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Principal Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CoStar Group

Sr. Security Engineer

Arlington, VA

$131K - $180K/yr

Familiarity with identity-driven security models (SSO, OAuth, API tokens, service principals). * Working knowledge of Azure DevOps, Terraform, or infrastructure-as-code workflows. * Experience ...

CoStar Group

Sr. Security Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $180K/yr

Familiarity with identity-driven security models (SSO, OAuth, API tokens, service principals). * Working knowledge of Azure DevOps, Terraform, or infrastructure-as-code workflows. * Experience ...

CoStar

Sr. Security Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $180K/yr

Preferred Qualifications and Skills Familiarity with identity-driven security models (SSO, OAuth, API tokens, service principals). Working knowledge of Azure DevOps, Terraform, or infrastructure-as ...

MANTECH

Principal Cloud Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$57.50 - $77/hr

The Principal Cloud Engineer will leverage their strong technical background and knowledge to ... Configuring network security groups (NSGs), application gateways, and other network controls to ...

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All JobsPrincipal Security Engineer JobsPrincipal Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Principal Security Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$73.4K

$146K

$210.7K

How much do principal security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal security engineer in Virginia is $145,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $171,500.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Security Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Principal Security Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Security Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Security Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Principal Security Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Security Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,957 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Principal Security Engineer (Palo Alto Strata Cloud)

Navy Federal Credit Union

Vienna, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Navy Federal Credit Union rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 273 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 150 rated financial services

Job description


Navy Federal Credit Union is seeking a Principal Security Engineer to maintain and support the Palo Alto Prisma Access environment using Strata Cloud Manager and strategies to ensure the cybersecurity posture of the systems is scalable and effective across the organization. Additionally, this position will provide cybersecurity engineering support to research, evaluate, design, implement, and maintain system and product solutions, applying knowledge of engineering principles. To provide technical direction and engineering support for projects and infrastructure. Develop and maintain expert functional knowledge of evolving IT engineering industry technologies/competition, concepts, and trends.
Responsibilities
  • Remain available for on-call support for major outage issue related to the Palo Alto Strata Cloud Manager.
  • Highly proficient on the architecture, design, and deployment of Palo Alto Strata Cloud Manager product.
  • Maintain Palo Alto Prisma Access environment using Strata Cloud Manager.
  • Integration development of the Prisma Access with other cyber security solutions.
  • Functions as a liaison between Navy Federal Credit Union and Palo Alto Support.
  • Engage in technical design of solutions based on use cases and business requirements.
  • Participate in proof of concepts and other technical evaluations of technologies, designs and solutions and provide recommendations.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies and threats proactively assess and evaluate the adoption thereof into the organization.
  • Supporting the development of cybersecurity requirements, design & architecture artifacts, plans and policies.
  • Supporting defining security development and test efforts implementation of security controls of networking devices, databases, operating systems and hardware and software components.
  • Understanding and integrating cybersecurity development activities.
  • Performing analysis on cybersecurity data and test results.
  • Be part of team that design, protects and manages, security services for companies' global security infrastructure.
  • Able to demonstrate strong written, oral and presentation skills with the ability to discuss highly technical concepts to all audiences, ranging from non-technical people to executive level technical decision-makers.
  • Able to listen and collaborate with audiences ranging from IT administrators to executive level stakeholders to understand their requirements and position our tools to fulfill those requirements.
  • Demonstrates the ability to confidently lead discussions on engineering solutions and provide clear, strategic recommendations on solutions and direction.
  • Must be self-motivated and self-educating, yet willing and able to work collaboratively.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or the equivalent combination of training, education, and experience.
  • At least 10+ years of total experience in cybersecurity engineering, on premise and cloud architectures, proxy management, cloud governance and security controls.
  • At least 5+ years of direct hands-on experience in Palo Alto Strata Cloud Manager/Panorama and similar leading technology.
  • At least 3+ years of direct hands-on experience in tuning network sensors like IDS/IPS, DDOS, Cloud Security services.
  • Domain expertise of network security sensors such as IDS, cloud access security broker (CASB), Virtual Network security, DDOS protections, DNS, etc.
  • Detail understanding of Virtual Network Technologies Routers, switches, Load Balancers, firewalls, proxy, etc.

Desired Qualifications
  • Good understanding and exposure to Cloud standards, architecture and models.
  • Detail proficiency with Linux (or similar) operating systems.
  • In depth understanding of TCP/UDP/ICMP/IP protocols.
  • PowerShell and Python experience.
  • Experience with Splunk.
  • Experience with PKI, SSL, SSH, HTTPS, etc.
  • Experience with industry leading firewalls, proxy and load balancing solutions.
  • Experience with network security concepts and principles.
  • Experience with Server and endpoint operating system security.
  • Experience with Azure cloud, Cloud Proxy, SASE, SD-WAN, Web Isolation, Zero Trust Network Access
  • CISSP, CCNP Security Certification, or other relevant Palo Alto Certifications.

Additional Information
Hours:
  • Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

Location:
  • 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180
  • 5510 Heritage Oaks Drive, Pensacola, FL 32526
  • 141 Security Drive, Winchester, VA 22602

About Us
Navy Federal provides much more than a job. We provide a meaningful career experience, including a culture that is energized, engaged and committed; and fierce appreciation for our teams, who are rewarded with highly competitive pay and generous benefits and perks.
Our approach to careers is simple yet powerful: Make our mission your passion.
  • FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® 2025
  • Yello and WayUp Top 100 Internship Programs
  • Computerworld® Best Places to Work in IT
  • Newsweek Most Loved Workplaces
  • 2025 PEOPLE® Companies That Care
  • Newsweek Most Trustworthy Companies in America
  • Military Times 2025 Best for Vets Employers
  • Best Companies for Latinos to Work for 2025
  • Forbes® 2025 America's Best Large Employers
  • Forbes® 2025 America's Best Employers for New Grads
  • Forbes® 2025 America's Best Employers for Tech Workers
  • 2025 RippleMatch Campus Forward Award Winner for Overall Excellence
  • Military.com Top Military Spouse Employers 2025
  • 2025 Handshake Early Talent Award

From Fortune. ©2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Navy Federal Credit Union.
Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Accommodations: If you need accommodation or assistance for a qualifying condition to complete the online application (or during any stage of the hiring process), you can contact Navy Federal's Medical Accommodations team at medicalaccommodations@navyfederal.org or by calling 1-888-503-6013. This team cannot provide any information on job postings or application status.
Disclaimers: Navy Federal reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower grade level based on business need. An assessment may be required to compete for this position. Job postings are subject to close early or extend out longer than the anticipated closing date at the hiring team's discretion based on qualified applicant volume. Navy Federal Credit Union assesses market data to establish salary ranges that enable us to remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range, based on your experience, location and market position. For additional details regarding compensation and benefits, review the Benefits page of the Navy Federal Career Site.
Protect Yourself from Job Scams: Navy Federal Credit Union jobs are posted on our career site, jobs.navyfederal.org and reputable job boards (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed). We do not post jobs on social media marketplaces, messaging apps or unverified websites. We will never ask candidates for payment, bank details or personal financial information during the hiring process.
Bank Secrecy Act: Remains cognizant of and adheres to Navy Federal policies and procedures, and regulations pertaining to the Bank Secrecy Act.

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About Navy Federal Credit Union

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Navy Federal Credit Union, based in Vienna, Virginia, United States, is a significant player in the financial services industry. Their official website is navyfederal.org. With its roots dating back to 1933, it was initially established to provide credit to Navy members. Over the years, Navy Federal has magnified its scope, evolving into a full-service credit union serving all branches of the military, the Department of Defense, veterans, and their families. The company’s core values include integrity, service, education, and leadership. Navy Federal aims to be the most preferred and trusted financial institution serving the military and their families.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Vienna, VA, US

Year founded

1933

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