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

Fire & Security Engineer

Install, service, and maintain fire alarm, intruder alarm, CCTV, and access control systems across commercial and residential sites in the North West, focusing on North Wales and Cheshire. Work independently with a company vehicle to diagnose and repair a wide range of security systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and delivering high-quality customer service. Participate in an on-call rota with call-out allowance and benefit from ongoing training and career development.

Get Staff Cheshire, United Kingdom £36,000 – £42,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Fire & Security Engineer

The role involves installing, servicing, and repairing fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV, and related security systems across various sites. You will work with IP/networked systems, provide exceptional customer service, and participate in a 24-hour callout rota.

Get Staff Tisbury, SP3 6HY, United Kingdom £35,000 – £45,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Network & Cyber Security Engineer

This role involves securing hybrid environments, on-site infrastructures, and cloud services, particularly Microsoft 365 and Fortinet/FortiGate firewalls. You will design and implement security frameworks, manage vulnerabilities, and support DevSecOps practices, working closely with engineering and operations teams.

GBR Recruitment Limited Grantham, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom £55,000 – £60,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Network & Cyber Security Engineer

This role involves securing hybrid environments, on-site infrastructures, and cloud services, particularly Microsoft 365 and Fortinet/FortiGate firewalls. You will design and implement security frameworks, manage vulnerabilities, and support DevSecOps practices, working closely with engineering and operations teams.

GBR Recruitment Limited Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1EA, United Kingdom £55,000 – £60,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required
Amazon logo

Data Engineer - Security Products, Monitored Access

The Security Products group is responsible for the protection of customer and corporate data. We are connected to all parts of Amazon's business and it’s massive, worldwide service-oriented architecture. We are starting the work on a new mission critical system...

Amazon London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Lead NSX Engineer - Security Cleared

This role involves leading the design and implementation of VMware NSX-based network architectures within a secure government environment. The engineer will drive network virtualisation, micro-segmentation, and distributed firewalling while ensuring high availability and security across hyperconverged infrastructure. Collaboration with security, infrastructure, and automation teams is key to delivering scalable, automated networking solutions.

Searchability NS&D Reading, United Kingdom £50,000 – £75,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Field Service Engineer (Security Systems)

This role involves the installation and servicing of fire and security systems for commercial and residential clients, primarily within a local 50-mile radius of Stevenage. The engineer will work autonomously with opportunities for overtime, on-call duties, and technical upskilling through training in commissioning and CAD design. The role offers a structured career path with strong team support and a focus on long-term development.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Stevenage, United Kingdom £40,000 – £45,000 pa
On-site Permanent

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
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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