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Security Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Upwind Security

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Security Engineer to join our MDR team as the founding U.S. member of the Security organization. In this role, you will be part of our security function, focusing on proactive ...

Prosum Inc.

Security Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Security Engineer Los Angeles, CA | Hybrid $100,000-$110,000/year | Exempt A growing and security-conscious organization is seeking a Security Engineer to join its Technology team in Los Angeles.

Red Cup IT, Inc.

Security Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

We are looking for a Security Engineer who is responsible for design, implement, and maintain systems to protect organizations from cyber threats, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and ...

Red Cup IT Inc

Security Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

We are looking for a Security Engineer who is responsible for design, implement, and maintain systems to protect organizations from cyber threats, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and ...

Upwind Security, Inc.

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

We are looking for a Security Engineer to join our MDR team as the founding U.S. member of the Security organization. In this role, you will be part of our security function, focusing on proactive ...

Thunes

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Security Engineer Overview Thunes Financial Services is hiring a Security Engineer to be the architect of trust for our fintech platform. We are looking for a hybrid specialist who can bridge the gap ...

Thunes

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

Security Engineer Overview Thunes Financial Services is hiring a Security Engineer to be the architect of trust for our fintech platform. We are looking for a hybrid specialist who can bridge the gap ...

Hive

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Security Engineer We are looking for a highly motivated individual with information security experience who is willing to collaborate with others to build the best in class security program. As a ...

Hark

Security Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

About the Role We're hiring a Member of Technical Staff (Security Engineer) to own security engineering at Hark. You'll threat-model our systems, harden our cloud and product infrastructure, build ...

Hive

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Security Engineer We are looking for a highly motivated individual with information security experience who is willing to collaborate with others to build the best in class security program. As a ...

Meta

Security Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$271K/yr

Security Engineer Responsibilities: * Define and drive security strategy and engineering standards across multiple sub-pillars, setting the quality bar for security practices, processes, and tooling ...

Hark

Security Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

About the Role We're hiring a Member of Technical Staff (Security Engineer) to own security engineering at Hark. You'll threat-model our systems, harden our cloud and product infrastructure, build ...

Figma

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

As a Security Engineer you will identify and drive impactful projects to improve the security of Figma's product, platform, and IT systems. We are hiring for multiple teams within Security ...

Gamma

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

At Gamma, we believe security engineering must evolve to meet this moment. That means closing patch gaps faster, scanning our own code with the same frontier models an attacker would use, designing ...

Giga AI Inc

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$210K - $350K/yr

The Role We're looking for a security engineer to build the systems and practices that keep our platform and our customers' data safe. Our AI agents handle sensitive customer interactions at scale ...

Lambda

Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$266K - $395K/yr

As a Security Engineer at Lambda, you'll touch many areas across the security program such as building detections, hardening infrastructure, reviewing designs, automating toil, and responding to ...

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All JobsSecurity Engineer JobsSecurity Engineer Jobs in California

Security Engineer information

See California salary details

$60.7K

$150.8K

$202.8K

How much do security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for security engineer in California is $150,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $156,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a security engineer?

A service provider is responsible for delivering professional quality services on behalf of a business or organization. The types of services vary depending on the businesses they work with. Many companies partner with experts in the local community to perform functions on their behalf rather than developing the expertise in-house. A service provider performs the services based on a written legal agreement and charges fees for their work.

How does a security engineer typically collaborate with other IT teams within an organization?

Security Engineers work closely with various IT teams such as network administrators, software developers, and system administrators to ensure security protocols are integrated at every level. This collaboration often involves conducting security assessments, reviewing code for vulnerabilities, and assisting with incident response. Regular meetings and cross-functional projects are common, as Security Engineers provide guidance on best practices and help teams understand potential threats. Effective communication and teamwork are key, as security is a shared responsibility across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Security Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Engineer, you need expertise in information security principles, network architecture, vulnerability assessment, and commonly a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like SIEM systems, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and certifications such as CISSP or CEH are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding Security Engineers apart. These competencies are essential to proactively protect organizations from cyber threats, ensure compliance, and minimize security risks.

What is the difference between Security Engineer vs Network Security Specialist?

