Sr. Engineer, Authentication

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

The Sr. Authentication Engineer will be a key member of the new Versant Cyber organization. This individual is responsible for building and maintaining a threat-informed authentication and identity access platform. They are expected to drive innovation by architecting robust authentication services, including multi-factor, passwordless, and adaptive login experiences that ensure secure and seamless access across enterprise systems. This individual is a leader over the authentication discipline and will interact with various key stakeholders within the Cyber organization to drive relationship management across the Versant business areas. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Key areas of focus for the Sr. Authentication Engineer include designing, implementing, and optimizing secure authentication workflows; managing identity federation and single sign-on (SSO) integrations; supporting multi-factor and passwordless authentication solutions; ensuring availability and performance of authentication services; and advancing adaptive, risk-based access capabilities across enterprise and cloud environments. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following activities: 

• Configure and maintain federated identity solutions using protocols such as SAML, OAuth2, and OIDC across cloud and on-prem platforms to enable seamless single sign-on (SSO). 

• Collaborate with directory services (e.g., Active Directory, Azure AD, LDAP) to ensure authentication systems are integrated, synchronized, and functioning securely across environments. 

• Promote, foster, and advocate for an environment of collaboration, diversity, and inclusion.  

• Lead efforts to reduce reliance on passwords through FIDO2/WebAuthn, biometrics, and device-bound credentials while balancing user experience and security posture. 

• Implement context-aware authentication flows that respond dynamically to user behavior, device posture, geolocation, and risk signals. 

• Consult on complex enterprise-wide security assessments and engagements to help engineers see the big picture and incorporate enterprise technology direction into security roadmaps.  

• Work closely with application developers, infrastructure, GRC, and security operations to embed secure authentication practices into digital platforms and services. 

• Collaborate and drive productivity and effective integration with adjacent Versant Cyber functions and specifically the synergies required across the security stack and technology platforms. 

• Minimum 5 years experience in identity and access management (IAM), security engineering, or infrastructure roles, with a strong focus on authentication architecture and design. 

• Strong experience managing and integrating with Active Directory, Azure AD, and LDAP-based systems. 

• Deep knowledge of authentication protocols such as SAML, OAuth2, OIDC, Kerberos, etc. 

• Experience deploying and maintaining multi-factor authentication (MFA), passwordless, and adaptive authentication systems. 

• Familiarity with identity federation, SSO integrations, and token-based access control mechanisms. 

• Understanding of directory architecture, object management, replication, and schema extensions. 

• Familiarity with cloud-native IAM platforms (e.g., Okta, Ping Identity, Azure Entra ID). 

• Experience integrating authentication with SaaS, IaaS, and hybrid cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure). 

• Experience providing direct support and input to business executives and taking a lead role in driving the strategic direction of the organization’s mission.  

• Bachelor’s Degree in an IT related field and/or equivalent work experience. 

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS: 

• Previous experience working in multiple large complex environments and specifically within the Identity and/or Security Engineering components of those organizations.  

• Previous experience working in identity, security engineering, and/or information security functions in the media and advanced technology industries.  

• Master’s Degree in an IT related field. 

Additional Requirements: 

• Fully Remote: This position has been designated as fully remote, meaning that the position is expected to contribute from a non-Versant worksite, most commonly an employee’s residence. 

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: $130,000 - $150,000. 

We are accepting applications for this position on an ongoing basis. 

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.