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Data Protection Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perform basic backup job monitoring, restore validation support, and operational checks across storage and data protection platforms. Help execute standard recovery procedures and participate in ...

Perform basic backup job monitoring, restore validation support, and operational checks across storage and data protection platforms. Help execute standard recovery procedures and participate in ...

Perform basic backup job monitoring, restore validation support, and operational checks across storage and data protection platforms. Help execute standard recovery procedures and participate in ...

We are seeking an experienced Senior Data Protection Engineer / Analyst to join our Enterprise Data Protection team. This role will be responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring, and ...

New

Fire Protection Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$82K - $111K/yr

Our engineers and consultants collaborate to solve complex safety and security challenges, ensuring ... We protect your personal data against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure, using security ...

Fire Protection Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$82K - $111K/yr

Our engineers and consultants collaborate to solve complex safety and security challenges, ensuring ... We protect your personal data against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure, using security ...

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Showing results 1-20

Data Protection Engineer information

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$44.5K

$129.7K

$177.5K

How much do data protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for data protection engineer in the United States is $129,716.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Protection Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Protection Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of data security principles, encryption techniques, and compliance frameworks, typically supported by a degree in computer science and relevant certifications like CISSP or CIPP. Familiarity with data loss prevention (DLP) tools, cloud security platforms, and regulatory compliance systems is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These skills ensure the robust safeguarding of sensitive information, compliance with regulations, and proactive risk mitigation in evolving digital environments.

Can I make 200k as a data engineer?

Data Protection Engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Reaching a $200,000 salary is possible with senior-level expertise, specialized skills in security tools, certifications like CISSP, and working in high-demand markets or senior roles.

What is the difference between Data Protection Engineer vs Data Security Analyst?

AspectData Protection EngineerData Security Analyst
CredentialsCertifications like CISSP, CISA, or CISM; relevant degrees in cybersecurity or computer scienceSimilar certifications; often holds CISSP, Security+, or GIAC certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and implementing data protection systems, working closely with IT and engineering teamsMonitoring security systems, analyzing threats, and responding to security incidents
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations focusing on data privacyOrganizations across industries focusing on data security and compliance

While both roles focus on data security, Data Protection Engineers primarily design and implement data protection solutions, whereas Data Security Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. They often collaborate but have distinct responsibilities within data security frameworks.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior data protection engineers, cybersecurity engineers, and cloud security architects can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries or organizations. These roles often require expertise in encryption, compliance, and security tools, and may involve leadership responsibilities or specialized skills.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior data protection engineers or cybersecurity engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, reflecting the importance of security expertise in organizations.

What is a data protection engineer?

A data protection engineer is a cybersecurity professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining systems to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access, breaches, and loss. They often work with encryption, access controls, and compliance standards, and may use tools like data loss prevention software and security frameworks. Strong knowledge of data security protocols and relevant certifications are typically required for this role.

What are Data Protection Engineers?

Data Protection Engineers are IT professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access, loss, or breaches. They ensure that data storage, transfer, and processing comply with relevant data protection laws and organizational policies. Their responsibilities often include configuring encryption, managing backup solutions, monitoring for security incidents, and conducting risk assessments. Data Protection Engineers also collaborate with other teams to integrate data security best practices into all aspects of an organization’s technology infrastructure.

What are some typical challenges a Data Protection Engineer faces when implementing data privacy solutions across multiple systems?

Data Protection Engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating privacy controls seamlessly across diverse and legacy systems. Maintaining compliance with evolving data protection regulations while ensuring minimal disruption to business operations can be complex. Additionally, collaborating with cross-functional teams to align technical solutions with organizational policies and educating stakeholders on data privacy best practices are key aspects of the role. These challenges require strong communication skills, technical adaptability, and a proactive approach to risk assessment.
More about Data Protection Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Data Protection Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Data Protection Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Protection Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,716 per year, or $62.4 per hour.
Storage & Data Protection Engineer 1

Storage & Data Protection Engineer 1

HDR

Omaha, NE • On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 359 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Support day-to-day administration of vSAN storage policies, storage provisioning activities, and assigned storage service requests.

Monitor storage capacity, utilization, and health across VCF environments; escalate threshold or performance concerns.

Assist with routine operation of VCF-native data protection capabilities, including snapshots, replication, and recovery tasks.

Perform basic backup job monitoring, restore validation support, and operational checks across storage and data protection platforms.

Help execute standard recovery procedures and participate in disaster recovery preparation activities under guidance.

Assist with storage performance analysis and remediation for standard workload issues.

Maintain documentation for storage procedures, backup schedules, restore workflows, and operational runbooks.

Follow approved change, security, and compliance processes for all storage and recovery activities.

Participate in incident support and after-action documentation for storage or backup-related events.

Develop working knowledge of adjacent VCF components that interact with storage services.


Schedule & Presence:  This on-site role supports 24/7 operations through real-time collaboration, standard shifts occur within a 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM window, Monday through Friday.  Additionally, this position requires scheduled on-call flexibility and the ability to remain reasonably reachable during off-hours for critical business continuity.


Preferred Qualifications

Exposure to VMware Cloud Foundation environments.

Exposure to backup tools such as Commvault or Veeam.

Familiarity with snapshot-based protection and replication concepts.

Basic knowledge of public cloud storage concepts.

Entry-level VMware or storage-related certification.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent practical experience.

Minimum 1 year of experience in infrastructure, systems, storage, backup, or virtualization administration/support.

Foundational knowledge of enterprise storage concepts such as RAID, SAN, NAS, storage tiers, capacity, and resiliency.

Foundational experience with VMware vSphere and basic familiarity with VMware vSAN.

Basic understanding of backup, restore, replication, and disaster recovery concepts.

Experience working with operational documentation, ticketing, and standard change procedures.

Ability to learn and support technical systems in a structured enterprise environment.

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917