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

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 Essex. The Security Engineer will work with a range of manufacturers, ensure high-quality work, and communicate effectively with customers and team members.

Get Staff Essex, United Kingdom £32,000 – £38,000 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 Hampshire. The Security Engineer will work with a range of manufacturers, ensure high-quality work, and communicate effectively with customers and team members.

Get Staff Hampshire, United Kingdom £32,000 – £38,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Amazon logo

Senior Content Security Engineer, GME Security

This role involves securing pre-release media content across Amazon's entertainment production lifecycle, from on-set workflows to cloud storage and distribution. The engineer will advise production teams on secure environments, assess third-party vendors, develop AI-driven security measures, and build automated tooling on AWS. A key focus is mitigating emerging threats from generative AI, including deepfakes and unauthorized model training on unreleased assets.

Amazon London, United Kingdom
Permanent

Senior Application Security Engineer / DevSecOps Engineer

This role involves embedding security into the software development lifecycle by integrating security controls into CI/CD pipelines, securing cloud-native applications, and supporting engineering teams with secure design practices. The engineer will work extensively with Microsoft Azure, Kubernetes (AKS), GitHub Actions, and security-as-code, with a focus on automation, API security, and cloud infrastructure hardening. The position supports a health research organisation’s mission to securely scale medical innovation through proactive application and product security.

Additional Resources Ec1N2Ll, United Kingdom £70,000 – £80,000 pa
Amazon logo

Software Development Engineer - Security Automation, AWS Security Epoxy

This role involves building and operating large-scale automation platforms that enable threat detection, risk remediation, and incident response across AWS accounts. The engineer will design, implement, and maintain highly resilient systems with a strong focus on operational excellence, automation, and security at scale. Key responsibilities include developing features, improving system resiliency, leading incident response, and mentoring team members while working closely with partner security teams.

Amazon London, United Kingdom
Permanent

IT Support Engineer (Security Systems)

The IT Support Engineer will provide technical assistance and high-quality service to customers using advanced security systems. Responsibilities include remote and on-site troubleshooting, product testing, customer onboarding, and maintaining system uptime. The role offers ongoing training and exposure to next-generation security technologies.

NW Security Ch474Bp, United Kingdom £32,500 pa
On-site Permanent

Cyber Software Engineer - Security Cleared

Work as a Cyber Software Engineer on mission-critical national security projects, contributing to high-impact technical solutions in a secure environment. This role requires active or eligible security clearance and involves collaboration within a hybrid working model based in Manchester.

Searchability NS&D Manchester, United Kingdom £40,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Cyber Software Engineer - Security Cleared

This role involves developing high-assurance software in C++ for cyber and security-critical systems within national security and defence environments. The engineer will work on operational technology (OT) cyber projects, contributing to secure system design, implementation, and verification in classified settings. Collaboration with cyber specialists and systems engineers ensures robust, performance-critical solutions across the full software lifecycle.

Searchability NS&D Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £40,000 – £80,000 pa
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.

Hiring security engineers?

Post your role in 90 seconds and reach the specialist audience that already reads this page.