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Principal Cyber Security Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ManTech

Principal Cyber Security Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$141K - $236K/yr

Principal Cyber Security engineers are responsible for the quality of cyber security related solution delivery, development, testing and deployment in support of cyber security efforts. They are ...

MANTECH

Senior Cyber Security Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career, and customer-oriented Senior Cyber Security Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA. In this role, you will support a mission-critical initiative and contribute ...

ManTech

Principal Cyber Security Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$141K - $236K/yr

The Principal Cyber Security Engineer will leverage their strong technical background and knowledge to support the Sponsor's system accreditation efforts, to include creating Body of Evidence (BOE ...

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Principal Cyber Security Engineer information

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$103K

$134.3K

$168K

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal cyber security engineer in the United States is $134,293.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,000.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal cyber security engineer?

A Principal Cyber Security Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing an organization's cybersecurity strategy and systems. They lead teams in identifying security risks, developing advanced security measures, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role often involves collaborating with stakeholders, mentoring junior engineers, and staying updated on emerging threats and technologies. Principal Cyber Security Engineers play a critical role in protecting sensitive information and maintaining the overall security posture of an organization.

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

To thrive as a Principal Cyber Security Engineer, you need advanced expertise in network security, risk assessment, threat modeling, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field, along with relevant industry certifications such as CISSP or CISM. Proficiency with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, penetration testing frameworks, and cloud security platforms is essential. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills are crucial for guiding teams and influencing security strategies across the organization. These skills and qualities are vital to proactively defend against evolving threats, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive enterprise-wide security initiatives.

What are some typical challenges principal cyber security engineers face when leading cross-functional security initiatives?

Principal Cyber Security Engineers often encounter the challenge of balancing security priorities with business objectives, especially when collaborating with IT, development, and executive teams. Ensuring effective communication across departments is essential, as technical security requirements must be translated for non-technical stakeholders. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving threat landscapes and integrating new security protocols without disrupting existing operations can be demanding. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a collaborative approach.

What is the difference between Principal Cyber Security Engineer vs Cyber Security Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Cyber Security EngineerCyber Security Engineer
Certifications CISSP, CISM, CEHCompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP (preferred)
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, strategic planning, cross-team collaborationImplementation, monitoring, technical support
Employer & Industry UsageLarge enterprises, government agencies, financial institutionsTech companies, startups, mid-sized firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior-level responsibilities, career progressionEntry to mid-level roles, technical skills

The Principal Cyber Security Engineer typically holds senior certifications, leads strategic security initiatives, and works in large organizations. In contrast, a Cyber Security Engineer focuses on implementing security measures and supporting security systems. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Principal role emphasizes leadership and strategic planning.

How much does a principal cyber security engineer make?

A principal cyber security engineer typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles often require advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM and expertise in security architecture, risk management, and threat mitigation.
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Principal Cyber Security Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Cyber Security Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,293 per year, or $64.6 per hour.

Principal Cyber Security Engineer

MANTECH

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 hours ago

ManTech rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Principal Cyber Security Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA.

Principal Cyber Security engineers are responsible for the quality of cyber security related solution delivery, development, testing and deployment in support of cyber security efforts. They are involved in creating quality cyber solution components based on the provided requirements. The successful candidate must possess the ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Maintaining operations of identity and access management services including directory, access, identity, and privileged access management services.
  • Maintaining infrastructure in cloud or virtualized environments.
  • Performing Linux and Windows based system upgrades and patches.
  • Engineering and deployment of a privileged access management (PAM) solution.
  • Engineering and deployment of a Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) solution.
  • Managing Continuous Monitoring (CONMON) activities and maintaining Authority to Operate (ATO).
  • Providing status reports in an Agile environment and periodically providing after-hour support.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of additional IT experience in lieu of degree.
  • 7+ years of working experience in the IT field.
  • Experience working in LINUX and Windows environments.
  • Knowledge of LDAP directory and managing databases.
  • Ability to create scripts to assist with automation efforts.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with PAM tools implementation and maintenance.
  • Experience with authorization and authentication technologies and Identity and Access Management principals.
  • Experience with Ansible, writing automation playbooks, and working in a Dev/Ops environment.
  • Experience with PKI principals and working in an Agile environment.

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must have a current/active TS/SCI w/Polygraph.

Physical Requirements:

  • The person in this position must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
  • Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, or to communicate with co-workers, management, and customers, via email, phone, and or virtual communication, which may involve delivering presentations.

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