Computer Systems Security Engineer Role

A computer system security engineer is responsible for ensuring a company’s computer systems, networks, and data are protected. They develop and enforce security standards and processes, identify computer and network vulnerabilities, and monitor computer systems for network security breaches. Other responsibilities include testing security software, installing firewalls, running encryption programs, updating software, and conducting penetration testing.

 

Salary Range

  • $72k-132k per year salary based on experience (USD)

  • Average salary is about $88k-108k per year (USD)

  • Average hourly pay is $42.31-51.92 per hour (USD)

 

Similar Job Titles

  • Computer Security Engineer

  • Cyber Security Engineer

  • Cybersecurity Engineer

  • Data Security Engineer

  • Information Security Engineer

  • IS Security Engineer

  • IT Security Engineer

  • Protection Engineer

  • Security System Engineer

  • Security Systems Engineer

Job Duties

  • Develop and enforce security system requirements and processes

  • Identify areas of vulnerability and develop and test tools/strategies to solve security problems

  • Conduct penetration testing

  • Update software, install firewalls, and run encryption programs

  • Monitor systems and networks for unauthorized access and security breaches

 

Industries

  • Security Services

  • Computer Hardware & Software

  • Government & Federal Agencies

  • Aerospace & Defense

  • IT Services & Internet

  • Enterprise Software & Network Solutions

  • Financial & Banking

  • Utilities

  • Research & Development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Mathematics, Information Management, or a related field. Some employers may prefer a Master’s degree in Security Engineering or a related field.

 

Locations

  • New York

  • Massachusetts

  • New Hampshire

  • New Jersey

  • Connecticut

  • Vermont

  • Pennsylvania

  • Remote

System Security Engineer Job Description

The primary duty of the system security engineer is to keep the organization's network infrastructure secure and to ensure the security of sensitive data and information on the network. Daily tasks include participating in the development, testing, and implementation of the company’s security systems. Security engineers conduct regular tests, code checks, and audits to design and install computer protection systems and identify potential vulnerabilities in the enterprise system. Successful security engineers can see themselves as both attackers and defenders. They develop proactive and preventive security measures to prevent security incidents and keep the business and user data secure.

Information security engineer tasks include a range of functions, including developing security policies, using risk assessment tools, and conducting penetration testing and intrusion audits. A network security engineer generally performs detailed, network-oriented work in network security and infrastructure. It is their job to fix bugs, install anti-virus software and other security products, identify unauthorized access and security breaches, and provide security solutions.

Cybersecurity engineers are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems against advanced and persistent cyber threats, as well as protecting critical infrastructure. A computer security engineer also designs and maintains secure networks, implementing security measures and ensuring that all security infrastructure devices, services, and networks are protected from malicious digital attacks. A cybersecurity engineer develops cyber attack protection solutions and is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing secure network solutions, security infrastructure devices, and computer systems.

The information security engineer job description can vary depending on the context. Some companies can combine system security engineer roles with analyst roles. Depending on the size of the company and the business activity, a system security engineer can be commissioned to set up security infrastructure devices and security systems and to develop security measures and best practices for the company. In other situations, information security engineers could be tasked with maintaining security protocols and systems, or actively trying to hack or infiltrate the employer's sensitive data and information systems to identify vulnerabilities.    

Cybersecurity engineers must maintain the security of IT systems and security infrastructure devices to prevent a security breach and keep the company's data safe from unauthorized access. Security engineers institute security controls and use security tools such as data encryption programs and network monitoring tools for the purpose of securing highly sensitive data.

The daily challenges for cybersecurity professionals include finding solutions to complex security dilemmas and implementing detection systems and firewalls that are capable of addressing them. A system security engineer is responsible for the fulfilment of a variety of security engineering tasks such as data protection and monitoring of data and information systems, while maintaining an awareness of the corporate risk landscape.    

The information security engineer is responsible for checking and testing the organization's security software for vulnerabilities in existing systems and new software. They also need to check firewalls and data encryption technologies to determine when replacement is needed. The system security engineer must consistently monitor network systems for intrusions, mitigate security vulnerabilities, and communicate network security issues.  

Cyber security and security engineering are fascinating areas of information technology and are ideal for people who enjoy a challenge. Responsibilities include designing and defending secure networks, developing secure network solutions, and monitoring network traffic. A system security engineer monitors the security systems to ensure they are up to date and functioning properly. They also develop, test, and monitor data technology and security controls to prevent cybercrime-related breaches, interceptions, and leaks.

The information security engineer plays a major role in the formulation and planning of information security policies. In the face of ever-changing cyber security threats, SecOps engineers need to learn about new technologies, security tools, and security trends. Cybersecurity engineers are widely seen as an extension of the IT department. They help keep attackers at bay by introducing safeguards to prevent intrusions and security incidents, and they protect data storage systems. The system security engineer role may require scheduling flexibility, as night and weekend hours may be required in the event of a data breach or for other time-sensitive situations. They thrive in high-stress environments and have the ability to perform a variety of roles, such as project managers, system administrators, engineers, developers, programmers, etc.

security engineer job questions, computer science

Security Engineer Job FAQs

 

What Does a Security Engineer Do?

Security Engineers analyze computer systems and computer networks for outside threats, exploits, and security vulnerabilities. They ensure safe future operations by proactively monitoring, patching, implementing, and upgrading security technologies.

Why Is Cybersecurity So Hard?

Cybersecurity is hard because there are an endless amount of Wi-Fi connected devices, software, apps, and new hardware emerging everyday. Untrained users and ever-changing technology processes continuously open doors for hackers and cyber-criminals to take advantage of.

Is System Security Engineer a Good Career?

Yes, security engineers are on the forefront of the booming cybersecurity industry. This position pays well and has unlimited opportunity for growth.

Does Cybersecurity Require Coding?

Entry level cybersecurity roles do not typically require coding. More senior level positions may expect you to be able to write code, understand code, and provide recommendations on safe programming practices.

What Skills Do Security Engineers Need?

Security Engineers should understand how to do vulnerability testing and threat modeling. They should also be well versed in secure network architecture, cloud security, firewalls, encryption, networks, and understand best coding practices for development.

Are Network Security Engineers in Demand?

Security Engineers of all types including network, cyber, data, cloud, and information systems (IS) are in extremely high demand. There is a huge talent shortage thanks to COVID19, forcing more companies to transition online than ever before. You should never be out of career opportunities as cybersecurity is booming!


How Many Searches for Security Engineer Happen Each Month?

Security Engineer has approximately 3,100 search volume (SV) per month on Google according to an independent study conducted by redShift Recruiting.

There are approximately 590 candidates per month searching for this position that we can confirm.

There are approximately 390 employers per month searching for this role’s job description that we can confirm.

This does not include other major job board data, and only considers natural occurring Google search volume estimates.


How Many Security Engineer Jobs & Job Seekers Are There?

According to Indeed Hiring Insights (May 2021): there are 6,976 open jobs posted by 1,930 employers hiring for 94,696 candidates looking inside the USA.

This means there are 14 job seekers per job on average for this tech position.