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Principal Security Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SevenAI

Principal Security Engineer - AI

Boston, MA · On-site

We are seeking a Principal Security Engineer to join our team and lead the evolution of AI cybersecurity defense, including incident response strategy and AI-driven security automation. As a senior ...

Block

Principal Security Engineer

Block is a company focused on economic empowerment, and they are seeking a Principal Security Engineer to lead software security initiatives. The role involves setting technical strategies, driving ...

InterSystems

Principal Security Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

The Principal Security Engineer provides technical leadership in defining architecture, standards, and strategy for securing enterprise and managed services platforms, ensuring security is embedded ...

ForeFlight

Principal Security Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

As Principal Security Architect, you'll own the technical security strategy across our enterprise IT and SaaS environments, partnering closely with engineering, infrastructure, product security, and ...

InterSystems

Principal Security Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

The Principal Security Engineer will provide technical leadership in security, defining architecture and standards while ensuring security is integrated into platform design and operations as the ...

InterSystems

Principal Security Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

Role Summary The Principal Security Engineer provides technical leadership across the security domain, defining architecture, standards, and strategy for securing enterprise and managed services ...

Block

Principal Security Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

The Role As a Principal Security Engineer focused on Software Security Engineering at Block, you will be a technical leader reporting to the CISO responsible for setting the bar for security ...

The Mathworks

Principal Security Engineer

Natick, MA · On-site

$160K - $209K/yr

Learn More: We're looking for a hands-on, highly collaborative Principal Security Engineer to secure our software delivery pipeline. You'll take ownership of protecting our CI/CD processes ...

Curative HR LLC

Principal Security Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

Role Overview We're looking for a Principal Security Engineer to own our security engineering function end-to-end from defining platform strategy to hands-on implementation. This is a technical ...

Curative HR LLC

Principal Security Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$175K - $200K/yr

Role Overview We're looking for a Principal Security Engineer to own our security engineering function end-to-end from defining platform strategy to hands-on implementation. This is a technical ...

Curative HR LLC

Principal Security Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

Role Overview We're looking for a Principal Security Engineer to own our security engineering function end-to-end from defining platform strategy to hands-on implementation. This is a technical ...

Wsgr

Principal Security Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

The Principal Security Engineer, under the direction of the Director of Security Engineering and Operations, is responsible for managing the Firm's information security systems and processes ...

CoreWeave

Principal Security Engineer

Livingston, NJ

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Principal Security Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for shaping and driving the security architecture vision across ...

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Principal Security Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal security 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 are some common challenges faced by Principal Security Engineers in aligning security initiatives with business objectives?

Principal Security Engineers often encounter the challenge of balancing robust security measures with the need for business agility and growth. They must effectively communicate technical risks to non-technical stakeholders and advocate for security investments without hindering innovation or productivity. This role requires a proactive approach to integrating security early in the development lifecycle, collaborating closely with product, engineering, and executive teams to ensure that security strategies support overall business goals while mitigating threats.

What are Principal Security Engineers?

Principal Security Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing the security architecture and strategy of an organization’s information systems. They lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of security protocols, ensuring compliance with industry standards and protecting against cyber threats. These engineers often mentor junior staff, conduct risk assessments, and collaborate with other departments to align security measures with business goals. Their expertise is critical for safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring the overall cybersecurity posture of the organization.

What is the difference between Principal Security Engineer vs Security Architect?

AspectPrincipal Security EngineerSecurity Architect
Required CredentialsCertifications like CISSP, CISM, CEH; Bachelor's or Master's in Cybersecurity or related fieldsSimilar certifications; often holds CISSP, SABSA, or TOGAF; background in security design
Work EnvironmentHands-on security implementation, incident response, vulnerability assessmentsDesigning security frameworks, creating security architecture, strategic planning
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across tech, finance, healthcare; focuses on security operationsCommon in large enterprises, consulting firms; focuses on security design
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, career pathsDesigning security solutions, architecture planning

While both roles require strong cybersecurity credentials and involve security strategies, the Principal Security Engineer is more hands-on with security operations and incident response. In contrast, the Security Architect focuses on designing security frameworks and architecture to protect organizational assets.

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

Principal Security Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in areas like cloud security or threat management can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-cost-of-living regions or senior leadership roles. Achieving this level often requires a combination of technical skill, strategic responsibility, and industry reputation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Security Engineers and other senior cybersecurity professionals often earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM, and expertise in areas such as cloud security, threat management, or security architecture. Compensation varies by industry, location, and company size, with senior roles in high-demand sectors typically reaching or exceeding this level.

What does a principal security engineer do?

A principal security engineer designs, implements, and manages security systems to protect an organization’s information assets. They lead security initiatives, conduct risk assessments, and develop policies, often utilizing tools like intrusion detection systems and security frameworks. This role typically requires advanced knowledge of cybersecurity principles and relevant certifications such as CISSP or CISM.

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

To excel as a Principal Security Engineer, you need deep expertise in cybersecurity principles, risk management, and network/system architecture, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with tools such as SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanners, incident response systems, and certifications like CISSP or OSCP is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills set individuals apart in this role. These skills ensure robust security strategies, effective team guidance, and the ability to address complex threats in dynamic enterprise environments.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Principal Security Engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities in cybersecurity. High compensation often reflects expertise in areas like threat management, security architecture, and the use of specialized tools, typically in large organizations or high-demand sectors.
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Principal Security Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Security Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Security Engineer - AI

SevenAI

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Principal Security Engineer to join our team and lead the evolution of AI cybersecurity defense, including incident response strategy and AI-driven security automation. As a senior technical leader, you will shape how modern security operations leverage AI agents to detect, investigate, and respond to threats at scale. You will define next-generation security use cases, guide platform strategy, and drive complex security initiatives across cloud and enterprise environments.
Our Principal Security Engineers are at the forefront of the Agentic Security revolution - combining deep technical expertise with strategic leadership to help organizations modernize their security operations through intelligent automation.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead the evolution of advanced AI cybersecurity defense solutions, including incident response strategies, detection engineering, automated response, threat hunting, threat research, and security automation.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product, engineering, and research teams to influence platform roadmap and AI security solutions.
  • Work directly with customers, diving deep into their security posture and processes, and collaborate on their AI transformation journey.
  • Build and automate realistic attack simulations, adversary emulation scenarios, and large-scale security environments.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship on security best practices, automation design, and incident response methodologies.

Requirements:
  • 15+ years of experience in cybersecurity, including significant experience in SOC, Blue Team, Detection Engineering, Threat Hunting, or Incident Response roles, with strong experience in Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms and security automation frameworks.
  • Deep understanding of modern security operations, attacker methodologies, and enterprise security architectures.
  • Hands-on coding experience with Python or similar languages.
  • Past experience collaborating or working directly with customers.
  • Strong understanding of security concepts across endpoint, identity, cloud and networking.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Passion for advancing AI-driven security operations and autonomous defense systems.

Apply