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Principal Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Principal Cloud Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$57 - $76.25/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 ...

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 ...

SAIC is seeking an Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) to provide information security ... Assemble and submit A&A packages to the Principal Accreditation Authority or Designated ...

Principal Cloud Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$57.50 - $77/hr

Seneca Technologies, part of the Seneca Nation Group, is seeking a Principal Cloud Engineer to ... The role involves supporting complex cloud environments and ensuring security compliance while ...

Principal Azure Cloud Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$57.50 - $77/hr

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

Showing results 21-40

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 7, 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Principal Security Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,957 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Senior Cloud Security Engineer-TS/SCI + poly Onsite with Security Clearance

SAP National Security Services, Inc. (SAP NS2)

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

SAP NS2 Senior Cloud Security Engineer-TS/SCI + poly Onsite - Chantilly, VA Active TS SCI with Polygraph Required NS2 COMPANY DESCRIPTION SAP is the global market leader for business software and related services. SAP National Security Services Inc.® (SAP NS2®) is an independent U.S. subsidiary of SAP. At SAP NS2, we leverage best-in-breed technologies engineered by SAP to protect the lives, assets and information of Americans. We offer SAP solutions with specialized levels of security and support to meet the requirements of U.S. national security and critical infrastructure customers. Must be a U.S. Citizen with active TS/SC with Poly; NS2 does not offer Visa sponsorships for this role. All internals must have manager’s approval to transfer. The NS2 Senior Cloud Security Engineer candidate will be responsible for leading the development of a stand-alone implementation of SAP Products and solutions that meet our client’s complex needs. This position is located onsite in Chantilly, VA. Candidate should be hands-on and has the necessary knowledge of cloud-based systems and associated security principals to effectively work with minimal supervision in a cloud environment, understanding the complexities that come with cloud, and can effectively communicate cloud design/architecture ideas to technical as well as non-technical client stakeholders. This is a full-time position, and due to security requirements is on-site only. Skills/Experience Requirements Develop and implement cloud-based security policies, standards, and procedures.
Maintain role-based access controls for cloud-based system components, users, and applications. Implement security controls and measures, such as encryption, access controls, and identity management, to protect cloud-based assets.
Deep understanding of cloud-based security technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, vulnerability scanners, and log analysis tools.
The ideal candidate will possess deep technical skills in software architecture and cloud computing as well as very strong written and public communication skills.
Strong Design & Architecture skills- Experience in the overall architecture of software applications for products and solutions.
Expertise using Infrastructure as Code tools such as CloudFormation, Terraform, Ansible and Chef.
Experience with AWS Management Tools as CloudWatch and Cloud Trail.
Understanding cloud relevant data serialization languages such as JSON and YAML.
Proven strong system administration experience.
5+ years of experience with Linux (various distributions) and demonstrated strong UNIX Shell scripting knowledge.
5+ years of experience with native cloud backend and frontend development technologies such as: node.js, Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, Angular etc.
Expertise in cloud-native architecture and development, including microservices, event-driven, and CQRS architecture.
Experience in designing/architecting horizontally scalable, multi-tenant web applications, within a large-scale service-oriented architecture, delivered in a SaaS (software as a service)
SaaS Architectural knowledge gained from experience.
Sound experience in cloud environments (AWS, Azure and/or GCP)
Develop and deploy application on Docker container.
Experience with Kubernetes and associated tools like Helm, Kustomize and ArgoCD for microservice orchestration.
Detailed understanding of Cloud Foundry architecture and development methodology.
Implementing Agile practices and methodologies in software development
Utilizing expert knowledge of full-stack cloud-native technologies, including cloud-based development with Cloud Foundry, Kyma, Azure, AWS, etc.
Working with DevOps methodologies and tools to establish and execute a flawless development process, pipelines. Knowledge of Azure DevOps will be a good skill to have in this role
Collaborating with all development process contributors, including Product Managers, Architects, Project Management, Scrum Masters, Developers, User Assistance Developers, and DevOps to ensure successful product delivery.
Develop expertise on Product Standards like Security and Performance and incorporate them into the design.
Hold or have the ability to obtain a required DoD 8570 certification (e.g., CASP+, CISSP) within 6 months of hire.
Relevant cloud provider certifications.
Desired Experience and Skills Strong knowledge of SAP processes and experience in enterprise software development would be an added advantage.
Industry recognized system administration certification
Good Knowledge of SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and various services.
SAP Full stack experience with S/4HANA implementations or extensions/integrations with BTP
Understanding the core security concepts of BTP
Additional Requirements Systems Administration and/or Cloud certifications a plus.
Knowledge of Splunk or similar SIEM Platform.
BA/BS Degree is required. Ideally in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Security, Engineering, Information Technology. MA/MS Preferred.
Top Secret Clearance with Polygraph