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
103
Salary range
£28k – £140k
Hiring companies
30

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

£28k – £140k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 119 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Mid
28
125
72 jobs
Senior
44
140
34 jobs
Lead
50
140
6 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 158 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

SIEM
35%
Azure
22%
Vulnerability Management
20%
AWS
19%
Cloud Security
18%
Python
18%
CCTV
17%
Microsoft Defender
16%
Access Control
16%
DevSecOps
16%
PowerShell
15%
GDPR
15%
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

103 live roles

See all 103 roles
Amazon logo

Security Engineer, IAM Stores Security

As a Security Engineer, you will design and build security logging pipelines that process billions of events daily, develop monitoring and detection capabilities for AI/ML workloads, and ensure the security of Amazon's global AWS infrastructure. You'll also mentor teammates, write production-ready code, and investigate operational issues.

Amazon London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

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

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 the South East. The position requires a full UK driving licence and a positive attitude, with opportunities for overtime and on-call work.

Get Staff South East England, United Kingdom £36,000 – £45,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Amazon logo

Senior Security Engineer, Amazon Security Automation

As a Senior Security Engineer, you will work on creating autonomous security solutions using AI/ML to automate detection, analysis, and remediation across various Amazon services. Your role involves conducting security research, developing automated systems, and collaborating with software development teams to enhance Amazon’s security infrastructure.

Amazon London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
Bridewell logo

Senior Security Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Security Engineer to join our Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) team. You will be responsible for driving our adoption of Sentinel, client onboarding projects, managing multi-vendor SIEM proof of concepts with...

Bridewell Cardiff, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Platform Security Engineer

This role involves strengthening the security and resilience of a cloud-based platform within a high-profile government AI programme. The engineer will enhance infrastructure configuration, implement secure CI/CD pipelines, and improve operational visibility using Infrastructure as Code. Collaboration with agile delivery teams ensures security is embedded throughout the development lifecycle.

Exceed Cyber limited London, United Kingdom £600 – £650 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

M365 Security Engineer (SC)

Lead the security and configuration of a large-scale Microsoft 365 environment within a nationally significant scientific organisation. Focus on identity protection, access governance, threat detection, and compliance using Entra ID, Conditional Access, MFA, PIM, Microsoft Defender, and Purview. Collaborate with cybersecurity and infrastructure teams to ensure secure, resilient cloud services aligned with Zero Trust principles.

Hays Technology Hendred, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £500 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Cyber Security Engineer - Incident Response & Crisis Simulation within UK

This role involves creating and improving defensive security labs, challenges, and online learning content on the Immersive One platform. You will research the latest threats, develop crisis simulation content, and work with the Product team to enhance the platform's blue team capabilities.

Immersive United Kingdom
Remote Permanent
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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