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Principal Security Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

They are seeking a Principal Security Engineer to lead their security program in a regulated environment, implementing technical controls and driving related policies while collaborating with various ...

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 ...

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Principal Security Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for shaping and driving the security architecture vision across ...

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Principal Security Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

This role is for a Principal Security Engineer with a background in security protocols and secure hardware design. You will be involved with all phases of product development, from secure silicon ...

Principal Security Engineer

Greenwich, CT · Remote

$160K - $210K/yr

We are hiring a Principal Security Engineer to own security as an engineering discipline, across our cloud environment, corporate network, and physical infrastructure. Security here is built in code ...

Principal Security Engineer

Greenwich, CT · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

We are hiring a Principal Security Engineer to own security as an engineering discipline, across our cloud environment, corporate network, and physical infrastructure. Security here is built in code ...

We are looking for a Principal Security Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to our Chief Security Officer and based in San Jose, CA. This is ...

The Principal Security Engineer role is for a hands-on systems architect who can turn ambiguous risk into enforceable controls, drive adoption across engineering organizations, and make security ...

Description The Principal Security Engineer role will support the cyber team that handles the mergers and acquisitions within in Citizens bank, working closely with technology and the business on ...

The Verizon Network Security team is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Principal Engineer to join the Net-Sec Defense Organization under the Broadband Access team. You will be ...

We are looking for a Principal Security Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to our Chief Security Officer and based in San Jose, CA. This is ...

Principal Security Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$178K - $257K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Security Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to our Chief Security Officer and based in San Jose, CA. This is ...

Principal Security Engineer

Johnston, RI · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

The Principal Security Engineer role will support the cyber team that handles the mergers and acquisitions within in Citizens bank, working closely with technology and the business on requirements ...

Description The Principal Security Engineer role will support the cyber team that handles the mergers and acquisitions within in Citizens bank, working closely with technology and the business on ...

The Principal Security Engineer role will support the cyber team that handles the mergers and acquisitions within in Citizens bank, working closely with technology and the business on requirements ...

We are looking for a Principal Security Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to our Chief Security Officer and based in San Jose, CA. This is ...

As Marqeta's Principal Security Engineer you will serve as the technical lead across our security engineering function. This role combines three critical responsibilities: leading product security ...

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Principal Security Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal security engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 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.
More about Principal Security Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Security Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Security Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Principal Security Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Security Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Security Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Security Engineer

FTAI Aviation

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
FTAI Aviation is a company focused on the maintenance, repair, and exchange of jet engines. They are seeking a Principal Security Engineer to lead their security program in a regulated environment, implementing technical controls and driving related policies while collaborating with various teams.
Responsibilities:
• Drive the technical cybersecurity strategy and roadmap; report security posture and material risk to senior leadership
• Design, configure, and maintain hands-on controls across network, endpoint, identity, and cloud (firewall rules, segmentation, VPNs, IDS/IPS, EDR, MFA)
• Develop and maintain security policies aligned to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and CIS and to regulatory requirements, ensuring controls actually enforce them
• Manage and tune the security stack (SIEM, EDR, email security); build detection rules, alerts, and dashboards
• Lead incident response end to end and drive risk-based vulnerability and patch management to closure across infrastructure, endpoints, and cloud
• Own the controls framework and third-party/vendor risk program, coordinating with internal audit/GRC and the legal team
• Collaborate with MSP and vCISO (managing scope, SLAs, escalation) while keeping core decisions in-house
• Harden identity infrastructure (AD/Entra ID) and run the security awareness program across sites
Qualifications:
Required:
• 7+ years across IT and cybersecurity, including a hands-on technical foundation and 3+ years driving a security program as a senior individual contributor
• Proven ability to both implement technical controls and author the policies and governance behind them
• Experience securing a public and/or regulated, multi-site environment (e.g., SOX, FINRA, FAA), including audit and control ownership
• Command of NIST CSF, ISO 27001, CIS, and SOX/ITGC, with experience owning control evidence through external audits
• Strong cloud (Azure and/or AWS) and enterprise network security—firewalls, VPNs, segmentation, and IDS/IPS
• Hands-on with SIEM (e.g., Microsoft Sentinel) and endpoint protection (e.g., SentinelOne), plus scripting (PowerShell and/or Python) and identity hardening (AD/Entra ID)
Company:
FTAI combines advanced turbine technology and asset ownership to power the world’s most essential markets. Founded in 2011, the company is headquartered in New York, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.