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Principal Security Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

This is not a generalist security role. The principal engineer must have production experience across four disciplines simultaneously: application security, pipeline engineering, cloud infrastructure ...

This is not a generalist security role. The principal engineer must have production experience across four disciplines simultaneously: application security, pipeline engineering, cloud infrastructure ...

This is not a generalist security role. The principal engineer must have production experience across four disciplines simultaneously: application security, pipeline engineering, cloud infrastructure ...

New

As a Principal Software Engineer focused on Security & Compliance, you will set the technical direction for how CoCounsel earns and maintains the trust of law firms, corporate legal departments, and ...

As a Principal Software Engineer focused on Security & Compliance, you will set the technical direction for how CoCounsel earns and maintains the trust of law firms, corporate legal departments, and ...

Principal Software Engineer -CoCounsel CoCounselis our most advanced AI offering to date ... Partner with security, platform, and compliance teams on multi-tenancy isolation, data residency ...

Principal Software Engineer - CoCounsel CoCounsel is our most advanced AI offering to date ... Partner with security, platform, and compliance teams on multi-tenancy isolation, data residency ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Security Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$72.5K

$144.2K

$208.1K

How much do principal security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal security engineer in Minnesota is $144,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,100.00 and $169,400.00 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 is a principal security engineer?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal security engineer?

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 are popular job titles related to Principal Security Engineer jobs in Minnesota? For Principal Security Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Security Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Security Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Principal Security Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Principal Security Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Security Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,189 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

Principal Engineer - Operational Technology Security

Target

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$168K - $303K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Target rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 6,972 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The pay range is $168,000.00 - $303,000.00

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position.These include labor markets and in some instancesmay include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

About Us

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture.Learn more about Target here.

Cybersecurity at Target is on a mission to secure the systems, tools, and processes that team members and guests interact with every day. We drive industry-leading technologies in support of every angle of the business, and help ensure that Target operates smoothly, securely, and reliably from the inside out. If you're excited by the opportunity to demonstrate strong ownership and deep technical expertise while solving complex security challenges at scale, we invite you to join us as a Principal Security Engineer for Operational Technology (OT)!

As the Principal Security Engineer for Operation Technology (OT), you will take ownership in designing, building, and scaling security solutions to secure Target's operational tech across supply chain, stores, and corporate offices. Leveraging your security and risk management experience, you will work across Target technology and business teams to define security requirements, assess risk, and develop mitigation strategies. You will leverage your deep engineering and technical expertise to force-multiply your impact by building new security solutions and influencing across your peers and partner teams. Finally, you will act as a leader within our organization, constantly working to uplevel our team by mentoring your team members in security concepts, operational technology, and engineering best practices.

Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.

About You

  • Bachelor's degree in information security, computer science, or related field; or related experience

  • 10+ years of engineering experience in one or more information security domains (e.g., vulnerability management, threat intelligence, application security, incident response, risk management, etc.)

  • 5+ years of engineering experience in Operational Technology (OT) or Internet-of-Things (IOT) security

  • 5+ years of engineering experience in network architecture, network design, or network segmentation

  • 5+ years of experience leading both technical and strategic planning and strategy

  • Experience defining security requirements, managing findings, and mitigating risk across dozens of unique business lines, hundreds of distinct applications, and thousands of stakeholders

Preferred

  • Master's degree in information security, computer science, or related field; or related experience

  • Experience designing, developing, and scaling security solutions that enable developers and technology solutions to be "secure-by-default" (e.g., auto-patching, credential rotation, etc.)

  • Demonstrated experience harmonizing and aligning business needs with security requirements to ensure security threats and risks are properly identified and managed

  • Executive-level communication skills, both verbal and written, capable of effectively articulating technical topics to a wide range of stakeholders to drive understanding and alignment

  • Proven ability to own enterprise-wide security projects or programs (e.g. Patch Management, Risk Management, etc.), including building project plans, identifying stakeholders, communicating progress, and addressing roadblocks

  • Experience with both on-prem (e.g., bare metal servers, firewalls, etc.) and cloud-based (e.g., GCP, AWS, Azure, etc.) infrastructure

  • Experience leveraging AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) to measurably improve the effectiveness or operations of a security tool or mechanism

  • Experience with Operational Technology (OT) Security standards such as ISA/IEC 62443 or NIST SP 800-82 Rev 3

  • Experience with common security tooling (e.g., SIEM, DLP, IDS, IPS, etc.)

  • Experience with common security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, PCI-DSS, etc.)

  • Relevant security industry certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, OSCP, etc.)

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target. Click here if you are curious to learn more about Minnesota.

Benefits Eligibility

Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_F

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.


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About Target

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're here to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target is a general merchandise retailer with stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. We employ 400,000+ Our tagline is "Expect More. Pay Less." We've been using it since 1994! The Target Corporation also owns Shipt and Roundel. More to love! Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, its hometown since the first Target store opened in 1962 under The Dayton Company.

Industry

Retail and scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US