Security Engineer Jobs

Design and implement the systems that keep digital assets safe. A role that combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of security principles.

Open roles
54
Salary range
£34k – £95k
Hiring companies
35

Security Engineers are the guardians of an organisation's digital infrastructure. They design, build, and maintain the systems that protect against cyber threats, ensuring that data remains secure and systems operate smoothly. This role is critical in a world where cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent. Security Engineers work across various sectors, from financial institutions and government agencies to tech companies and healthcare providers.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Security Engineer

A typical week for a Security Engineer is a mix of proactive and reactive tasks, balancing the development of new security measures with the response to emerging threats.

  1. 01
    Conduct security assessments and vulnerability scans.
  2. 02
    Develop and implement security policies and procedures.
  3. 03
    Monitor systems for suspicious activity and respond to incidents.
  4. 04
    Collaborate with development teams to integrate security into software.
  5. 05
    Stay updated on the latest security trends and threats.
  6. 06
    Document security processes and compliance requirements.
Salary on the board

£34k – £95k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 198 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
46% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
32
75
94 jobs
Senior
50
100
54 jobs
Lead
62
125
7 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 189 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

SIEM
35%
CCTV
23%
Azure
22%
Access Control
21%
Vulnerability Management
20%
AWS
19%
Intruder Alarms
19%
Cloud Security
18%
Python
16%
Microsoft Defender
16%
PowerShell
15%
Microsoft 365
14%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for security engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Security Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the implementation of security measures and learn the fundamentals of security engineering.

  2. Level 2

    Security Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific security projects and contribute to the development of security policies.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Security Engineer

    5–8 yrs

    Lead security initiatives, mentor junior team members, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Security Engineer

    8+ yrs

    Strategise and oversee the organisation's overall security posture, driving innovation and best practices.

Pathway

How to become a Security Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Gain foundational knowledge

    Start with a strong understanding of computer science and network security principles.

  2. 2

    Obtain relevant certifications

    Pursue certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or OSCP to validate your skills and knowledge.

  3. 3

    Build practical experience

    Gain hands-on experience through internships, entry-level roles, or personal projects.

  4. 4

    Specialise in a security domain

    Focus on a specific area like penetration testing, incident response, or security architecture.

  5. 5

    Lead security projects

    Take on leadership roles, managing security initiatives and mentoring junior engineers.

  6. 6

    Advise on strategic security

    Provide strategic guidance on security policies and best practices at the organisational level.

Live jobs

54 live roles

See all 54 roles

Security Engineer

This role involves hands-on implementation and maintenance of security controls within a Microsoft cloud environment, identifying and remediating security gaps, and preparing for external penetration testing. You will work closely with architecture, security operations, and technology teams to enhance the organization's overall security posture.

Pontoon London, United Kingdom £700 – £800 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Security Engineer

This role involves managing security alerts, incidents, and threat investigations across a cloud-native microservices environment. The engineer will lead incident response, improve security tooling (SIEM, endpoint, cloud), and embed security into DevSecOps practices while ensuring ISO 27001 and GDPR compliance. The position actively shapes security strategy rather than just maintaining compliance.

CV-Library Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 3HH, United Kingdom

Security Engineer

The Security Engineer will develop and implement information security plans, monitor and resolve security incidents, and educate team members on security best practices. They will work closely with IT and engineering teams to ensure the security of internal and customer networks, focusing on network and device security, compliance, and vulnerability management.

Lamb Personnel Ltd Redhill, RH1 1RJ, United Kingdom £48,000 – £50,000 pa

Security Engineer

This role involves designing, implementing, and supporting security solutions across internal and customer-facing network environments, with a focus on threat management, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. The engineer will maintain SIEM, IDS, and IPS systems, support compliance with ISO27001 and GDPR, and contribute to security policies and continuous improvement initiatives. It offers technically challenging work within a specialist engineering team protecting critical infrastructure.

Reed Rh13Dr, United Kingdom £50,000 – £52,500 pa

Security Engineer

The Security Engineer will service and repair Intruder Alarms, CCTV, and Access Control Systems across residential and commercial sites in London and the M25 area. Responsibilities include fault-finding, responding to reactive calls, and participating in out-of-hours on-call work on a rotational basis.

Get Staff London, United Kingdom £36,000 – £55,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Security Engineer IAM

A leading Professional Services company is seeking a Security Engineer IAM on a contract basis to work on an exciting project with a financial services client.You will be required to work onsite in London 4-5 days a week. Please DO...

Telstra Associates London, United Kingdom £400 pd

Security Engineer (CCTV, Access Control & Intruder Alarms)

This role involves installing, servicing, repairing, and maintaining IP CCTV, access control, and intruder alarm systems across multiple sites in South London. The engineer will work with various manufacturers, ensure high-quality work, and provide customer support.

Get Staff Croydon, United Kingdom £36,000 – £44,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Experis logo

Security Platform Engineer

The role involves deploying and managing cloud security platforms such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, and CWPP, with a focus on Kubernetes security including workload isolation, RBAC, and network policies. The engineer will automate security workflows, conduct incident investigation and forensic analysis, and implement monitoring strategies. A strong background in security engineering and DevSecOps, along with scripting in Python, Go, or Bash, is required.

Experis United Kingdom £70,000 – £100,000 pa
Top hirers

Companies hiring security engineers

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FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include a strong foundation in computer science, knowledge of security protocols, and proficiency in programming languages like Python and C++.

  • Certifications such as CISSP, CEH, and OSCP are highly valued and can significantly enhance your career prospects.

  • Security Engineers stay updated by following industry news, attending conferences, and participating in online forums and communities.

  • Security Engineers often work in office settings, but many roles offer remote or hybrid work options, depending on the organisation's policies.

  • Salary ranges can vary widely based on experience, location, and industry. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

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