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Lead Cyber Security Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Lead Cyber Security Engineer information

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$40.5K

$122.9K

$180K

How much do lead cyber security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead cyber security engineer in the United States is $122,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Lead Cyber Security Engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM, and leadership responsibilities in large organizations. High compensation often reflects expertise in threat management, security architecture, and incident response, along with working in high-demand industries or senior executive roles.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Lead Cyber Security Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in areas like threat management and security architecture can potentially earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior executive roles. However, such compensation is typically reserved for top-tier professionals in large organizations or consulting firms and often includes bonuses and stock options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Cyber Security Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Cyber Security Engineer, you need deep expertise in network security, threat analysis, and risk management, often supported by a degree in computer science or information security and relevant certifications such as CISSP or CEH. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and cloud security platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and communication skills are vital for guiding teams and effectively conveying security strategies to stakeholders. These capabilities are critical for proactively defending organizational assets, leading incident response, and ensuring robust security postures in complex IT environments.

What is the 80 20 rule in cyber security?

In cyber security, the 80/20 rule suggests that approximately 80% of security issues are caused by 20% of vulnerabilities or threats. Lead Cyber Security Engineers often focus on identifying and mitigating these critical vulnerabilities to improve overall security posture efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by Lead Cyber Security Engineers when managing a security team?

Lead Cyber Security Engineers often face challenges such as balancing hands-on technical responsibilities with leadership and mentorship duties. They must stay current on rapidly evolving threats while ensuring that their team is well-trained and aligned with organizational security policies. Additionally, they frequently coordinate with other departments to implement security initiatives and manage the response to incidents, which requires strong communication and project management skills. Successfully navigating these challenges helps ensure both the team's effectiveness and the organization's overall security posture.

What are Lead Cyber Security Engineers?

Lead Cyber Security Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing and guiding the security measures that protect an organization's computer systems and networks. They design, implement, and manage security solutions, lead incident response efforts, and ensure compliance with relevant security standards and policies. In addition to technical tasks, they often supervise junior security staff, coordinate between departments, and develop strategies to address current and emerging cyber threats. Their role is critical in preventing data breaches and maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of organizational data.

What is the difference between Lead Cyber Security Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectLead Cyber Security EngineerSecurity Analyst
Certifications CISSP, CISM, CEHCompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials
Work EnvironmentDesigning security systems, leading security projectsMonitoring security alerts, analyzing threats
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, finance, government agenciesIT departments, security firms, corporate settings

The Lead Cyber Security Engineer typically focuses on designing and leading security initiatives, requiring advanced certifications and experience. In contrast, a Security Analyst primarily monitors and analyzes security threats, often with entry to mid-level certifications. Both roles are vital in cybersecurity but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is the highest salary for a cyber security engineer?

The highest salaries for lead cybersecurity engineers can exceed $200,000 annually, especially for those with advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM, extensive experience, and expertise in areas such as threat management and security architecture. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and company size, with top roles often offering additional bonuses and benefits.
More about Lead Cyber Security Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Cyber Security Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Cyber Security Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Lead Cyber Security Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Cyber Security Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Cyber Security Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,890 per year, or $59.1 per hour.
Lead Cyber Security Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Lead Cyber Security Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$118K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source.ย  Our nuclear power generation clients are digitizing their existingย ย  power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR) due to the increasing demand for electric power.ย  This is expanding our work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group.ย  Due to this influx of work, Sargent & Lundy has a need for additional I&C Engineers.

This position requires an engineer who has expertise in US nuclear cyber security rules and NEI cyber security guidance.ย ย 

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

  • Reviewing Critical Digital Asset (CDA) determinations and assessments for technical accuracy.
  • Addressing related plant corrective actions and notifications.ย 
  • Confirming the configuration of devices installed at the site based on network diagrams and system documentation.ย 
  • Supporting installation of software and hardware on plant digital systems.
  • Performing tasks for changing device settings to implement cyber security controls.ย 
  • Performing technical supports requested by the Digital Engineering and Cyber Security supervisors.
  • Performing other tasks as related to Cyber Security.

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:ย 

  • BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program or equivalentย professional experience
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems and general understanding of Cyber Security topics and I&C Systems.
  • Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control systems is preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise in nuclear power cyber security.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • PE license preferred, but not required.
  • A basic understanding of cyber security, the concept of a cyber security operation center and knowledge of networks are essential.
  • Ability to respond and update, in a timely manner, to requests.
  • Work experience in designing or implementing networks would be very helpful.

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$118,023 - $180,313
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, weโ€™ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!


Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.


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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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