms for anomalous or unsafe agent behavior.
• Monitor agent actions, decisions, and tool usage.
• Ensure Security Operations Center operations meet regulatory logging, monitoring, and incident response requirements.
• Assist with vulnerability management programs, including continuous scanning, risk-based prioritization, and remediation tracking.
• Integrate vulnerability intelligence into detection and response workflows.
• Partner with engineering teams to ensure timely remediation of critical vulnerabilities.
• Manage enterprise certificate lifecycle management, including issuance, renewal, rotation, and revocation.
• Maintain and secure Public Key Infrastructure and trust chains.
• Implement key management and encryption standards.
• Lead and support incident response activities, including investigation, containment, and remediation.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive controls.
• Develop and maintain security playbooks, including AI-assisted response workflows.
• Continuously improve detection and response capabilities through automation and AI integration.

Minimum Education and Experience

• 7 years' experience in Information Security, including securing AI and machine learning systems or automation platforms.
• Experience operating advanced Security Operations Centers or AI-driven security environments.
• Experience in Information Technology and Operational Technology environments, including Industrial Control Systems and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems.
• Strong expertise in threat detection, incident response, threat hunting, cloud security, identity and access management, and network security.
• Hands-on experience with Security Information and Event Management, Security Orchestration, Automation and Response, Endpoint Detection and Response, Network Detection and Response technologies, and enterprise log analysis.
• Proven experience with AI red teaming, adversarial testing, or implementing security guardrails.
• Experience in vulnerability management and certificate/Public Key Infrastructure management.
• Knowledge of security frameworks, including NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27000, and Center for Internet Security frameworks.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Deep understanding of AI security risks and mitigation strategies.
• Familiarity with large language models, prompt engineering, and agent architecture.
• Experience with Zero Trust Architecture.
• Relevant certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional, GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst, GIAC Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional, cloud security certifications, or equivalent experience.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional movement to other offices or buildings.
• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.
• Work activity is performed in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.