1

Principal Cybersecurity 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Cybersecurity Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal cybersecurity engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 cybersecurity 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, risk management, and threat mitigation.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 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.

What ManTech employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom