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
57
Salary range
£35k – £95k
Hiring companies
38

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

£35k – £95k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 164 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
12% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
32
77
81 jobs
Senior
50
106
45 jobs
Lead
62
125
7 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 178 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

SIEM
37%
Azure
23%
Vulnerability Management
22%
AWS
21%
Cloud Security
20%
Python
19%
Microsoft Defender
17%
PowerShell
16%
CCTV
16%
DevSecOps
15%
Microsoft 365
15%
Access Control
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

57 live roles

See all 57 roles
Amazon logo

Security Engineer II, Specialized Businesses Security, External Vulnerability Operations

This role involves triaging and remediating externally disclosed security vulnerabilities in Amazon's public-facing devices and services. The engineer will work closely with internal teams and external security researchers to drive fixes, identify risk trends, and improve security processes. Key responsibilities include automating security workflows, enhancing Amazon's Bug Bounty and Threat Intelligence programs, and communicating technical findings to diverse audiences.

Amazon London, United Kingdom
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 North East. The Security Engineer will work on various brands of equipment, ensure high-quality work, and communicate effectively with customers and team members.

Get Staff North East England, United Kingdom £32,000 – £42,000 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 various sites in the West Midlands. The position requires a full UK driving licence, a positive attitude, and the ability to work independently and communicate effectively with customers.

Get Staff West Midlands (region), United Kingdom £33,000 – £40,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Amazon logo

Content Security Engineer, GME Security

The role involves securing pre-release content across Amazon's media and entertainment division by advising production teams on secure workflows, assessing third-party security, and developing protective technologies. Responsibilities include maintaining AWS infrastructure, automating security operations with Python, and researching emerging threats like generative AI misuse. The engineer will also develop security standards, conduct audits, and coordinate vendor security.

Amazon London, United Kingdom
Permanent

Cyber Security Engineer

This role involves securing Azure environments across identity, governance, networking, and workload protection using tools like Azure Policy, Defender for Cloud, and Key Vault. You'll translate high-level security designs into technical implementations, create documentation and runbooks, and work directly with clients on complex projects. The position offers a clear pathway to move into security architecture while collaborating closely with experienced architects.

Big Red Recruitment Midlands Limited Fleet Street, City And County Of the City Of London, United Kingdom £60,000 – £75,000 pa

Cyber Security Engineer

Lead the cybersecurity workstream for a high-integrity MOD project involving a specialist monitoring and alarm system, from implementation through to handover. Focus on threat modelling, risk assessment, and security architecture in an OT/ICS environment, producing assurance documentation and advising engineering teams on security controls across IT, OT, and industrial control systems. Work closely with MOD stakeholders and deliver security outcomes in line with Secure by Design principles.

Ganymede Middleton St George, County Durham, United Kingdom £500 – £550 pd
On-site Contract Clearance Required

Cyber Security Engineer/Specialist

Cyber Security Engineer/SpecialistPermanent | Up to £80,000 (+ Benefits)Hybrid Working (2–3 days per week Onsite) | SurreyHelp Shape Enterprise Cyber Security on a Global ScaleWe're looking for an experienced Cyber Security Engineer/Specialist to join a global organisation where security is...

Exalto Consulting Surrey, United Kingdom £70,000 – £80,000 pa

IAM Security Engineer

This role involves designing and implementing identity and access management security controls within a large-scale transformation programme. The engineer will embed Zero Trust principles, secure service-to-service communication with mTLS, and implement Policy-as-Code using OPA. Key responsibilities include cryptographic key management, PKI, cloud security on GCP, and securing Kubernetes and API workloads in a DevSecOps environment.

Vallum Associates Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom £500 – £550 pd
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required
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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