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Associate Security Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

$75K - $85K/yr

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Associate Security Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$40.6K

$80.9K

$129.3K

How much do associate security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate security engineer in Minnesota is $80,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,200.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Security Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectAssociate Security EngineerSecurity Analyst
Required CertificationsCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA Security, or equivalentCompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), or similar
Work EnvironmentHands-on technical roles involving system and network security implementationMonitoring, analyzing security data, and incident response
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, cybersecurity firms, IT departmentsFinancial institutions, government agencies, large enterprises
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Associate Security Engineer typically focuses on implementing and maintaining security systems, requiring technical certifications and hands-on work. In contrast, Security Analysts primarily monitor security events, analyze threats, and respond to incidents. Both roles are essential in cybersecurity teams but differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate security engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Security Engineer, you need a solid understanding of information security principles, networking, and risk assessment, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), SIEM platforms, and relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating threats, and collaborating with teams to maintain robust organizational security.

What are some common challenges associate security engineers face when transitioning from academic settings to professional environments?

Associate Security Engineers often find that the pace and complexity of professional environments differ significantly from academic settings. Real-world security systems involve legacy technologies, rapidly evolving threats, and compliance requirements that may not be covered in coursework. Collaborating across teams, responding to incidents under pressure, and balancing security best practices with business needs can be challenging at first. However, this environment offers excellent hands-on learning opportunities and mentorship from experienced colleagues to help bridge the gap.

What is an associate security engineer?

Associate Security Engineers are entry-level professionals who help protect an organization’s computer systems and networks from security threats. They typically assist in monitoring network activity, investigating security incidents, and implementing basic security measures under the supervision of senior staff. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining firewalls, performing vulnerability assessments, and ensuring compliance with security policies. This role serves as a foundational position for those looking to advance in the cybersecurity field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Security Engineer jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Security Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Security Engineer jobs in Minnesota? For Associate Security Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Security Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Security Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Associate Security Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,935 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Principal Information Security Engineer - ITS5

Minnesota Careers

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$40.43 - $69.11/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


State Of Minnesota rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 170 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Details
Working Title: Principal Information Security Engineer
Job Class: Information Technology Specialist 5
Agency: Minnesota IT Services
  • Job ID: 95908
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes #LI-Hybrid
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 07/30/2026
  • Closing Date: 08/13/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota IT Services
  • Division/Unit: Office of Enterprise Technology
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $40.43 - $69.11 / hourly; $84,417 - $144,301 / annually
  • Job Class Option: Information Security
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Join the 2,800+ professionals of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) who connect Minnesotans to services that will improve their lives. This position will be part of the Enterprise Services team, which delivers a full suite of services to state agencies, boards, councils, and commissions, and many central services to local government partners.
Job Summary
The Principal Information Security Engineer (PISE) is a senior cybersecurity position responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise-wide information security programs that protect State information assets from internal and external threats. This role provides technical leadership across multiple security domains-including governance, risk management, security architecture, network and application security, incident response, business continuity, compliance-and ensures alignment with broader IT systems and organizational objectives. The PISE develops and recommends security policies, standards, and best practices, leads security risk assessments and reporting; guides the integration of security controls into new and existing systems; and supports training, certification, and project management initiatives. Within Minnesota Health and Human Services, the PISE serves as a lead engineer for establishing and maintaining the cybersecurity framework, helping government entities manage risk, strengthen security posture, and meet enterprise security requirements.
This position requires an employee to work onsite at 600 Robert St N, St Paul, Minnesota at least 50% [or more or less if space limitations remain] of the time, with limited telework available. Telework eligibility depends on residence:
  • Candidates living in Minnesota or within 50 miles of the worksite in a bordering state (Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) may telework up to 50%.
  • Minnesota residents living more than 50 miles from the worksite may be eligible to telework more than 50%.
  • Candidates living 50 miles or more from the worksite in a bordering state may work onsite 100% or may be telework eligible if relocating within 50 miles.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
To qualify, candidates must clearly show all of the following qualifications in their resume. Resume tips available here :
This position requires a minimum of five (5) years of information security engineering that demonstrates:
  • Experience in information security, cybersecurity, or information technology, including enterprise security engineering, security architecture, risk management, or security operations.
  • Experience developing, implementing, or maintaining enterprise information security controls, security policies, standards, risk assessments, or governance processes using recognized security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, COBIT, or similar industry standards.
  • Experience interpreting and applying information security or privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA, CJIS, PCI DSS, or IRS FTI) and preparing security documentation, risk assessments, policies, or technical reports.
  • Experience leading or coordinating information security projects and providing technical guidance or consultation to IT staff, project teams, or business stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a manner that facilitates mutual understanding.
  • Customer-focused approach grounded in active listening, empathy, and solution-oriented problem-solving to deliver positive user experiences.

