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

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 Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2QG, 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 Kingston upon Hull, East Riding Of Yorkshire, United Kingdom £55,000 – £60,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Security Service Engineer- Access Control & Door Entry Systems

This role involves servicing, maintaining, and fault-finding on door entry, access control, and CCTV systems across social and retirement housing sites in the Peterborough area. The engineer ensures systems remain operational and compliant, completes preventative maintenance visits, and provides responsive support during on-call periods. Occasional assistance with fire alarm system servicing may be required during colleague absences.

Get Staff Peterborough, PE1 1XH, United Kingdom £35,000 – £42,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Security Service Engineer- Access Control, Door Entry & CCTV

This role involves servicing, maintaining, and diagnosing faults in door entry, access control, and CCTV systems across South East London. The engineer ensures system reliability through planned maintenance and responsive fault resolution, with no installation duties required. The position supports a well-established security company and includes participation in an on-call rota with additional allowances.

Get Staff South East London, United Kingdom £35,000 – £42,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required
Amazon logo

Software Development Engineer, AWS Security

This role involves building scalable software to collect, enrich, and distribute Linux security telemetry data across AWS's global infrastructure. You'll work with Go, Python, and TypeScript to develop secure, high-performance data solutions using AWS technologies, focusing on automation and efficiency. Collaboration through code reviews, design sessions, and knowledge sharing is integral to the team’s approach.

Amazon London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Multi Skilled Lead Engineer (Fire/Security)

Lead a team of apprentice engineers while managing installations, commissioning, and maintenance of fire and security systems across the UK. Work with cutting-edge technology across multiple disciplines including fire alarms, access control, CCTV, and intruder alarms, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Split time between office, regional sites, and nationwide travel, with leadership responsibilities including audit liaison and technical oversight.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Birmingham, United Kingdom £45,000 – £50,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Amazon logo

Software Engineer, IAM Stores Security

This role involves building and maintaining security-focused libraries, streaming infrastructure, and event schemas to enable large-scale threat detection and AI security monitoring across Amazon. You'll work on client-side instrumentation, data ingestion pipelines, and detection systems for AI/ML workloads, with a strong emphasis on scalability, observability, and operational excellence. The position includes on-call responsibilities and opportunities for mentoring within a high-impact engineering team.

Amazon London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Junior Installation Engineer (Fire or Security or CCTV)

This role involves servicing and installing fire, security, and CCTV systems across various sites including Solar, NHS, Private, and Commercial locations. The company provides full training, a local patch in Edinburgh, and clear progression opportunities to senior roles.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Edinburgh, Alba / Scotland, United Kingdom £32,000 – £36,000 pa
On-site 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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