1

Principal Security Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Principal Security Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$156.50 - $230/hr

CST is a globally distributed organization responsible for cybersecurity architecture, engineering ... The Principal Security Architect plays a critical role in shaping enterprise security architecture ...

CST is a globally distributed organization responsible for cybersecurity architecture, engineering ... The Principal Security Architect plays a critical role in shaping enterprise security architecture ...

CST is a globally distributed organization responsible for cybersecurity architecture, engineering ... The Principal Security Architect plays a critical role in shaping enterprise security architecture ...

Being a Principal Security Architect atiManageMeans... You will drive enterprise security strategy ... You will influence engineering teams through deep knowledge of how technical systems function ...

Being a Principal Security Architect at iManage Means... You will drive enterprise security ... You will influence engineering teams through deep knowledge of how technical systems function ...

Being a Principal Security Architect at iManage Means... You will drive enterprise security ... You will influence engineering teams through deep knowledge of how technical systems function ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Security Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$76.2K

$151.7K

$218.9K

How much do principal security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal security engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,100.00 and $178,200.00 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 Chicago, IL?

For Principal Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Security Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Principal Security Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,658 per year, or $72.9 per hour.

Principal Security Architect

Bank of America

Chicago, IL • On-site

$156.50 - $230/hr

Other

PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Bank Of America rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 532 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 173 rated banks


Job description

Job Description

At Bank of America, we are guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better through the power of every connection. We do this by driving Responsible Growth and delivering for our clients, teammates, communities and shareholders every day.

Being a Great Place to Work is core to how we drive Responsible Growth. This includes our commitment to being an inclusive workplace, attracting and developing exceptional talent, supporting our teammates’ physical, emotional, and financial wellness, recognizing and rewarding performance, and how we make an impact in the communities we serve.

Bank of America is committed to an in-office culture with specific requirements for office-based attendance and which allows for an appropriate level of flexibility for our teammates and businesses based on role-specific considerations.

At Bank of America, you can build a successful career with opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact. Join us!

Principal Security Architect

At Bank of America, cybersecurity is foundational to protecting the enterprise and our customers. The Principal Security Architect is a senior technical leader within the Cyber Security Technology (CST) organization and a member of the Cyber Security Product Management team. This role partners across Global Information Security (GIS) to define, design, and deliver scalable security architectures and capabilities that address evolving threats, regulatory expectations, and business priorities.

CST is a globally distributed organization responsible for cybersecurity architecture, engineering, innovation, product and technology strategy, cyber resiliency, access management, data strategy, and security control support. The Principal Security Architect plays a critical role in shaping enterprise security architecture, influencing technology strategy, and driving execution across multiple engineering initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
  • Define solution intent and architectural vision in partnership with senior business and technology leaders, ensuring alignment with GIS policy and enterprise standards.
  • Collaborate with senior architects and product managers to develop and execute security roadmaps that deliver on strategic outcomes.
  • Advise senior executives on security risks, technology gaps, and architectural trade-offs; develop secure solutions through domain expertise, experimentation, and proofs of concept.
  • Lead the evolution of enterprise-level security architecture, ensuring designs are secure, resilient, and adaptable to emerging requirements.
  • Partner with governance and control owners to resolve policy issues and strengthen standards and best practices.
  • Mentor and guide other GIS architects, driving consistency, reuse, and adoption of architectural patterns across the cybersecurity organization.
  • Establish and continuously improve architectural practices, templates, and documentation.
  • Work with product managers and senior technology leaders to prioritize security backlog items that enable business epics and features.
  • Contribute across multiple initiatives simultaneously and adapt quickly between priorities.
  • Influence resourcing, budgeting, and funding decisions through architectural input and business case development; may provide people leadership or direction for special initiatives.
How Success Is Achieved
  • Promotes collaboration and builds consensus across stakeholders and senior leadership.
  • Applies enterprise policy, best practices, and threat analysis to influence secure outcomes.
  • Diagnoses root causes and solves complex problems in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
  • Provides informed input into financial planning and investment decisions.
  • Demonstrates strong ownership, accountability, and commitment to delivery.
  • Maintains a clear enterprise perspective, aligning individual and team efforts to shared goals.
  • Drives consistent, sustainable processes that deliver predictable, high-quality results.
  • Delivers agreed business value within defined tolerances for scope, schedule, and cost.
Required Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in security architecture, with some people management experience.
  • Broad expertise across information security technologies, processes, and control frameworks.
  • Strong ability to research, evaluate, and recommend emerging technologies and strategies.
  • Demonstrated experience aligning security capabilities with regulatory, legal, and industry frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF).
  • Familiarity with common security bodies of knowledge (e.g., NIST, ISACA, SANS, ISC2).
  • Proven ability to operate effectively in a complex, globally distributed organization.
  • Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and executive influencing skills.
  • Experience working in agile and product-based delivery models, with a track record of successful transformation.
  • Experience evaluating vendors and supporting deployment and integration decisions.
Skills
  • Automation
  • Influence
  • Result Orientation
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Technical Strategy Development
  • Application Development
  • Architecture
  • Business Acumen
  • Risk Management
  • Solution Design
  • Agile Practices
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Collaboration
  • Data Management
  • Solution Delivery Process
Shift

1st shift (United States of America)

Hours per Week

40

Pay and Benefits

US - CO - Denver - 1144 15th St - Denver Gis (CO9926)

US - DC - Washington - 1800 K St NW - 1800 K Street NW (DC1842)

US - IL - Chicago - 540 W Madison St - Bank Of America Plaza (IL4540)

Pay range: $156,500.00 - $230,000.00 annualized salary, offers to be determined based on experience, education and skill set.

Discretionary incentive eligible: This role is eligible to participate in the annual discretionary plan. Employees are eligible for an annual discretionary award based on their overall individual performance results and behaviors, the performance and contributions of their line of business and/or group; and the overall success of the Company.

Benefits: This role is currently benefits eligible. We provide industry-leading benefits, access to paid time off, resources and support to our employees so they can make a genuine impact and contribute to the sustainable growth of our business and the communities we serve.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Bank Of America employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Bank Of America logo

About Bank Of America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Bank of America, we are guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better through the power of every connection. Responsible Growth is how we run our company and how we deliver for our clients, teammates, communities and shareholders every day. One of the keys to driving Responsible Growth is being a great place to work for our teammates around the world. We're devoted to being a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. We hire individuals with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences and invest heavily in our teammates and their families by offering competitive benefits to support their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Social media