Security Engineer

Security Engineer job description

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 job description should include the responsibility of completing a thorough risk assessment, identifying vulnerabilities within a network, and creating firewalls, or configuring systems to enhance existing security features.

Security Engineers are expected to respond to, and document, any security threats, resolve technical faults and allocate resources to deliver real solutions in a cost-effective way. They must also be proficient in:

Understanding complex technical issues and managing them within a fast-paced business environment

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

Threat 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. Individual organisations may have additional requirements for a Security Engineer, including security certifications such as CISSP, GISP, and CISM.

As well as formal qualifications, a Security Engineer job description should include the following qualities:

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

Outstanding communication skills that go beyond “tech talk” – the ability to translate complex IT matters to those without an IT background

Strong time management and organisational skills

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

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Salary for Security Engineer

120000 - 150000

25th percentile

120000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

135000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

150000

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or KiwiSaver.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Security Analyst

95000

115000

130000

Security Architect

150000

165000

180000

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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.

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