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Principal Cyber Security Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Security Engineer Our Technology Team partners with teams across Expedia Group to create ... Demonstrated experience applying AI and machine learning techniques within cybersecurity contexts ...

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 ...

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 ...

About the Team We are growing our cybersecurity response program to continue to deliver world class ... This is a highly technical principal role with the understanding that you are already conversant in ...

About the Team We are growing our cybersecurity response program to continue to deliver world class ... This is a highly technical principal role with the understanding that you are already conversant in ...

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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.

Principal Cyber Security Engineer

ManTech International

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$141K - $236K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 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

General information
Requisition #
R69899
Locations
USA-VA-Chantilly
Posting Date
08/10/2026
Security Clearance Required
TS/SCI w/ Poly
Remote Type
Onsite
Time Type
Full time
Description & Requirements
Unlock the secrets of intelligence with MANTECH! Join a dynamic team at the forefront of national security, providing advanced solutions to government intelligence agencies. Since 1968, we've been solving the toughest challenges with groundbreaking tech. Explore thrilling projects in Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity, IT, Data Analytics and Software Development. Elevate your career and make a difference. Your adventure begins now-unleash your potential with MANTECH!
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, implement, integrate, and sustain Comply-to-Connect (C2C) deployment support to migrate, deploy, improve, and maintain C2C services.
  • Manage and maintain C2C appliances, applications, servers, and supporting infrastructure on unclassified and classified environments.
  • Coordinate with the network service provider to develop and maintain network architecture diagrams.
  • Evaluate and recommend changes and/or technology upgrades to address performance, standardization, and industry best practices.
  • Monitor and investigate C2C performance and faults and recommend system improvements.
  • Interact with team members and customers at multiple levels to gather, supply, or coordinate technical information.
  • Support Assessment and Authorization (A&A) activities related to cybersecurity technologies.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of additional experience in lieu of degree.
  • 7+ years of cyber engineering or relevant cybersecurity experience.
  • Experience with technologies involved in large-scale enterprise deployments and data centers.
  • Experience deploying and supporting enterprise security software products such as firewalls, IPS, Anti-Virus solutions, application firewalls, high availability solutions, network management systems, and virtual systems.
  • Solid knowledge of Windows and Linux systems, general operating system security practices, TCP/IP networking, 802.1x, and network security concepts.
  • Must hold an active IAT Level II certification (GSEC, Security+, SSCP, or CCNA-Security) or have the ability to obtain it within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience implementing and using complex enterprise software products that involve multiple components.
  • Experience with vendor-agnostic C2C capabilities and services, open-source components and trends, DoD integration and networks, and DoD engineering and sustainment procedures.
  • Direct experience with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).
  • Hands-on knowledge of Shell, Perl, and XML scripting.
  • Experience using security and diagnostic tools such as Nmap, Nessus, and tcpdump.

Clearance Requirements:
  • Must have a current and active TS/SCI with Polygraph.

Physical Requirements:
  • The person in this position must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
  • The person in this position occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, or to communicate with co-workers, management, and customers.

The projected compensation range for this position is $141,500.00-$236,000.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, MANTECH invests in its employees beyond just compensation. MANTECH's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, short-term and long-term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.
MANTECH considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to disability or veteran status or any other status protected under any federal, state, or local law or regulation.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with MANTECH, please email us at careers@mantech.com and provide your name and contact information.

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