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Principal Cybersecurity Engineer

Reston, VA

About the Team We are seeking a highly skilled Principal cybersecurity engineer to architect the development of our internal suite of Cybersecurity Risk Management and Automation tools. This role ...

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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 Jun 9, 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 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.

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.
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,293 per year, or $64.6 per hour.
Engineer/Scientist 5 - Principal Cyber Security Engineer

Engineer/Scientist 5 - Principal Cyber Security Engineer

Stahl Companies

Charleston, SC • On-site

Contractor

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Engineer/Scientist 5 - Principal Cyber Security Engineer
Department: NIWCSSS
Employment Type: Contract / Temp
Location: NIWCSSS-NAVWAR-NIWC-231999-SC
Description
Engineer/Scientist 5 - Principal Cyber Security Engineer (Key)
Position Summary
Leads cybersecurity engineering efforts to protect enterprise systems, ensuring compliance, resilience, and proactive defense against evolving threats.
Responsibilities
• Oversee cybersecurity operations to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems.
• Conduct security requirements analysis, risk assessments, and system security design.
• Lead certification and accreditation processes and ensure compliance with applicable standards.
• Perform vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and Red Team exercises.
• Develop and implement incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans.
• Monitor and analyze cyber events, providing threat detection and mitigation strategies.
• Design and implement security architectures across on-premise and cloud environments.
• Develop security assessment plans including scope, risks, and documentation requirements.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Systems.
• Minimum 15 years of cybersecurity experience across engineering and operations.
• Expertise in vulnerability analysis, incident response, and systems hardening.
• Experience with cloud security and enterprise security frameworks.
*Position is contingent upon award.
Location: NIWC Atlantic in Charleston
To know more about the company, visit Stahl Companies (stahlusa.us)
Key Responsibilities
Leads cybersecurity engineering efforts to protect enterprise systems, ensuring compliance, resilience, and proactive defense against evolving threats.

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