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Principal Cyber Security Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Masimo

Principal Cybersecurity Architect

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Principal Cybersecurity Architect role is responsible for embedding secure-by-design principles ... engineering leaders to integrate cybersecurity practices into CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps ...

Newell Brands

$106K - $144K/yr

The Cyber Security Principal reports to the Senior Manager of Security Operations and serves as a ... Beyond incident response, the Principal drives security engineering initiatives including control ...

Noblis

Cyber Security Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Support the Cyber Principal Assistant Program Manager (PAPM) with cyber planning activities ... Cybersecurity engineering support for DoD systems * RMF Assessment & Authorization processes

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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 30, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,293 per year, or $64.6 per hour.
Principal Cybersecurity Engineer (6562) with Security Clearance

Principal Cybersecurity Engineer (6562) with Security Clearance

Mount Indie, LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design and implement a Security Operations Center and integrate and maintain cybersecurity tools and solutions.

  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to a team of cyber engineers and analysts, reviewing their work and assisting with complex technical challenges.

  • Engage with stakeholders to translate technical requirements into actionable solutions.

Job description

As Principal Cybersecurity Solutions Architect you'll design, implement, and manage scalable Cyber solutions across multiple domains. You will lead the implementation of a Security Operations Center (SOC) and integrate its tools. We know that you can't have great technology services without amazing people.

Here, we are obsessed with our people and have led a two-decade legacy of building the best and brightest teams. Because we know our future relies on our deep understanding and relentless focus on our people, we live by our mission: A passion for our people. Value for our customers.

If you think you can see yourself delivering our mission and pursuing our goals with us, then check out the job description below! What you'll do: * You will collaborate with a cross-functional team to design and implement a Security Operations Center, and integrate and maintain Cybersecurity tools and solutions. * You will mentor and provide technical guidance to a team of cyber engineers and analysts, reviewing their work, and helping them solve complex technical challenges.

* You will engage with stakeholders to translate technical requirements into actionable solutions * You will troubleshoot and resolve issues * You'll also need to stay current on evolving cyber technologies, SOC, and compliance standards. What you'll need to succeed: * An active TS//SCI clearance * At least 10 years of experience as a cybersecurity engineer with a specialization in SOCs, Cross Domain Solutions, and designing and building implementations of required security controls; and implementing continuous monitoring and auditing solutions for compliance with security controls. * Expert-level skills in engineering and implementing security tools such as SIEM's, and performing querying and analysis of aggregated logs to identify security-relevant anomalies or risks * Strong experience in implementing security controls from government regulatory frameworks and security standards (e.g., NIST SP 800-53, RMF, ICD 503, FISMA, FedRAMP).

* Demonstrated and repeat experience implementing controls for network, and infrastructure services and solutions from IL5 to IL6+ on NIPR, SIPR, and JWICS. * Strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and infrastructure components. * Expert proficiency in incident response, security incident handling, and forensic analysis techniques.

* Experience with security automation to enhance efficiencies, scalability and threat response. * Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. * CISSP or equivalent certification to support DoD 8140 requirements

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