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Security Operations Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Security Engineering Lead

Torrance, CA · On-site

$124K - $205K/yr

At the start you will manage our IT operations engineer and hire to build out the team: security engineers, IT operations staff, and additional roles as Northwood grows. You bridge hands-on DevSecOps ...

DevOps Engineer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$95K - $111K/yr

... s Engineer to support DLIFLC at the Presidio of Monterey, CA. This role designs and builds ... Company Overview Ops Tech Alliance (OTA) was founded by former National Security and Special ...

... engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153 ... Security Operations Analyst Astranis is looking for a Security Operations Analyst who isn't afraid ...

Devops Engineer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$56.75 - $77.75/hr

This role partners closely with Development, Security, and Infrastructure teams to ensure efficient ... s Engineer plays a key role in delivering, faster, more stable releases and maintaining high ...

Devops Engineer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$56.75 - $77.75/hr

This role partners closely with Development, Security, and Infrastructure teams to ensure efficient ... s Engineer plays a key role in delivering, faster, more stable releases and maintaining high ...

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Showing results 1-20

Security Operations Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$135.9K

$171.7K

How much do security operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for security operations engineer in California is $135,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Security Operations Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity Operations EngineerSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials
Work EnvironmentHands-on security infrastructure management, incident responseMonitoring, analyzing security data, reporting
Employer & Industry UsageIT security teams in various industries, focusing on security operations

The Security Operations Engineer focuses on managing security systems and responding to incidents, while the Security Analyst primarily monitors security data and analyzes threats. Both roles require similar certifications and work closely within security teams, but their daily tasks differ in scope and focus.

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

Security Operations Engineers can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles such as security managers or architects. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or organizations with large security budgets.

What are some of the main challenges Security Operations Engineers face when responding to security incidents?

Security Operations Engineers often face challenges such as quickly identifying genuine threats among large volumes of security alerts, coordinating responses across multiple teams, and containing incidents before they escalate. Balancing thorough investigation with the need for rapid action can be demanding, especially in high-pressure situations. Additionally, staying updated on emerging threats and ensuring compliance with security protocols are ongoing responsibilities that require continuous learning and adaptability.

What Does a Security Operations Engineer Do?

As a security operations engineer, your job is to monitor a network or system and help implement new methods of protection and data recovery. In this role, you may conduct a vulnerability assessment for each emerging threat, coordinate with other security specialists, and help develop responses with industry peers. This job title refers to maintaining network security systems and should not be confused with non-electronic security operations, such as safeguarding VIPs or facilities. A security operations engineer works regular hours, but employers may call you in for emergency help as needed. This position usually reports to someone, such as a chief information security officer. You may occasionally brief executives or other managers on relevant topics, so presentation skills are helpful.

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

To thrive as a Security Operations Engineer, you need a solid understanding of network security, incident response, and vulnerability management, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with SIEM tools (like Splunk or QRadar), firewalls, IDS/IPS, and certifications such as CISSP or CompTIA Security+ are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you quickly detect and respond to security threats while collaborating with teams. These skills are crucial to proactively safeguarding organizational assets, minimizing risks, and ensuring swift recovery from security incidents.

What does a security operations engineer do?

A security operations engineer monitors, detects, and responds to cybersecurity threats and incidents within an organization. They use tools like security information and event management (SIEM) systems, perform vulnerability assessments, and implement security measures to protect IT infrastructure. Strong knowledge of network protocols, security best practices, and relevant certifications such as CISSP or CEH are often required.

Is SOC an entry level job?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst role can be entry level, but many positions require some prior experience or knowledge of cybersecurity tools, network monitoring, and incident response. Entry-level SOC roles often focus on monitoring security alerts and basic analysis, while more advanced positions may require certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified SOC Analyst (CSA).

