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Principal Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 Cybersecurity Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal cybersecurity engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal cybersecurity engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $200,000 in cyber security?

Principal Cybersecurity Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in areas like threat management and security architecture can earn salaries of $200,000 or more, especially in high-demand industries or senior roles. Salary levels depend on factors such as location, company size, and individual skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer, you need deep expertise in security architecture, risk assessment, and threat mitigation, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science and industry certifications like CISSP or CISM. Familiarity with security tools such as SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanners, intrusion detection systems, and cloud security solutions is essential. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills enable collaboration across technical and executive teams. These competencies ensure robust protection of organizational assets, effective response to evolving threats, and alignment of security initiatives with business goals.

How does a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement security solutions?

A Principal Cybersecurity Engineer regularly partners with IT, software development, and business operations teams to design and integrate robust security solutions throughout an organization’s technology stack. This collaboration involves leading security architecture reviews, providing technical guidance on secure coding practices, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as the role often requires translating complex security concepts for non-technical stakeholders and facilitating the adoption of security best practices across departments.

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

Principal Cybersecurity Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior executive positions. Achieving this level often requires specialized skills in threat management, secure architecture, and a strong track record of impactful projects. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Principal Cybersecurity Engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities in high-demand industries. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise, often including bonuses and stock options.

What is the difference between Principal Cybersecurity Engineer vs Cybersecurity Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Cybersecurity EngineerCybersecurity Engineer
CertificationsCCSP, CISSP, CISACISSP, Security+
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, strategic planning, high-level security architectureImplementation, monitoring, and technical support
Employer & Industry UsageLarge enterprises, government agencies, financial institutionsTech companies, startups, mid-sized firms

The Principal Cybersecurity Engineer typically holds more advanced certifications and focuses on strategic security planning and leadership. In contrast, Cybersecurity Engineers are more involved in hands-on technical tasks like system monitoring and vulnerability assessments. Both roles are essential, but the principal position often oversees security programs and guides teams, while cybersecurity engineers execute security measures on a day-to-day basis.

How much does a principal Cyber Security Engineer make?

A principal Cybersecurity 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, threat management, and compliance.

What does a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer do?

A Principal Cybersecurity Engineer is a senior-level professional who leads the design, implementation, and management of an organization's cybersecurity strategy. They are responsible for overseeing security architecture, evaluating risks, developing policies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Additionally, they mentor junior staff, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and stay updated on emerging threats to protect critical systems and data. Their expertise helps organizations defend against cyberattacks and maintain robust security postures.
More about Principal Cybersecurity Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Principal Cybersecurity Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Cybersecurity Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Principal Cybersecurity Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Cyber Security Engineer with Security Clearance

Principal Cyber Security Engineer with Security Clearance

MANTECH

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 14 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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