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Security System Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Senior System Engineer will be architecting and carrying out projects as well as serving as an ... Sophos Security Products * Barracuda Email Filtering solutions * Dell/EMC hardware * Datto BCDR ...

The Senior System Engineer will be architecting and carrying out projects as well as serving as an ... Sophos Security Products * Barracuda Email Filtering solutions * Dell/EMC hardware * Datto BCDR ...

... governments and developers, we are improving the global financial system and creating greater ... As the Physical Security Systems Specialist, you will lead all aspects of Ripple's Global Security ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

The Senior System Engineer will be architecting and carrying out projects as well as serving as an ... Sophos Security Products * Barracuda Email Filtering solutions * Dell/EMC hardware * Datto BCDR ...

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Security System Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do security system engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for security system engineer in Chicago, IL is $60.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.05 and $69.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most security system engineers earn less than $200,000 annually, some senior or specialized engineers with extensive experience, certifications, and leadership roles in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more per year, often through bonuses, stock options, or consulting fees.

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

To thrive as a Security System Engineer, you need a strong background in network security, systems architecture, and information technology, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+ are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure robust protection of organizational assets, effective risk mitigation, and clear collaboration with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior security system engineers, cybersecurity engineers, and network security architects often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications like CISSP or CISA, and in high-demand industries. These roles typically require strong technical skills, knowledge of security tools, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or specialized expertise.

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

AspectSecurity System EngineerSecurity Analyst
CertificationsSecurity+, CISSP, CEHSecurity+, CISSP, GIAC
Work EnvironmentDesigns and implements security systems, often in technical or engineering teamsMonitors, analyzes, and responds to security incidents, often in security operations centers
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, security firms, large enterprisesFinancial institutions, government agencies, corporate security teams

Security System Engineers focus on designing and deploying security infrastructure, while Security Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same industry sectors, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What does a security systems engineer do?

A security systems engineer designs, installs, and maintains security systems such as surveillance cameras, access control, and alarm systems. They analyze security needs, configure hardware and software, and ensure systems operate effectively, often using tools like network protocols and security certifications. Their work involves troubleshooting, testing, and updating security infrastructure to protect assets and data.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior security system engineers, cybersecurity architects, and information security managers with extensive experience and advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. These roles often require specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and work in high-demand industries or large organizations.

What are Security System Engineers?

Security System Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect buildings, assets, and information from unauthorized access or harm. They work with technologies such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, access control, and cybersecurity measures. Their responsibilities include assessing security risks, selecting appropriate technologies, configuring system components, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that all security systems comply with relevant laws and standards. Security System Engineers often collaborate with IT teams, facility managers, and law enforcement to provide comprehensive protection solutions.

What are some common challenges Security System Engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructures?

Security System Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new and legacy hardware, maintaining system uptime during upgrades, and addressing potential security vulnerabilities introduced by new components. Additionally, they must coordinate with IT, facilities, and management teams to minimize disruptions and adhere to compliance standards. Proactive planning, thorough testing, and clear communication are essential to successfully integrating advanced security solutions.
What are popular job titles related to Security System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Security System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Security System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Security System Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $125,404 per year, or $60.3 per hour.
Systems Security Engineer

Systems Security Engineer

Impact Networking

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Impact Networking rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

118th of 210 rated it services


Job description

Built on service. Powered by people.
Impact exists because a small group of industry leaders believed companies in our space were doing it wrong. Many prioritized margins while the people doing the work and the clients relying on it became an afterthought. Impact was built differently: invest in great people, trust them to do great work, and deliver the kind of service clients remember. That approach helped us grow from a small office technology company into a national managed services provider, while remaining privately owned and people-first.
What makes Impact special is that growth has never come at the expense of the values that got us here. We continue to reinvest in our people, our capabilities, and the opportunities ahead so employees can grow alongside the business. We've built something special, but we're far from finished. The people who join Impact now will help define what comes next.
Our North Star: Client Centricity
Job Overview
Impact is seeking a Systems Security Engineer to own the governance of systems and data across our environment for security purposes. This role centers on the Microsoft security and compliance ecosystem, including Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Entra ID, and Microsoft Defender, to discover, classify, protect, and govern Impact's most critical information and systems across a hybrid environment. This is a hands-on engineering role for a subject-matter expert who can translate security, regulatory, and contractual requirements into enforceable technical controls and measure success through incidents avoided, audits passed, and risk reduced.

Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive governance strategy across Impact's environment using Microsoft Purview governance and compliance tools.
  • Develop and enforce governance policies to discover, classify, and protect sensitive data and systems across Microsoft 365, Azure, on-premises infrastructure, and SaaS applications.
  • Manage sensitivity labels, retention labels, records management, and disposition review to support the full information lifecycle.
  • Create, tune, and monitor Data Loss Prevention policies across endpoints, email, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and cloud applications.
  • Govern identity and access using Microsoft Entra ID, aligning policies to Zero Trust architecture and least-privilege principles.
  • Serve as a subject-matter expert for data- and system-related security incidents using Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Defender for investigation, forensics, and response.
  • Participate in the security team's on-call rotation and respond to critical incidents outside of regular business hours when needed.
  • Configure Microsoft Purview Audit, audit-log retention, export pipelines, Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, KQL workbooks, and alert rules to monitor compliance and policy drift.
  • Translate regulatory and contractual requirements, including CMMC, NIST 800-171, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA, into technical policies and controls in partnership with compliance, legal, and business stakeholders.
  • Manage Microsoft Compliance Manager assessments and improvement-action plans, and provide regular reporting on compliance, risk posture, and policy enforcement to leadership.
  • Maintain technical documentation, architecture standards, and operational runbooks for governance and security controls.
  • Coach and mentor IT and security team members on governance, data protection, and Microsoft security best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in information security, including at least 3 years focused on data protection, data governance, or information lifecycle management.
  • Deep hands-on experience with the Microsoft Purview suite, including DLP, Microsoft Information Protection, data classification, Insider Risk Management, eDiscovery, Audit, and Compliance Manager.
  • Strong experience with Microsoft Entra ID and the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, including securing data within Azure services such as Azure Storage and Azure SQL.
  • Proficiency with scripting languages, particularly PowerShell, for automating security and compliance tasks.
  • Strong understanding of data privacy regulations and compliance frameworks, including NIST 800-171, CMMC, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Microsoft SC-400 certification strongly preferred; AZ-500, SC-200, SC-300, MS-102, CISSP, CCSP, or CCSK are a plus.
  • Experience with Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365, Zero Trust security architecture, Microsoft Purview Data Security Posture Management, AI/Copilot data governance, or MSP/multi-tenant environments preferred.

What Drives Impact

Our purpose is people. We empower them to innovate, grow, and succeed. That's how we change the world - one person, one company, one community at a time.
Behaviors define what our values look like in action. Leaders are expected to model them; teams are expected to live them:
  • Innovation: We embrace change because innovation lives outside the comfort zone.
  • Passion: We are driven by purpose, fueled by passion, and obsessed with making an impact.
  • Honesty: We are fiercely transparent and consistently honest.
  • Fun: We fuel work with fun, knowing life's too short for boring.
  • Low Ego: We champion ideas over titles, because brilliance knows no rank.
  • One Team: We win as a team, we lose as a team, we are one team.
Compensation
The typical base salary range for this role is $90,000 to $110,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skillset, experience and training, licensures and/or certifications, and other organizational needs.
Impact may offer applicable incentive compensation plans depending on role and/or department.
Full compensation details can be discussed with an Impact Talent Acquisition team member at the start of the interview process.

Benefits We Take Pride In

    • 5-year Tiffany & Co. Gift Card, 10-year Custom Rolex, 20-year $20,000 Check incentive rewards
    • Valuable time off with up to 20 days of PTO, 7 Paid Sick Days, 12+ paid holidays, and Paid Parental Leave
    • Development and growth opportunities with on-going training & continued education reimbursement
    • 401(K) & retirement plans with complimentary financial advisory services
    • Comprehensive health, disability, life, dental, and vision plans

    For more information, visithttps://www.impactmybiz.com/careers/#benefits
    Work Authorization & Immigration Sponsorship

    Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Immigration sponsorship may be considered in select cases based on business need, cost, workforce planning, and applicable government requirements. Impact does not guarantee sponsorship for any visa category and may decline certain petitions based on associated costs or regulatory requirements.
    Certain positions within Impact may involve access to information, technology, software, or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Where required by applicable law based on the nature of the role, individuals in such positions must qualify as a "U.S. Person," as defined by law, or otherwise be eligible to obtain any required government authorizations.
    #LI-Onsite
    Employment Type: Full-Time

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