Education in Information Technology (IT) or an IT related field may substitute for experience as follows: a master's degree for eighteen (18) months of experience; a bachelor's degree for one (1) year; and an associate's degree for six (6) months.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience mentoring technical staff, leading cross-functional security initiatives, and providing subject matter expertise on enterprise security technologies, incident response, vulnerability management, or security governance.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience using Azure security tools such as Defender for Cloud, Entra ID, and Key Vault.
  • Professional certifications and credentials in information security or information technology, such as CISSP, GSEC, CEH, CCE, ENCE, GSFI, ITIL, or a comparable industry-recognized credential.

Additional Requirements
It is the policy of Minnesota IT Services that a successful candidate must pass all legally required checks prior to employment which may consist of the following:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
Criminal History Check
Reference Check
Social Security and Address Verification
Education Verification
CJIS Background Check
Other legally required checks
Minnesota IT Services does not participate in the federal E-Verify program. Minnesota IT Services is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
Application Details
How to Apply
Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Human Resources at workwithmnit@state.mn.us .
Connect 700 Program
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Human Resources at workwithmnit@state.mn.us .
Veterans
To be considered for any Veteran's Status , you MUST indicate this on your application.
RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS (RSV) : Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. You must:
  1. Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
  2. Meet all of the RSV criteria.
  3. Submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date to: workwithmnit@state.mn.us

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS : Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if you:
  1. Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
  2. Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.
  3. Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
  4. You must submit all documentation by the closing date to: workwithmnit@state.mn.us

Current State Employees
  • Bidders: This vacancy is open for bids and all qualified applicants simultaneously. This vacancy will be filled in accordance with applicable union contract provisions. Current employees of Minnesota IT Services who are currently in anInformation Technology Specialist 5/Information Security position and who are eligible to bid and apply within the seven (7) day bidding period will be considered prior to filling the position via other means.
  • Current State Employees: Please note that employment provisions (including but not limited to seniority and leave accrual) vary among the three branches of Minnesota State government. When considering a job with another branch of state government, you are highly encouraged to explore these differences. For assistance, please direct questions to your current or anticipated Human Resources office.

About Minnesota IT Services
Minnesota IT Services is the information technology agency for the State of Minnesota. MNIT partners with agencies, boards, councils, and commissions to deliver secure, reliable technology solutions as we set IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards statewide. Work for MNIT and be part of a nation-leading IT organization that helps to create an innovative government that works for everyone. Our culture promotes collaboration, demands agility, and encourages us to embrace change. Be a part of something bigger than yourself, something to be inspired by; come to work for MNIT.
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • 12 paid holidays each year
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
    • Fertility care, including IVF
    • Diabetes care
    • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:
  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

What State Of Minnesota employees say

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State of Minnesota logo

About State of Minnesota

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Minnesota State Demographic Center (SDC), part of the Minnesota Department of Administration, is the main provider of demographic data and analysis for the state of Minnesota. The SDC assists policymakers, state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, the media, and all Minnesotans locate and understand the demographic data they need to make smart decisions.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1967

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