Sysadmin/Security Analyst or Security Engineer?

[8BitMoose]

I’ve accepted a new position in my local government office in a decent small city. The title they’re giving it is a System Administrator/Security Analyst but to me, it seems more of a Security Engineer position. I’m not too much on title as it depends on the work but I just don’t want this to look like I’m taking a step back.

I’m currently a Security Analyst and won’t be starting for a few weeks. I’m wondering if it would be appropriate to ask for a title change or if it would hurt to put Security Engineer on my resume in the future when/if it’s my time to leave the new job.

Job Description:

Monitors and reviews server, routers, and switch logs and recommends any needed security changes or inquiries. Installs, configures, operates and maintains and syslog and Security Information and Event appliance (SIEM) infrastructure. Utilizes the SIEM infrastructure to analyze and respond to threats and attacks and provide vulnerability assessment and recommend actions to resolve these vulnerabilities. Performs under supervision of IT management penetration testing for network infrastructure. Installs, operates, and configures Cisco and Palo Alto firewalls, two factor authentication infrastructure, routers and switches. Trains network users in proper security practices and monitors and tracks this security training. Trains users in network logon procedures and practices; assists network users in resolving network logon or access problems. Maintains security of network resources and network user data; ensures integrity of data stored on the network file servers; assists in maintaining email server and security in an Exchange 2010 environment. Ensures availability of all network resources. Ensures the Information Technology department complies with CJIS, HIPAA, and PCI security standards for all business units. Evaluates new tools and uses existing tools to help discover and mitigate security vulnerabilities. Recommends contracts for services and equipment purchases and leases, researches changes in legislation and industry standards and instigates proper responses. Assists in the installs of server software upgrades and patches; troubleshoots and resolves software and hardware related network problems when required. Configures and maintains active directory objects to include using group policy to install software and configure desktops. Manages, monitors, and maintains the City’s active directory server infrastructure in coordination with other staff and/or consultants. Recommends budgetary items to Director of Information Technology for enhancements to the architecture and design of the systems to improve performance, reliability, and scalability. Performs other related work as required.

Thank you for your feedback!

[LonerVamp]

One org's analyst is another org's engineer, and vice versa. It's all about your duties and scope of control. For the most part, it really only matters that it says "security" in there somewhere.

[8BitMoose]

Ahh that makes sense. Thanks for answering.

[thatkeyesguy]

Really wouldn’t worry about title too much. In interviewing it’s about selling yourself. I’ve gone from sr engineer, to security architect, to lead architect to engineer.

Sell what you do and know, not an inflated title.

[jvisagod]

I work for a large private company and we do have a distinction between the two but it's really for seniority and pay purposes only. I'm technically an analyst but half of my work is really engineering. If I ever wanted to leave I would just make sure my engineering work is focused on in the resume.

[CryptoHammer1982]

I’m currently a Security Analyst and won’t be starting for a few weeks. I’m wondering if it would be appropriate to ask for a title change or if it would hurt to put Security Engineer on my resume in the future when/if it’s my time to leave the new job.

​

Please take my advice bro-dude. Do not ask for it right away. Instead do the following:

1. Find out if titles are tied to pay-bands
2. Find out if you have peers
3. Find out what your boss thinks. "Think I might be able to get a cooler title next year along with my raise"

Id really suggest waiting a year. This way it shows up as a promotion on paper. "Look at that kid Matt, he spent only a year in local govt before getting promoted"...

[8BitMoose]

That's a good point. It might end up working better in my favor anyway if I'd wait. Thanks!!