ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Security Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSecurity Engineering JobsSecurity Engineering Jobs in Virginia

Security Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$61K

$151.5K

$203.7K

How much do security engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for security engineering in Virginia is $151,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,800.00 and $157,100.00 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 Virginia? For Security Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Security Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
Security Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Engineering job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,463 per year, or $72.8 per hour.
Information System Security Engineer (ISSE)

Information System Security Engineer (ISSE)

VTG

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$100K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Overview

VTG is looking for Information System Security Engineers (ISSEs) in Chantilly VA.  These positions are contingent upon contract award.


What will you do?
  • An ISSE is responsible for conducting IS security engineering activities throughout the lifecycle.
  • ISSEs are responsible for capturing and refining information protection requirements to ensure their integration into IS acquisitions and IS development through purposeful security design or configuration.
  • Integrates security functional requirements into existing acquisition lifecycle phases, milestones, and documents using systems engineering principles and methodologies.
  • Shall be knowledgeable of best practices when implementing security controls including SW engineering methodologies, security engineering methodologies, security engineering principles, and secure coding techniques and coordinates activities with A&A stakeholders.
  • The ISSE functions are commensurate with the IASAE position description, experience and certifications. 
  • ISSEs with Space System experience is required, specific Space System ISSE required qualifications.
  • This IASAE experience requires working relevant types of Space systems based on location, and understanding space requirements and protection needs for integration into relevant network systems.
  • IASAE's also participate in Space Computer Security requirement reviews or working groups as needed by locations.
  • IASAE's also participate in the National Space INFOSEC Steering Council, among others.

Do you have what it takes?
  • TS/SCI with Poly required
  • Bachelor's degree relevant to computer engineering, INFOSEC, information management, and/or computer science
  • Level 1: 0 - 4 years relevant IA experience and IAM Level I Certification: CAP, GSLC, Sec+
  • Level 2: 5 - 9 years relevant IA experience and IAM Level II Certification: CAP, GSLC, CISM, CASP, CISSP or CCISO
  • Level 3: 10+ relevant IA experience and IAM Level III Certification:  GSLC, CISM, CISSP OR CCISO
  • Knowledge of and experience with ICD 503 and the Government's certification and accreditation process
  • Networks, computer components, protocols, and COTS technology
  • System methodologies including: client/server, web hosting, web content servers, policy servers, directory servers, firewalls, WAN, MAN, LAN, switches, and routers
  • SW integration of COTS and GOTS products
  • Virtualization platforms and technologies
  • Education relevant to computer engineering, INFOSEC, information management, and/or computer science
  • Experience in technical project management (Level 3); and
  • Technical experience in:
    • Configuring and supporting, at a minimum, Windows, Linux, Unix, Maces
    • Configuring and supporting, at a minimum, VMware, Xen, Hyper V
    • SW engineering
    • Program design and implementation
    • Configuration management (Level 3)
    • System maintenance
    • Integration testing (Level 3)
    • Information Security, engineering

Pay Range: VTG’s estimated starting pay range is $100,000 - $210,000 annually, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range.

Qualifications:
  • TS/SCI with Poly required
  • Bachelor's degree relevant to computer engineering, INFOSEC, information management, and/or computer science
  • Level 1: 0 - 4 years relevant IA experience and IAM Level I Certification: CAP, GSLC, Sec+
  • Level 2: 5 - 9 years relevant IA experience and IAM Level II Certification: CAP, GSLC, CISM, CASP, CISSP or CCISO
  • Level 3: 10+ relevant IA experience and IAM Level III Certification:  GSLC, CISM, CISSP OR CCISO
  • Knowledge of and experience with ICD 503 and the Government's certification and accreditation process
  • Networks, computer components, protocols, and COTS technology
  • System methodologies including: client/server, web hosting, web content servers, policy servers, directory servers, firewalls, WAN, MAN, LAN, switches, and routers
  • SW integration of COTS and GOTS products
  • Virtualization platforms and technologies
  • Education relevant to computer engineering, INFOSEC, information management, and/or computer science
  • Experience in technical project management (Level 3); and
  • Technical experience in:
    • Configuring and supporting, at a minimum, Windows, Linux, Unix, Maces
    • Configuring and supporting, at a minimum, VMware, Xen, Hyper V
    • SW engineering
    • Program design and implementation
    • Configuration management (Level 3)
    • System maintenance
    • Integration testing (Level 3)
    • Information Security, engineering
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply