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Principal Security Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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

Principal Cloud Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 3, 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 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 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 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 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 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 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,957 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Principal Cybersecurity Researcher with Security Clearance

Two Six Technologies

Arlington, VA • On-site

$180K - $289K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

At Two Six Technologies, we build, deploy, and implement innovative products that solve the world's most complex challenges today. Through unrivaled collaboration and unwavering trust, we push the boundaries of what's possible to empower our team and support our customers in building a safer global future. Two Six Technologies is actively seeking a Principal Cybersecurity Researcher to join our team in Arlington, Virginia. The team is composed of intelligent individuals, passionate about reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and low-level programming. The team is growing and looking for someone with an advanced technical background that has an understanding on how to solve complex challenges and inspire creativity to address a wide range of difficult problems. If you are actively using reverse engineering and vulnerability research tools and frameworks, the team wants to talk to you! What you will do: * Lead the technical planning and execution of projects in reverse engineering and vulnerability research, including task coordination, deliverables, and alignment with customer objectives. * Solve complex technical challenges requiring creativity and resourcefulness while providing technical guidance, mentorship, and training to project and functional staff. * Author detailed technical documentation, proposal sections, and white papers to communicate research findings and technical solutions to internal teams, stakeholders, and external audiences. * Provide direction and develop differentiated technical approaches to ensure customer satisfaction and support ongoing business development opportunities. What you will need (basic qualifications): * Demonstrated expertise in advanced cybersecurity research concepts typically acquired in a similar technical role. * Expert-level proficiency in two or more of the following: low-level programming (C/C++, Assembly) and the use of industry-standard disassemblers and decompilers, binary re-hosting frameworks to enable dynamic analysis, and building custom greybox/blackbox fuzzing harnesses. * Proven experience in vulnerability research, including attack surface triage, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing proof-of-concept exploits to demonstrate security impact. * Extensive experience in technical mentorship and training, with a history of providing thorough solutions to complex problems and guiding less experienced team members. * Experience leading complex technical projects in reverse engineering/vulnerability research or R&D for National Security customers. * Experience delivering high-quality technical documentation, such as vulnerability research and findings, industry white papers, and competitive proposals, that distills complex cybersecurity concepts for diverse audiences. * Experience in a client-facing technical role, demonstrating strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Nice to have (preferred): * Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical specialty area. * Experience leading technical sections for multi-million-dollar proposals or contributing white papers to support business capture efforts. * Experience with embedded systems reverse engineering (e.g., ARM/MIPS architectures, RTOS, bare-metal environments) or cryptographic design principles. * Experience with custom fuzzing harness development, binary re-hosting, or accelerated RE/VR tooling. * Recognized participation in the external technical community (e.g., presentations, panels, or professional associations). Security Clearance: * Active Top Secret clearance and willingness to obtain and maintain an SCI clearance. #LI-ZS1 #LI-Onsite Two Six Technologies is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect the value we place on our employees and their contributions. We believe in rewarding skills, experience, and performance. Our offerings include but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance and professional development. The projected salary range listed for this position is annualized. This is a general guideline and not a guarantee of salary. Salary is one component of our total compensation package and the specific salary offered is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, geographic location, as well as contract specific affordability and organizational requirements. Salary Range $180,779 - $289,014 USD Looking for other great opportunities? Check out Two Six Technologies Opportunities for all our Company's current openings! Ready to make the first move towards growing your career? If so, check out the Two Six Technologies Candidate Journey ! This will give you step-by-step directions on applying, what to expect during the application process, information about our rich benefits and perks along with our most frequently asked questions. If you are undecided and would like to learn more about us and how we are contributing to essential missions, check out our Two Six Technologies News page! We share information about the tech world around us and how we are making an impact! Still have questions, no worries! You can reach us at Contact Two Six Technologies . We are happy to connect and cover the information needed to assist you in reaching your next career milestone. Two Six Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type and protective hair styles (e.g., braids, twists, locs and twists)), color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 and over), marital status, disability, genetic information, and protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For more information review the Two Six Technologies Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy and the EEO Poster . If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request reasonable workplace accommodation for any part of our employment process, please send an email to . Information provided will be kept confidential and used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Additionally, please be advised that this business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices. By submitting the following application, I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge, the information provided is true and accurate.