Director of Cybersecurity: Top Recruiters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Pittsburgh Technology & AI Market
Pittsburgh has emerged as one of America's top AI and autonomous systems technology markets, anchored by Carnegie Mellon University's world-class robotics and ML programs, Google's large Pittsburgh AI research center, and a booming startup ecosystem.
About This Role
The Director of Cybersecurity leads operational security teams that span threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and security architecture, ensuring the company's systems, data, and operations are protected against evolving cyber threats. This director manages the security operations center and drives the tactical and operational security program.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead SOC operations team responsible for 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and incident response
- Manage vulnerability management program including scanning, prioritization, and remediation tracking
- Own security architecture reviews for new systems, applications, and infrastructure deployments
- Lead incident response program including tabletop exercises, playbook development, and breach response execution
- Manage endpoint security, email security, network security, and cloud security posture management tools
- Oversee identity and access management operations, including privileged access management
- Conduct and manage third-party security assessments, penetration testing, and red team engagements
- Manage security awareness training program and phishing simulation campaigns
- Interface with compliance team on SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other security certification evidence collection
- Report security metrics and risk posture to CISO and executive leadership on a regular cadence
Leading Employers in Pittsburgh
The Technology & AI talent pool in Pittsburgh is shaped by movement between these anchor employers and their tier-one supplier base:
Required Experience & Background
- 10+ years in cybersecurity with 3+ years in a director or senior manager security leadership role
- CISSP required; CISM, CEH, or GIAC certifications a plus
- Demonstrated experience managing SOC operations, incident response teams, and security tooling programs
- Deep technical knowledge of SIEM, EDR, SOAR, and cloud security platforms
- Experience managing security programs at organizations of 500+ employees
- Track record of building and maturing security operations programs from reactive to proactive postures
Core Leadership Competencies
- Threat Intelligence
- Deep understanding of current threat landscape, attack vectors, and adversarial TTPs
- Incident Leadership
- Calm, decisive command during security incidents
- Ability to lead response under pressure
- Security Architecture
- Skill in reviewing and improving system and application security architecture
- Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain skilled security operations professionals
- Ability to present security risks and program status clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
Regulatory & Compliance Context
Directors of Cybersecurity must manage compliance with NIST SP 800-53, SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria, ISO 27001 information security controls, and PCI DSS for payment card environments. Healthcare cybersecurity directors manage HIPAA Security Rule compliance. Defense contractors must achieve and maintain CMMC 2.0 certification. State breach notification laws require documented incident response and mandatory disclosure processes.
Compensation Benchmarks for Pittsburgh, PA
Nexoval Search Partners' Approach in Pittsburgh
Nexoval Search Partners's dedicated Technology & AI practice maintains active relationships with the executive talent community across Pittsburgh and the broader Pennsylvania market. Our consultants conduct thorough market mapping of available passive and active candidates across the region's leading employers, from established industry leaders to innovative growth companies. Every engagement includes confidential outreach, rigorous competency-based assessment, and candidate presentation within 45 to 60 days of engagement launch. Nexoval Search Partners's retained search model and one-year replacement guarantee ensure every executive we place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania delivers long-term organizational value.