AspectSecurity EngineerNetwork Security Specialist
Required CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA Security, CISSP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining security systems across IT infrastructureMonitoring, analyzing, and securing network traffic and infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, government agenciesTelecommunications, enterprise networks, cybersecurity firms

Security Engineers focus on developing and deploying security solutions across IT systems, while Network Security Specialists concentrate on protecting network infrastructure and traffic. Both roles require similar certifications and often work together to ensure comprehensive security.

Do security engineers need a degree?

Security engineers typically do not require a formal degree but often benefit from a background in computer science, information technology, or related fields. Many employers value certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or Security+ and practical experience with security tools and protocols. Continuous learning and hands-on skills are important in this role.

How much do security engineers earn?

Security engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $90,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as CISSP or CEH. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $150,000 annually.

What do you do as a security engineer?

A security engineer designs, implements, and maintains security systems to protect an organization’s networks, systems, and data from cyber threats. They analyze vulnerabilities, develop security protocols, and often use tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption. Certifications such as CISSP or CEH can enhance their effectiveness in this role.
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The most popular types of Security Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Security Engineer jobs in California?

For Security Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Security Engineer jobs in California look for?

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For Security Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Security Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,773 per year, or $72.5 per hour.

Security Engineer

Upwind Security

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description
Upwind is a next-generation Cloud Security Platform that leverages runtime context to identify and prioritize critical risks, providing precise insights and efficient cloud security management. Unlike traditional tools, Upwind uses runtime data proactively for risk prioritization and posture insights, ensuring teams focus on what truly matters. With industry-leading efficiency and eBPF-powered sensors, Upwind delivers comprehensive capabilities, including agentless cloud posture discovery, real-time threat protection, and integrated API security. From misconfigurations to malware defense, Upwind ensures end-to-end, cost-effective cloud infrastructure protection. At Upwind, you'll have the opportunity to think creatively, explore new ideas, and use your skills to make a meaningful impact on our growth.
We are looking for a Security Engineer to join our MDR team as the founding U.S. member of the Security organization. In this role, you will be part of our security function, focusing on proactive reviews and providing advanced guidance to customers, while independently owning U.S.-hours coverage. This is an opportunity to bring deep cloud security expertise to a fast-growing team, working closely with analysts, researchers, and engineers - with a clear path toward technical or team leadership as the U.S. presence scales.
Responsibilities
  • Assist in fine-tuning Upwind's detection and response mechanisms.
  • Support proactive reviews of customer environments to identify risks, exposed attack surfaces, and recommend improvements.
  • Lead and conduct in-depth security investigations - including supply chain, API, malware, and runtime attack scenarios - documenting outcomes and developing playbooks to enhance future detection and response.
  • Collaborate with Security Analysts, Research, and Backend teams to enhance detection quality.
  • Own the handling of complex or critical incidents escalated from Tier 1/2, including live, high-pressure engagements with customers.
  • Participate in recurring customer meetings, helping translate security findings into clear, actionable recommendations - and maintain composure when conversations get tense.
  • Stay up to date with emerging threats, attack techniques, attack surfaces, and best practices in cloud security.
  • Contribute to the development and training of AI-driven detection models, leveraging machine learning to improve investigation accuracy and response efficiency.

Requirements
  • Based in Boston, MA or San Francisco, CA. This is an on-site role; visa sponsorship is not available.
  • This role includes participating in a shared on-call rotation. While escalations are infrequent, team members are expected to be available for nights, weekends, or holidays during their rotation week.
  • Solid, hands-on experience in cybersecurity, ideally from a leading cloud or cloud security company, with real-world exposure to cloud environments.
  • Strong working knowledge of detection engineering, incident response, and threat analysis, with the ability to explain attack techniques (supply chain, API, malware, runtime) in depth.
  • Hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and container technologies (Docker/Kubernetes).
  • Comfortable and hands-on with Linux; Windows knowledge is a plus.
  • Familiarity with networking fundamentals and scripting (Python/Bash).
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to engage directly with customers - including staying composed under pressure or pushback.
  • Self-directed and comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, high-ownership startup environment.
  • Curiosity, problem-solving mindset, and a genuine personal interest in security beyond the day job.
  • B.Sc. in Computer Science / Information Security - an advantage.

Apply