Security Engineer Jobs

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What is a security engineer?

As a Security Engineer, you’ll work with security analysts to identify and respond to security breaches. Engineers may also work with penetration testers, lawyers, security architects, and management to develop global security plans that keep the company’s data, processes, and devices safe from cyberattacks.

Security engineer jobs will continue to grow as businesses increasingly move to cloud-based data storage and workflows. Many small- to medium-sized businesses are still transitioning from manual processes to automated, computer-based work as the technology and software improves and becomes more readily available.

Future Job Growth

The movement from manual to automated operations across all industries favors the steady growth of Security Engineer positions in the future.

A Security Engineer position is not typically an entry-level position. New graduates entering the field can expect to spend at least the first 1-5 years of their careers in entry-level IT positions, such as risk management, security analyst, or program testing. Individuals will likely need to gain mentors and experience, and they may need to earn graduate degrees to advance to Security Engineer positions.

Gaining several years of experience as a Security Engineer can lead to opportunities to become Security Architects, Security Managers, Security Consultants, Security Directors, Information Security Officers, and Chief Information Security Officers.

What are a Security Engineer’s Key Responsibilities?

Security Engineer jobs entail protecting a company’s data and processes by detecting and neutralizing cyber threats. They design the security protocols to combat known attacks, and because cyberattacks are always evolving, Security Engineers must learn and design fast enough to keep the company safe.

This may involve ethical hacking, in which Security Engineers test each other’s protocols for breaches and vulnerabilities. In addition, Security Engineers may be responsible for training the company on security issues and communicating potential threats or needs to management.

Security Engineers design, build, and implement the network architecture of a company, including local area networks, wide area networks, and intranets. They are familiar with major operating systems and database platforms and work to function safely.

When there is a security breach, Security Engineers conduct investigations and take appropriate action. In addition, they develop metrics for assessing processes and systems and report outcomes to staff and management.

On-the-Job Expectations

On the job, a Security Engineer can expect to:

• Develop security protocols
• Update software
• Build and install firewalls
• Run system tests
• Design metrics and perform assessments
• Maintain and upgrade security protocols
• Investigate security breaches
• Lead projects
• Train all staff on cyber policies
• Daily administrative tasks, such as reports
• Communicate to management and/or staff
• Learn new products from outside IT sales

Where Does a Security Engineer Work?

The cybersecurity opportunities are vast because so many different industries need assistance with data protection and information security management. Security Engineers have many options when deciding on the preferred industry to enter.

Practically, the work can be done remotely, unless your company stipulates that the job should be on-site.

Example industries that hire Security Engineers:

• Textiles
• Law
• Fashion
• Music
• Travel
• Technology
• Retail
• Communications
• Education
• Government

Example US companies that hire Security Engineers:

• Liberty Mutual
• Netflix
• Visa
• Comcast
• Boeing
• United Health
• Home Depot
• Google
• Microsoft

Law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, employ Security Engineers to assist in detecting cybercriminals. The nature of the financial industry makes it highly vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Companies involved in money exchange must plan for cybersecurity, so the field provides numerous opportunities for Security Engineers. Finance jobs also pay the highest average salaries to Security Engineers.

Security Engineers are needed in businesses of every size. They may work alone and perform multiple information systems roles in a small company or work on a team with various security professionals in a larger company.

Security Engineer positions are found everywhere in the world in every type of location and population. Individuals do not necessarily need to focus on technology-driven cities for Security Engineer positions, although these cities may pay higher and provide more jobs and job growth opportunities.

Required Education and Qualifications for Security Engineers

As you might imagine, Security Engineers require reasonably impressive backgrounds in order to secure their jobs.

Education

At a minimum, Security Engineers should have a Bachelor’s Degree in an area of study such as information security, information management, mathematics, cybersecurity, or computer science.

It is common for aspiring Security Engineers to also earn a graduate degree related to cybersecurity engineering. A Ph.D. in cybersecurity engineering may be necessary to enter senior management positions.

Qualifications

As with many professions, certifications are useful and necessary to advance. Obtaining certifications in information management-related topics will show employers special skills, qualifications, and knowledge.

Certifications also provide networking opportunities and encourage continued education to maintain the certification, which helps Security Engineers stay relevant in the field. Professional organizations for Security Engineers include ISACA, CompTIA, SANS, and the Center for Internet Security.

Experience

Security Engineers should have 1-5 years of experience with computer coding, anti-virus software, handling security breaches, and firewall maintenance. They should possess the knowledge to perform risk assessment of a department or company and anticipate, detect, and neutralize information security issues.

How Much Can a Security Engineer Earn? 

Security Engineers are in demand and growth potential for the job is positive as the world continues to move toward computer-based operations. The number of qualified and experienced applicants is reportedly low and does not match the fast-growing demand.

The average salary for a Security Engineer is $100,000, according to Glassdoor, and based on over 800 reported salaries. The range for salaries is between $71,000 and $145,000. See our security engineer salary guide for more detailed information.

Tech locations, such as the San Francisco area, pay higher average salaries and have greater demand for the position. Although the position is in demand in various industries, the financial tech industry pays Security Engineers higher, on average, than other industries.