What Does a Security Engineer Do?
A security engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the systems and infrastructure that keep an organization’s data and networks secure. They develop and implement security solutions such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection, as well as test these systems to ensure they are effective against evolving threats. Security engineers also work closely with IT and operations teams to strengthen system architecture, harden configurations, and prevent vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
In addition to preventive measures, security engineers also support incident response when breaches occur. They analyze system logs, investigate intrusions, and deploy countermeasures to minimize damage. These professionals play a proactive role in risk management by staying current on the latest cybersecurity trends and tools. Whether securing cloud environments, protecting applications, or managing enterprise networks, security engineers are central to keeping organizations resilient against cyberattacks.
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Security Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Design, configure, and maintain firewalls, IDS/IPS, and endpoint protections
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
- Implement secure network architectures and system hardening measures
- Monitor security tools and respond to incidents when detected
- Collaborate with IT and development teams to embed security into workflows
- Research and deploy new security technologies and best practices
- Develop and maintain security documentation, policies, and procedures
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with network and endpoint security tools (firewalls, IDS/IPS, EDR)
- Experience in vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and remediation
- Knowledge of encryption, authentication, and access control technologies
- Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, Bash)
- Cloud security knowledge (AWS, Azure, or GCP environments)
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Team-oriented mindset with ability to collaborate across departments
- Adaptability in fast-changing security environments
- Attention to detail and proactive attitude
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or related field required
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ or CEH often required
- CISSP, OSCP, or CCSP preferred for senior roles
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in security or IT infrastructure roles
- Hands-on experience with incident response and forensic analysis
- Familiarity with secure coding practices and application security
- Experience designing secure cloud or hybrid architectures
- Background working with compliance frameworks such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, or GDPR
National Average Salary
Security engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Security Engineer is:
$120,932
Sample Job Description Templates for Security Engineers
Entry-Level Security Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level security engineer to join our cybersecurity team. This role is designed for early-career professionals who want to build a strong foundation in information security. You’ll assist in configuring security tools, monitoring systems, and supporting efforts to protect company networks and data.
Responsibilities
- Assist in configuring firewalls, IDS/IPS, and endpoint security tools
- Support vulnerability scans and patch management activities
- Monitor security alerts and escalate issues to senior staff
- Help maintain security documentation and compliance records
- Participate in incident response investigations as assigned
- Stay current on cybersecurity trends and emerging threats
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of firewalls, IDS/IPS, and endpoint security tools
- Familiarity with SIEM platforms and log analysis
- Knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs)
- Exposure to scripting languages such as Python or PowerShell
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and eagerness to learn
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Clear communication and teamwork abilities
- Adaptability in dynamic environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or related field
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ or equivalent preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or 1–2 years of IT or security support experience
- Exposure to vulnerability scanning or incident response tools
Mid-Level Security Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a mid-level security engineer to manage day-to-day security operations and implement protective measures across IT systems. This role requires prior hands-on experience with security tools, incident response, and vulnerability management.
Responsibilities
- Configure and maintain firewalls, intrusion detection, and endpoint tools
- Conduct vulnerability scans, analyze results, and remediate risks
- Respond to and investigate security incidents
- Develop and maintain security documentation and playbooks
- Collaborate with IT and development teams to embed security practices
- Track industry trends and recommend improvements to security posture
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with SIEM, IDS/IPS, and endpoint security platforms
- Experience with vulnerability assessment and patching processes
- Knowledge of authentication, encryption, and access controls
- Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP
Soft skills
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Clear and professional communication abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, IT, or related discipline
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ required
- CEH or GSEC preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of professional experience in IT or cybersecurity roles
- Hands-on experience in incident response
Senior Security Engineer
Position Overview
We are looking for a senior security engineer to lead advanced security initiatives, design secure architectures, and mentor junior engineers. This role requires deep technical expertise and the ability to manage complex security challenges across the enterprise.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement secure network and system architectures
- Lead vulnerability assessments and penetration testing efforts
- Oversee incident response and conduct forensic investigations
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership
- Ensure compliance with frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, or PCI DSS
- Evaluate and deploy new security technologies and solutions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of network and cloud security architectures
- Expertise in vulnerability management and penetration testing
- Proficiency in scripting or automation (Python, Bash, PowerShell)
- Strong understanding of regulatory compliance requirements
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills
- Ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical stakeholders
- Strategic thinking and adaptability
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- CISSP, OSCP, or CEH required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–7 years of experience in cybersecurity engineering roles
- Proven success managing enterprise security initiatives
Lead Security Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking a lead security engineer to oversee security engineering operations, guide architecture design, and manage a team of engineers. This role combines hands-on expertise with leadership responsibilities to ensure organizational defenses remain strong.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and mentor a team of security engineers
- Oversee enterprise-wide security architecture and system design
- Lead investigations of major incidents and breaches
- Develop long-term security strategies and technology roadmaps
- Collaborate with IT and executive leadership on risk management
- Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in network, cloud, and application security
- Experience leading incident response and forensic analysis
- Strong skills in architecture design and system hardening
- Proficiency with GRC tools and security monitoring platforms
Soft skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Excellent communication with both technical and executive stakeholders
- Ability to manage competing priorities in high-pressure environments
- Strong strategic planning skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or master’s preferred
Certifications
- CISSP or CISM required
- CCSP or advanced cloud security certifications preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7–10 years of cybersecurity experience, including leadership roles
- Proven ability to manage complex, multi-site security operations
Security Engineering Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a security engineering manager to lead the security engineering department and align technical defenses with organizational goals. This role requires managing staff, overseeing projects, and ensuring all systems meet compliance and security requirements.
Responsibilities
- Manage and develop a team of security engineers
- Oversee design and deployment of enterprise security systems
- Define and enforce security engineering policies and procedures
- Partner with executives on security budgets and resource allocation
- Track metrics and report on security engineering performance
- Lead strategic initiatives to strengthen enterprise security posture
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of security engineering principles and frameworks
- Proficiency with enterprise-level security and compliance requirements
- Strong knowledge of cloud security and hybrid infrastructure
- Ability to manage budgets and allocate resources effectively
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and communication skills
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Ability to influence stakeholders across departments
- Strategic problem-solving and decision-making
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred
Certifications
- CISSP or CISM required
- CRISC or CCSP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 8–10 years of progressive security engineering experience
- Proven success leading teams and enterprise initiatives
Director of Security Engineering
Position Overview
We are seeking a director of security engineering to provide executive leadership over the design, implementation, and management of the organization’s security architecture. This role involves setting strategic direction, overseeing teams, and ensuring defenses align with business objectives.
Responsibilities
- Define the vision and strategy for enterprise security engineering
- Lead and mentor security engineering managers and senior engineers
- Oversee large-scale security projects and technology implementations
- Ensure compliance with global standards and regulatory requirements
- Manage budgets, resources, and vendor relationships
- Represent security engineering in executive and board-level discussions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of enterprise security architecture and frameworks
- Expertise in risk management and compliance
- Strong knowledge of emerging technologies and security trends
- Ability to oversee multi-million-dollar security budgets and initiatives
Soft skills
- Executive-level communication and leadership abilities
- Ability to align technical strategy with organizational goals
- Visionary thinking and ability to drive transformation
- Strong decision-making under pressure
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or master’s degree strongly preferred
Certifications
- CISSP, CISM, or equivalent required
- CCSP, OSCP, or advanced certifications highly valued
Preferred Qualifications
- 12+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity and engineering leadership
- Proven record of scaling and managing enterprise security operations