Security Engineer job description guide

Faced with an ever-increasing cyber-security threat, organisations need to maintain a vigilant approach to protect their systems and data, and Security Engineers play a key role in this process. Security Engineers can be responsible for a number of functions associated with IT security - from ensuring the security of software, through to selecting and/or constructing and deploying broader network security systems.

Security Engineer duties and responsibilities of the job

A Security Engineer performs analyses of system security needs and contributes to design, integration, and installation of hardware and software. A Security Engineer job description should include an understanding of complex technical issues and experience managing them within a fast-paced business environment. They must also be able to:

Identify and define system security requirements

Maintaining all the software and hardware in relation to security

Documenting security certification

Identifying current and emerging technology issues including security trends, vulnerabilities and threats intelligence

Sourcing and implementing new security solutions to better protect the organisation

Conducting proactive research to analyse security weaknesses and recommend appropriate strategies

Liaising with vendors to implement security solutions

Security Engineer job qualifications and requirements

Holding an IT-related degree and a technical background is essential for a Security Engineer role. As well as formal qualifications, a Security Engineer job description should include the following background:

Expertise across a variety of security products including firewalls, URL filtering, information security and virus protection

The commercial acumen to provide cost-effective security solutions

An enthusiasm for staying up to date with the very latest updates about security threats and solutions

Previous exposure to Linux and/or Windows Operating Systems, coding languages, and/or Networks

Certificates in CCNA/ CCNP, JNCIE/ JNCIP is an advantage

Security Certificates in CISM, CISA, CISSP, ISO27000 / 27001 is an advantage

Looking for a security engineer or a security engineer job?

Submit your resume or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.

Robert Half can assist you with your security engineer staffing needs.

Explore more salaries

Looking to hire? Start here.

Access the skilled permanent and contract talent you need, from support roles to C-suite, with precision matching powered by Robert Half recruiters leveraging their experience together with our industry-leading AI technology.

Hire talent

More to explore

2026 Salary Guide Explore our Salary Guide to confidently benchmark 200+ salaries, plan your budgets and better understand compensation trends.

How to ask for a promotion and salary increase Should you be thinking about your next job promotion and salary increase in Hong Kong? Find out more.

Is your expected salary negotiable? What are your salary expectations? Here is how to address this query from an interviewer.

How to negotiate a pay rise request If you feel your employee wants to negotiate a pay rise request, here are five ways you can prepare.

Why paying a competitive salary makes a difference I Robert Half Don't disregard the long term benefits of paying a competitive salary. Here are four top reasons for why.

Reviewing your current salary If you're working in technology this year, it might be time to reassess your current salary.

Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job candidates our recruiters have matched with companies across the country.

The Salary Guide from Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.