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Security Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cohere

Manager, Security Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Manager of Security Engineering, you will be responsible for leading the security team, managing vulnerability processes, and ensuring compliance with security standards while collaborating with ...

Northwood

Security Engineering Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

As Security Engineering Lead, you will design, build, and own the security infrastructure that protects Northwood's ground station network, cloud environments, and corporate systems. Responsibilities ...

Northwood

Security Engineering Lead

Torrance, CA · On-site

As the Security Engineering Lead, you will build and own corporate IT and security operations, overseeing day-to-day management while establishing a security monitoring foundation for mission ...

Northwoodspace

Security Engineering Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$156K - $232K/yr

As Security Engineering Lead, you will design, build, and own the security infrastructure that protects Northwood's ground station network, cloud environments, and corporate systems. This is a senior ...

Agilent

Lead, SDLC Security Engineering

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$143K - $269K/yr

We're seeking a Lead, SDLC Security Engineering (Manager) to lead the implementation, operation, and adoption of security tooling, automated guardrails, and secure SDLC practices across the ...

Agilent

Lead, SDLC Security Engineering

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $269K/yr

We're seeking a Lead, SDLC Security Engineering (Manager) to lead the implementation, operation, and adoption of security tooling, automated guardrails, and secure SDLC practices across the ...

Taskrabbit

Security Engineering Manager

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$155K - $207K/yr

About the Role Reporting to the Infrastructure Director of Engineering, you are a pragmatic security leader who acts as a business enabler rather than a gatekeeper. You thrive in a high-velocity, non ...

Banc of California

VP, Security Engineering

Santa Ana, CA

$187K - $241K/yr

The Security Engineer is also responsible for the implementation of security standards and automation, assesses emerging threats and vulnerabilities, and provides technical expertise to reduce risk ...

Banc of California

VP, Security Engineering

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$187K - $241K/yr

The Security Engineer is also responsible for the implementation of security standards and automation, assesses emerging threats and vulnerabilities, and provides technical expertise to reduce risk ...

Poke

MTS - Security Engineering

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

You are a T-shaped engineer who can navigate the whole stack, but you are uniquely experienced in at least one of these areas: * Agent & AI Security: Prompt injection defense, tool use guardrails ...

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All JobsSecurity Engineering JobsSecurity Engineering Jobs in California

Security Engineering information

See California salary details

$60.7K

$150.8K

$202.8K

How much do security engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for security engineering 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 are some common challenges Security Engineers face when working with cross-functional teams?

Security Engineers often collaborate closely with developers, IT operations, and compliance teams to ensure that security best practices are integrated throughout the organization. One common challenge is bridging the knowledge gap between security requirements and business objectives, as other teams may not always understand the implications of security vulnerabilities. Security Engineers must balance advocating for robust security measures while supporting the team's need for agility and innovation. Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset are essential for addressing these challenges and fostering a security-focused culture across departments.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Security engineering roles can reach or exceed $500,000 annually for senior or specialized positions, especially in high-demand industries or with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Achieving this level often requires expertise in areas like threat management, secure architecture, or penetration testing, along with a strong professional network and continuous skill development.

What would a security engineer do?

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 and strong technical skills are common requirements in this role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior security engineers, security architects, and cybersecurity managers with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as CISSP or CISA), and expertise in areas like cloud security or threat management can earn $300,000 or more annually. These roles often require strong technical skills, leadership abilities, and a track record of managing complex security systems.

What is the difference between Security Engineering vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity EngineeringSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsCertifications like CISSP, CEH, Security+; Bachelor's in CS or related fieldCertifications like Security+, GIAC, CISSP; Bachelor's in CS, IT, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesigning and implementing security systems, working with development teamsMonitoring security alerts, analyzing threats, responding to incidents
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, cybersecurity firms, large enterprisesAny organization with IT infrastructure, government, finance, healthcare

Security Engineering focuses on designing, building, and maintaining security systems, while Security Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same industries, but their core responsibilities differ: one creates security solutions, the other manages security operations.

What is security engineering?

Security engineering is a field focused on designing, implementing, and maintaining systems and processes that protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and other security threats. Security engineers analyze potential vulnerabilities, develop security protocols, and respond to incidents to ensure the safety and integrity of digital assets. They work with a range of technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and access controls, often collaborating with IT and development teams to integrate security best practices throughout an organization’s infrastructure.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior security engineers or security architects with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. These positions often require deep knowledge of cybersecurity tools, threat management, and strategic planning, along with a track record of managing complex security systems.

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 network security, threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security tools like SIEM platforms, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and certifications such as CISSP or CEH are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you anticipate risks and work collaboratively to safeguard systems. These skills are crucial for protecting organizational assets, mitigating cyber threats, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
What are popular job titles related to Security Engineering jobs in California? For Security Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Security Engineering jobs in California are:
Security Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,773 per year, or $72.5 per hour.

Manager, Security Engineering

Cohere

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Cohere is a company dedicated to scaling intelligence to serve humanity through the deployment of frontier AI models. As a Manager of Security Engineering, you will be responsible for leading the security team, managing vulnerability processes, and ensuring compliance with security standards while collaborating with various teams to align security practices with business goals.
Responsibilities:
• Serve as trusted advisor to team’s leadership and partner teams by clearly articulating business risks associated with security issues
• Execute the long-term vision for the Security team in alignment with Cohere’s product and business goals.
• Collaborate closely with leadership to prioritize high-impact initiatives and strategic customer engagements.
• Vulnerability Management: Develop and implement enterprise-wide vulnerability management processes and tooling, including identification, prioritization, remediation tracking, and reporting, including customer artifacts
• Static Application Security Testing (SAST): Establish SAST programs, integrate tools into CI/CD pipelines, and analyze results to identify and remediate security flaws in source code
• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): Implement DAST methodologies, configure scanning tools, and conduct regular assessments of running applications
• Penetration Testing: Lead and oversee internal and external penetration testing engagements, including web application, API, network and agentic AI platform including managing our bug bounty program
• Security Architecture Review: Collaborate with development teams to review and validate security architecture and design patterns
• Secure SDLC Integration: Embed security practices throughout the software development lifecycle, working closely with engineering and product teams
• Team Leadership: Lead and grow a high-performing team of Security engineers through hiring, coaching, and mentorship
• Metrics and Reporting: Establish key security metrics, generate regular reports for leadership, and communicate security posture to stakeholders
• Compliance and Standards: Ensure application security practices align with industry standards (OWASP Top10 for LLMs, ISO 27001) and regulatory requirements
Qualifications:
Required:
• 8+ years of previous experience in Application Security / Security Engineering with a strong focus on vulnerability management, SDLC and bug bounty programs.
• Proven experience with SAST, DAST, and penetration testing methodologies and tools
• Proficiency with programming languages (Python, GoLang, etc.) and web technologies
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and container security
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience building and managing high-performing security teams
• You are comfortable with ambiguity and are able to make informed decisions with little data.
• You employ a flexible and constructive approach when solving problems.
• You are able to make trade-offs between build vs. buy decisions—help build solutions and be able to review what tools are available.
• You understand secure engineering best practices, can articulate problem statements, and propose solutions to both technically savvy and non-technical audiences.
• You have a deep technical understanding of common security vulnerabilities and risks, as well as countermeasures and compensating controls.
Company:
Cohere develops enterprise artificial intelligence software and provides language models, retrieval tools, and workplace platforms. Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in Toronto, CAN, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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