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Data Security Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Akuna is seeking a driven Security Engineer II to safeguard our systems, data, and assets against a threat landscape increasingly shaped by AI on both sides of the fight. In this role, you'll ...

WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE We believe you'll love being an AI Security Engineer at tms ... Evaluate data flows between marketing systems and core enterprise infrastructure, identifying ...

Senior Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $165K/yr

AI/ML security exposure: prompt injection, data poisoning, model abuse, and the controls that ... Engineers trust their technical judgment, and when something is blocked, they come with a proposed ...

Network Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98K - $160K/yr

... data * Drives complex technical information security projects to ensure on-time delivery and ... Collaboration * DevOps Practices * Financial Management * Solution Delivery Process * Test ...

Senior Security Engineer II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

... data stores such as MongoDB. We're looking for a Senior Cloud Security Engineer II to join our Security Engineering function as a senior individual contributor and technical leader for cloud security.

Information Security Engineer

Munster, IN · On-site

$43.26 - $66.17/hr

Hybrid Reporting to the Information Security Manager, the Information Security Engineer is ... Advanced knowledge of Data Loss Prevention * Advanced knowledge of IDS/IPS * Advanced knowledge of ...

Senior Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

... client data. Assist in the maintenance the Zero Trust Security framework and associated tooling ... The engineer in this role will focus on the following areas and technologies * Zero Trust ...

Senior Security Engineer II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

Lead the security of large-scale, distributed systems and self-managed data stores (e.g., MongoDB ... engineers adopt, and you balance strong controls with operational reality. You raise the people ...

Showing results 21-40

Data Security Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$63.4K

$157.4K

$211.7K

How much do data security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for data security engineer in Chicago, IL is $157,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $147,300.00 and $163,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Data Security Engineer, you need expertise in network security, encryption, vulnerability assessment, and a solid background in computer science or information security. Familiarity with tools like SIEM systems, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and certifications such as CISSP or CEH are often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you navigate evolving threats and work well with cross-functional teams. These skills are essential for proactively identifying risks, implementing robust security measures, and maintaining data integrity in a dynamic technology landscape.

What are the typical challenges a data security engineer faces on the job?

Data Security Engineers commonly face challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly evolving cyber threats, managing multiple security tools, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. They often must respond quickly to security incidents, perform thorough investigations, and balance security needs with business objectives. The role also involves educating colleagues about safe data practices and collaborating closely with IT, development, and compliance teams. Navigating these challenges requires continuous learning, adaptability, and strong problem-solving abilities.

What is a data security engineer?

A Data Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures to protect an organization's sensitive data from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats. They work with encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security tools to safeguard data. Their duties often include conducting risk assessments, monitoring security incidents, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Additionally, they collaborate with IT and development teams to integrate security best practices into infrastructure and applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Data Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Data Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Data Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Data Security Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,379 per year, or $75.7 per hour.

Security Engineer II

Akuna Capital

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

About Akuna:
Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market maker - meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.
Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm's first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world - Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore.
What you'll do as a Security Engineer II at Akuna:
Akuna is seeking a driven Security Engineer II to safeguard our systems, data, and assets against a threat landscape increasingly shaped by AI on both sides of the fight. In this role, you'll proactively identify vulnerabilities, hunt for threats, automate and orchestrate security workflows, and drive incident response while leveraging AI and agentic tooling as force multipliers.
You'll also help secure the firm's growing AI ecosystem, including internal AI applications, agentic workflows, and the emerging attack surfaces they introduce as AI becomes an increasingly important part of how we build and operate technology.
By continuously improving our ability to prevent, detect, investigate, respond to, and recover from cyber threats, you'll play a key role in advancing Akuna's security posture. In this role, you will:
  • Perform analysis of security incidents and threat actors utilizing the MITRE ATT&CK framework to enhance detection capabilities
  • Investigate and respond to security incidents reported by the Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), security controls, and end users, while developing effective triage processes to ensure prompt and thorough incident handling
  • Assist in managing enterprise security infrastructure, including Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems, SIEM, EDR, Web Filtering, MFA, and Email Security
  • Develop threat hunting activities by analyzing anomalous log data, intelligence, and conducting brainstorming sessions to detect and eliminate potential adversaries in our network
  • Leverage APIs across enterprise technology, SaaS/IaaS/PaaS and business applications to create new sources of telemetry signals for threat Detection and Response
  • Engineer orchestration and automation to streamline the incident analysis and response process
  • Engineer war-gaming and tabletop activities as part of red/blue team exercises to strengthen and test incident response playbooks, evaluating and improving the firm's incident response capabilities
  • Conduct vulnerability management assessments, recommend remediation actions, and collaborate with system owners to ensure timely patching
  • Collaborate with Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) to implement threat detection rules and event correlation using SIEM platforms to identify malicious, suspicious, and anomalous activities
  • Collaborate with different departments within the firm to identify security monitoring blind spots and opportunities for threat detection
  • Provide support in implementing and maintaining the information security infrastructure ensuring its effective operation and ongoing maintenance
  • Educate users on security best practices and implement initiatives to promote cybersecurity awareness and risk reduction, including conducting training sessions and developing user-friendly documentation

Qualities that make great candidates:
  • 3-5 years of experience in cybersecurity, security engineering, or cyber defense with a demonstrated ability to protect enterprise systems, infrastructure, and data
  • Passion for cybersecurity and a strong understanding of security operations, threat detection, incident response, and enterprise security principles
  • Experience administering and supporting enterprise security technologies such as SIEM, EDR, firewalls, IDS/IPS, vulnerability management platforms, identity and access management (Active Directory, Entra ID/Azure AD, SSO, MFA), and Microsoft 365 security
  • Experience investigating security events through log analysis, identifying indicators of compromise, and assisting with incident investigation and response
  • Understanding of vulnerability management processes, including vulnerability identification, prioritization, remediation, and validation
  • Experience securing cloud environments and SaaS platforms, with familiarity in Azure, AWS, or GCP security concepts and cloud-native security controls
  • Working knowledge of Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems from a security perspective
  • Experience writing PowerShell, Python, or similar scripts to automate repetitive tasks or improve security operations
  • Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S, VPNs, and common enterprise network security concepts
  • Experience implementing or supporting endpoint protection technologies such as EDR, Next-Generation Antivirus, or endpoint security platforms
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and business teams and explain security concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Strong documentation skills with the ability to create and maintain technical procedures, standards, and operational documentation

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with security orchestration and automation (SOAR) platforms such as Cortex XSOAR, Splunk SOAR (Phantom), Tines, or Torq.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Defender XDR, Microsoft Sentinel, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, or similar enterprise EDR security platforms.
  • Knowledge of regulatory and security frameworks such as NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls, MITRE ATT&CK, or ISO 27001.
  • Experience with Data Loss Prevention (DLP), CASB, email security, or Zero Trust architectures.

AI & Emerging Technologies
  • Experience using AI and LLM tools to improve security investigations, automation, scripting, documentation, and operational efficiency while validating outputs and exercising sound judgment.
  • Curiosity and willingness to leverage emerging AI technologies to enhance security operations and engineering workflows.
  • Awareness of AI security risks and responsible AI practices, with familiarity with frameworks such as OWASP LLM Top 10, MITRE ATLAS, or similar guidance.

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!
In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.