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior security engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications like CISSP or CISA, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with leadership roles, working in high-demand industries, or in organizations with complex security needs and 24/7 operations.
What are popular job titles related to Security Operations Engineer jobs in California? For Security Operations Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Operations Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Security Operations Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Security Operations Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Security Operations Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Security Operations Engineer jobs in CA? For Security Operations Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Security Operations Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,941 per year, or $65.4 per hour.
Temporary Development, Security, and Operations Engineer

Temporary Development, Security, and Operations Engineer

Fenwick & West LLP

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$126K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary:

We are seeking a temporary (estimated 6 months) Development, Security, and Operations "DevSecOps" Engineer to support and scale the organization's citizen development initiatives. This role works closely with non-traditional developers - analysts, business users, and rapid prototypers - to transition experimental or prototype applications into secure, supportable, and production-ready solutions.
The DevSecOps Engineer acts as the connective tissue between business-driven innovation and enterprise engineering standards - emphasizing enablement over gatekeeping, while enforcing sound software development lifecycle, security, and operational practices. This position is designed to offload and formalize a significant portion of the day-to-day operational work currently performed by senior engineers, allowing them to focus on higher-order architecture, platform design, and governance.
This position is a full-time exempt role and can be based in any of our U.S. office locations and some remote locations.

Job Description:

  • Partner directly with citizen developers to refactor, harden, and productionize applications built with Python, JavaScript, and low-code/automation platforms.
  • Guide developers on repository structure, branching strategies, pull requests, and versioning.
  • Translate loosely defined or experimental solutions into maintainable, supportable codebases.
  • Establish, document, and enforce SDLC best practices including source control standards, CI/CD pipelines for build, test, and deployment, and environment separation (development, UAT, production).
  • Create and maintain reusable DevSecOps "golden paths" including standardized pipeline templates, deployment frameworks, and secure configuration and secrets management patterns.
  • Perform code reviews with emphasis on security vulnerabilities, error handling, resilience, and maintainability.
  • Integrate and operate automated security tooling: SAST, dependency/vulnerability scanning, and secrets detection.
  • Work closely with security teams to ensure applications meet enterprise requirements without unnecessary friction.
  • Support deployments through controlled CI/CD pipelines, eliminating manual or ad-hoc release processes.
  • Troubleshoot pipeline failures, deployment issues, configuration problems, and environment-specific bugs.
  • Assist with incident response for citizen-developed applications running in production.
  • Help remediate security findings and technical debt discovered post-deployment.
  • Document patterns, standards, and common fixes to reduce repeated friction.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

  • Advanced proficiency with Git-based source control and collaborative workflows.
  • Advanced hands-on experience with Azure DevOps (Repos, Pipelines, Boards).
  • Intermediate familiarity with Microsoft Azure services (App Services, Functions, Container Apps, or similar).
  • Intermediate knowledge of application security fundamentals: secrets management, dependency risk, and secure configuration.
  • Intermediate ability to review and reason about Python and/or JavaScript code.
  • Advanced analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
  • Structured thinking; comfortable bringing order to unstructured or rapidly developed codebases.
  • Enablement mindset with a bias toward pragmatic solutions; meets developers where they are.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing and operating CI/CD pipelines.
  • Experience supporting citizen development or low-code platforms preferred.
  • Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code tools (Terraform, Bicep, or similar) preferred.
  • Experience with containerization technologies (Docker) preferred.
  • Exposure to security tooling such as Microsoft Defender, Snyk, or equivalent preferred.

Reporting to the Senior Solutions & Automation Manager, the ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience in DevOps, DevSecOps, or related engineering roles. A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a related field is preferred.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-Remote


Benefits and Compensation Details:

At Fenwick, we believe that our partners and employees are our most important asset. Helping you and your families achieve and maintain good health - physical, emotional, and financial - is the reason we offer a comprehensive benefit program. We provide benefits to eligible employees under plans such as Healthcare, Life Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Wellbeing. Except as otherwise required by law, temporary employees are generally not entitled to these benefits.

The anticipated range for this position is:

$126,000 - $189,000

Depending on the role, the actual base salary offered may depend upon a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

A discretionary bonus for eligible employees may also be available based on performance. Additional information about employee eligibility for benefits and discretionary bonus will be made available upon request.