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Security Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Agile Defense

Security Engineering Lead

Reston, VA · On-site

$165K - $201K/yr

Security Engineering Lead Job Title for Careers Page: Security Engineering Lead Location: Reston, VA Clearance Level: Secret SUMMARY Agile Defense is seeking experienced Security Engineering Lead to ...

Vectra

Director, Security Engineering

Austin, TX · On-site

Role Overview Vectra AI is seeking a Director of Security Engineering (Pre-Sales) for West / Central region , to lead and scale a high-performing team of Security Engineers supporting enterprise ...

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 ...

Lockheed Martin

This position requires a strong understanding of system security engineering, reentry system development, and program management. Key responsibilities Include, but are not limited to the following ...

Harvey

Head of Security Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$285K - $350K/yr

This leader will own the core security engineering platform, including identity and access management, security tooling, and the systems that help engineers build and operate secure products by ...

Harvey

Head of Security Engineering

New York, NY · On-site

$285K - $350K/yr

This leader will own the core security engineering platform, including identity and access management, security tooling, and the systems that help engineers build and operate secure products by ...

Agilent

$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 ...

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 ...

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Security Engineering information

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$61.5K

$152.8K

$205.5K

How much do security engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for security engineering in the United States is $152,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $158,500.00 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.
More about Security Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Security Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Security Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Security Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Security Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Security Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Security Engineering jobs are:
Security Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,773 per year, or $73.4 per hour.
Security Engineering Lead

Security Engineering Lead

Agile Defense

Reston, VA • On-site

$165K - $201K/yr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Agile Defense
At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That's why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.
Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility-leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation's vital interests.
Requisition #: 1439
Job Title: Security Engineering Lead
Job Title for Careers Page: Security Engineering Lead
Location: Reston, VA
Clearance Level: Secret
SUMMARY
Agile Defense is seeking experienced Security Engineering Lead to support an enterprise cybersecurity program delivering 24/7 Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) services. This role serves as the technical lead for SOC security engineering and modernization efforts, including the integration and sustainment of SIEM, SOAR, EDR, and IDS/IPS platforms. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with established standards, optimizing system performance, and driving continuous improvement across the enterprise security architecture. A highly technical self-starter with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, flexibility, good judgment and the ability to coordinate multiple, concurrent tasks in an effective manner.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Engineer, integrate, and maintain CSOC capabilities and platforms, ensuring effective configuration management and performance optimization. Advance Zero Trust principles, automation, and telemetry coverage across both cloud and on-premises environments. Assess and test emerging technologies; develop comprehensive technical reports and implementation plans to support modernization initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Certifications
Minimum required A+, Security+ or Network+; CISSP certification.
Education, Background, and Years of Experience
Bachelor's Degree
ADDITIONAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Required Skills
A minimum of 3 years' experience security administration systems and support. Strong working knowledge of Security Services, Networking, Security Policy, and Consulting. Proven experience in installing, configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting network security solutions and related monitoring tools including Layer 2 / Layer 3 network devices, Network Admission Control (NAC), 802.1x, Firewalls, IDS / IPS, VPN Solutions, Web Application Firewalls, Content Filtering, fault analysis. Advanced working knowledge of encryption algorithms, Operating Systems (Linux, windows), secure communications, SIEM technologies, and embedded systems security. Advanced working knowledge of network and data communication protocols. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field such as NIST, FISMA and Common Criteria regulations and standards. Experience with Network based IDS / IPS technologies and affiliated modes of operation; experienced in evaluating new technologies and processes that enhance security capabilities. Supervise changes in software, hardware, facilities, telecommunications and user needs.
Experience with Test security solutions using industry standard analysis criteria; experience with the delivery technical reports and formal papers on test findings; experience responding to information security issues during each stage of a
project's lifecycle to include. Strong scripting skills (bash PowerShell) and ability to use automation tools such as ansible, or puppet. Produce technical documentation, including architecture diagrams, and detailed root cause analysis reports.
Preferred Skills
CISSP certification
Experience with supporting Zero Trust
Network and Operating Certifications (Cisco, Redhat, Microsoft)
Cloud provider certifications (AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, etc)
Supervise changes in software, hardware, facilities, telecommunications and user needs.
Excellent written and oral communication skills
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions
Hybrid in Reston, VA
Strength Demands
Physical Requirements
$165,000 - $201,000 a year
Our Core Values
Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.
What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.
  • Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
  • Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
  • Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
  • Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
  • Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
  • Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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