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Principal Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 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

$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 ...

NAS

Information System Security Engineer

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

I have direct hire onsite Senior Information System Security Engineer positions in Woodbridge ... Rather than executing raw system configuration, this role acts as the principal gatekeeper and QA ...

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 ...

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 Jul 26, 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 Specialist

Principal Security Specialist

Infojini Inc

Arlington, VA

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Infojini Consulting is a full service IT consulting, services, and staffing firm with offices in Linthicum Heights ,Maryland, Washington, DC and Mumbai, India.

Infojini Consulting is recognized as one of the fastest growing IT services and software development Companies. With a partnership of all major technology vendors, Infojini Consulting has built a strong Government and commercial customer base including fortune 100 companies and most state and federal agencies such as State of North Carolina, State of South Carolina, State of Maryland, State of California, State of Pennsylvania, State of Virginia, State of Washington and many others.

Infojini Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified individuals for employment irrespective of their race, gender, age, color, sexual orientation. We offer an excellent compensation package

Job Description

We are looking for Principal Security Specialist in Arlington, VA for 3+ years contract position. 


Please refer someone else if you are not available at this time or you are not right match for this job opportunity. We have great Referral Bonus up to $2500!!! Please don't miss to refer someone who are looking for projects.


Job details mentioned below:

Job Title: Principal Security Specialist

Location: Arlington, VA

Duration: 3+ years



 Duties include but are not limited to:


Perform Security Assessments and Technical Security Reviews (TSR) for classified and unclassified systems;


Ensure adherence to the DHS Systems Engineering Lifecycle (SELC) and Change Management (CM) principles; 


Develop and update testing procedures, Rules of Engagement (RoE) and security assessment scripts;


Review output from existing vulnerability assessment tools (Nessus, AppDetective, etc.) to validate findings and identify false positives; 


Identify security risks, threats and vulnerabilities;


Use NIST SP800-53 (Rev 3 and 4) and DHS 4300A/B controls for testing the security controls within the C&A phase;


Review security controls using manual processes and automated tools;


Create, review, edit System Security Plans (SSP);


Perform Risk Analysis;


Work with ISSOs, developers, and System Owners on the assessment of systems under test;


Develop Security Assessment Reports (SAR) 


Required:


Eligible for Secret, Top Secret or DHS/OBIM/NPPD Clearance


B.S. from an accredited institution in a Technical or Engineering related discipline. Relevant experience can be substituted in lieu of a degree.


Five (5) plus years of experience in IT Security with relevant security assessment planning and execution including use of automated assessment tools (Nessus, AppDetective, WebInspect, Core Impact, etc.)


 In-depth knowledge of and experience in applying: OMB, DHS 4300A/B, FIPS, NIST SP-800 series standards; related Federal IT security mandates and best practices; and agency specific policies and directives derived from such


 Excellent written and verbal communication skills


 Excellent interpersonal skills



Preferred:


 Active Secret, Top Secret or DHS Clearance


 DHS Agency or other Component experience


 CISSP, CISA or GIAC Certification


 Telos Xacta IA Manager experience


Additional Information

Infojini logo

About Infojini

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Infojini Consulting is a full service IT consulting, services, and staffing firm with offices in Linthicum Heights ,Maryland, Washington, DC and Mumbai, India. Infojini Consulting is recognized as one of the fastest growing IT services and software development Companies. With a partnership of all major technology vendors, Infojini Consulting has built a strong Government and commercial customer base including fortune 100 companies and most state and federal agencies such as State of North Carolina, State of South Carolina, State of Maryland, State of California, State of Pennsylvania, State of Virginia, State of Washington and many others.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

Year founded

2006

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