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Principal Cyber Security Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aptiv

Senior Principal Cybersecurity Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

Sr. Principal Security Engineer Join Aptiv and help lead the automotive industry into a more resilient and assured cybersecurity future. Our team protects our customers from the most advanced threats ...

Aptiv

Senior Principal Cybersecurity Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

Sr. Principal Security Engineer Join Aptiv and help lead the automotive industry into a more resilient and assured cybersecurity future. Our team protects our customers from the most advanced threats ...

Aptiv

Senior Principal Cybersecurity Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

Sr. Principal Security Engineer Join Aptiv and help lead the automotive industry into a more resilient and assured cybersecurity future. Our team protects our customers from the most advanced threats ...

Aptiv

Senior Principal Cybersecurity Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

Sr. Principal Security Engineer Join Aptiv and help lead the automotive industry into a more resilient and assured cybersecurity future. Our team protects our customers from the most advanced threats ...

Masimo

Principal Cybersecurity Architect

Irvine, CA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

The Principal Cybersecurity Architect, Engineering serves as a senior technical authority responsible for embedding secure-by-design principles across Masimo's software platforms. This role partners ...

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Principal Cyber Security Engineer information

See salary details

$103K

$134.3K

$168K

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

As of Jul 23, 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.

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

Principal Cyber Security Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Achieving this level often requires a combination of technical expertise, strategic responsibilities, and sometimes executive-level positions or consulting work.

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.

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. They often hold advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM and have extensive expertise in security architecture, risk management, and threat mitigation.

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.

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Principal Cyber Security Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior roles. Salary levels depend on factors such as location, company size, and individual expertise, with some professionals reaching this threshold through leadership, complex project management, or cybersecurity architecture responsibilities.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Principal 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 strategic planning, typically in senior or executive-level roles.
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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,293 per year, or $64.6 per hour.
Principal Cyber Security Engineer with Security Clearance

Principal Cyber Security Engineer with Security Clearance

MANTECH

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago

ManTech rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 215 rated software companies

Job description

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Principal Cyber Security Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA. 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) documentation, responding to/implementing/documenting required controls, and completing required tasks/actions. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Designing, implementing, and maintaining complex systems and infrastructure that support critical business objectives.
* Deploying solutions to proactively mitigate cyber threats to customer networks while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure security and performance requirements.
* Troubleshooting and resolving complex system issues and making recommendations to senior management to improve the overall security posture.
* Planning and executing system upgrades, patches, and migrations while developing robust disaster recovery plans and procedures.
* Developing and implementing system monitoring and alerting strategies and mentoring junior team members on emerging technologies and industry trends.
* Assessing the performance of security controls within IT projects and evaluating potential system security risks to take appropriate corrective, mitigation, and recovery actions.
* Researching, evaluating, and providing feedback on problematic security trends and patterns in customer support requirements. Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of additional IT experience in lieu of degree
* 7+ years of cyber experience
* Experience navigating the Sponsor's accreditation process and ICD 503 requirements, especially as it relates to creating A&A Body of Evidence (BOE) documentation.
* Experience meeting security requirements in the Sponsor's environment or similar environments using RMF, information assurance tools, and DoD STIGs.
* Experience working across a large team to drive a security agenda and working with complex, intertwined systems and data flows in a fast-paced environment.
* Experience inventorying complex networks and with network documentation, including security compliance, configuration management, patching, and centralized authentication.
* Experience creating, maintaining, and communicating complex information technology documentation, particularly network and security documentation.
* Current IAT Level II Certification or the ability to obtain within six months of hire Preferred Qualifications: * Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP certification).
* Experience with the Sponsor's primary cyber risk and compliance automation tools and modern Windows, LINUX, and virtual computing environments.
* Knowledge of IDS solutions, implementation of counter-measures, and familiarity with scripting languages like Python, JavaScript, or Perl.
* Familiarity with Elastic (Logstash/Kibana) and experience with VMWare infrastructure, including vCenter and ESXi configuration. Clearance Requirements: * An active TS/SCI with Polygraph. Physical Requirements: * Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50%.
* Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
* Frequently communicates with co-workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations.

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