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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
33
Salary range
£35k – £91k
Hiring companies
30
View 33 live roles → Get an alert

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 – £91k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 199 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
47% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
32
74
81 jobs
Senior
50
100
52 jobs
Lead
64
123
8 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 172 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

SIEM
38%
Azure
24%
Vulnerability Management
22%
AWS
22%
Cloud Security
20%
Python
17%
Microsoft Defender
17%
PowerShell
17%
CCTV
16%
Microsoft 365
16%
DevSecOps
16%
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

33 live roles

See all 33 roles →

Project Engineer Telecoms & Security

This role involves supporting the delivery of telecoms, communications, and integrated security systems for major infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include managing subcontractors, conducting site inspections, and coordinating with project teams. The position offers a pathway to Construction Management and exposure to emerging technologies.

GTS Sw1A0Aa, United Kingdom £55,000 – £65,000 pa

DevOps Engineer (AWS & Cloud Security)

This role involves designing and maintaining hybrid cloud infrastructure, automating deployments with Terraform and Ansible, and building CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions. You'll also focus on cloud security, networking, and observability, while working on complex projects for major clients.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Camden Town, London, NW1 8QL, United Kingdom £65,000 – £70,000 pa

Infrastructure Engineer — Identity, Office 365, Security & Cloud Platforms

This role involves deep technical management of identity, cloud security, and Microsoft 365 platforms, with ownership of Conditional Access, Azure AD, and Microsoft Defender. The engineer will lead cloud security investigations, manage AVD and Intune deployments, and resolve complex identity and messaging issues. Responsibilities include hardening systems to CIS standards, responding to breaches, and creating runbooks to support the Service Desk.

G-TECH TALENT LIMITED Bolsover, United Kingdom £40,000 – £45,000 pa
See all 33 roles →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
8 open

Manchester

Location
2 open

Birmingham

Location
1 open

Cheltenham

Location
1 open
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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