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Principal Cyber Security Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Principal Cyber Security Engineer to join our team in Denver, CO . You will help protect our national security while working on innovative ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Principal Cyber Security Engineer to join our team in Denver, CO . You will help protect our national security while working on innovative ...

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

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 ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Principal Cyber Security Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA . Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Engineer, design ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Principal Cyber Security Engineer to join our team in Denver, CO . You will help protect our national security while working on innovative ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Principal Cyber Security Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA . Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Manage and lead the ...

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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.
More about Principal Cyber Security Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Principal Cyber Security Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Cyber Security Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Principal Cyber Security Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Cyber Security Engineer jobs include:

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.

Senior Cyber Security Engineer

MANTECH

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days 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 Senior Cyber Security Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA.

In this role, you will support a mission-critical initiative and contribute directly to cybersecurity operations through the administration and engineering of a large enterprise Splunk environment. This position is ideal for professionals with strong hands-on experience in system integration, data management, and cyber defense initiatives. You will play a key role in maintaining and tuning Splunk systems, while collaborating with technical teams and cyber analysts across a dynamic enterprise environment.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Managing the day-to-day operation of large enterprise Splunk deployments.
  • Troubleshooting data collection issues and resolving system conditions affecting stability or integrity.
  • Deploying and maintaining both supported and unsupported Splunk add-ons.
  • Executing Splunk Enterprise upgrades and patches.
  • Configuring and deploying Splunk forwarders using centralized management tools.
  • Maintaining and tuning Splunk Enterprise Security (ES) content and performance.
  • Managing knowledge objects, data models, dashboards, alerts, and operational content.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree, or 4+ additional years of IT experience in lieu of a degree.
  • 5+ years of experience in an enterprise and/or cybersecurity-focused environment.
  • Experience with Splunk administration and engineering.
  • Experience with Splunk Enterprise Security (ES) operations and configurations.
  • Proficiency with Unix and Windows environments.
  • DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (e.g., Security+, CCNA-Security, GSEC).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Splunk certifications such as Architect, Consultant I/II, Admin, or Power User.
  • Experience with scripting or programming languages (e.g., Bash, Python, Java, Perl, .NET).
  • Familiarity with developing and deploying operational and security use cases within Splunk.

Clearance Requirements

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

Physical Requirements

  • 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, or virtual communication, which may involve delivering presentations.

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