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Principal Security Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Seven AI

Principal Security Engineer - AI

Boston, MA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

We are seeking a Principal Security Engineer to join our team and lead the evolution of AI cybersecurity defense, including incident response strategy and AI-driven security automation. As a senior ...

SevenAI

Principal Security Engineer - AI

Boston, MA · On-site

We are seeking a Principal Security Engineer to join our team and lead the evolution of AI cybersecurity defense, including incident response strategy and AI-driven security automation. As a senior ...

InterSystems

Principal Security Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

The Principal Security Engineer provides technical leadership in defining architecture, standards, and strategy for securing enterprise and managed services platforms, ensuring security is embedded ...

InterSystems

Principal Security Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

The Principal Security Engineer will provide technical leadership in security, defining architecture and standards while ensuring security is integrated into platform design and operations as the ...

InterSystems

Principal Security Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

Role Summary The Principal Security Engineer provides technical leadership across the security domain, defining architecture, standards, and strategy for securing enterprise and managed services ...

The Mathworks

Principal Security Engineer

Natick, MA · On-site

$160K - $209K/yr

Learn More: We're looking for a hands-on, highly collaborative Principal Security Engineer to secure our software delivery pipeline. You'll take ownership of protecting our CI/CD processes ...

InterSystems

Principal Security Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$135K - $194K/yr

Role Summary The Principal Security Engineer provides technical leadership across the security domain, defining architecture, standards, and strategy for securing enterprise and managed services ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Security Engineer JobsPrincipal Security Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Principal Security Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$80.4K

$159.9K

$230.9K

How much do principal security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal security engineer in Boston, MA is $159,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,700.00 and $187,900.00 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Security Engineer jobs in Boston, MA?

For Principal Security Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Security Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Security Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Principal Security Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Security Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,931 per year, or $76.9 per hour.

Principal Security Engineer - AI

Seven AI

Boston, MA • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Principal Security Engineer to join our team and lead the evolution of AI cybersecurity defense, including incident response strategy and AI-driven security automation. As a senior technical leader, you will shape how modern security operations leverage AI agents to detect, investigate, and respond to threats at scale. You will define next-generation security use cases, guide platform strategy, and drive complex security initiatives across cloud and enterprise environments. Our Principal Security Engineers are at the forefront of the Agentic Security revolution — combining deep technical expertise with strategic leadership to help organizations modernize their security operations through intelligent automation.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the evolution of advanced AI cybersecurity defense solutions, including incident response strategies, detection engineering, automated response, threat hunting, threat research, and security automation.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product, engineering, and research teams to influence platform roadmap and AI security solutions.
  • Work directly with customers, diving deep into their security posture and processes, and collaborate on their AI transformation journey.
  • Build and automate realistic attack simulations, adversary emulation scenarios, and large-scale security environments.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship on security best practices, automation design, and incident response methodologies.
Requirements
  • 15+ years of experience in cybersecurity, including significant experience in SOC, Blue Team, Detection Engineering, Threat Hunting, or Incident Response roles, with strong experience in Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms and security automation frameworks.
  • Deep understanding of modern security operations, attacker methodologies, and enterprise security architectures.
  • Hands‑on coding experience with Python or similar languages.
  • Past experience collaborating or working directly with customers.
  • Strong understanding of security concepts across endpoint, identity, cloud and networking.
  • Excellent problem solving, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
  • Passion for advancing AI‑driven security operations and autonomous defense systems.
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