Principal Cyber Engineer

San Diego, CA, US • Posted 5 hours ago • Updated 5 hours ago
Full Time
On-site
USD $160,001.00 - 200,000.00 per year
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Job Details

Skills

  • Reporting
  • Computer Science
  • Penetration Testing
  • Adobe AIR
  • Security Clearance
  • Internal Communications
  • Integrated Circuit
  • IC
  • Risk Management Framework
  • RMF
  • STIG
  • Network Security
  • Firewall
  • IDS
  • IPS
  • Routers
  • Switches
  • IPsec
  • TLS
  • Secure Shell
  • Network
  • Wireshark
  • Scripting
  • C
  • C++
  • Hierarchical Storage Management
  • TPM
  • Total Productive Maintenance
  • PKI
  • Virtualization
  • VMware ESXi
  • Hyper-V
  • Docker
  • DoD
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Splunk
  • Python
  • Windows PowerShell
  • Bash
  • Cyber Security
  • Certified Ethical Hacker
  • CISSP
  • OSCP
  • GPEN
  • Information Technology
  • Systems Engineering
  • FOCUS

Summary

Job ID: 2616764

Location: San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Category: Cyber

Subcategory: Cyber Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Top_Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is seeking a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to support critical Navy communication systems within the DoD. This role is ideal for a hands-on security professional with deep engineering expertise, offensive security experience, and a proven track record finding vulnerabilities, and securing classified and high-security environments. You will serve as a key technical expert collaborating with engineers, program managers, and government personnel to deliver secure, resilient strategic systems.

This role is fully ON-SITE in San Diego, CA. Must be local to area. Up to 10% travel involved.

JOB DUTIES:
  • Plan and execute penetration test exercises against systems, networks, and applications simulating real world environment.
  • Perform network traffic analysis and threat detection using Wireshark and other offensive/defensive security tools
  • Architect and harden IT systems, virtualized environments, and network security devices in classified settings
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments and develop mitigation strategies aligned with DISA STIGs and DoD standards
  • Documenting vulnerabilities, detailing risks, and provide recommendations and measures to improve security posture.
  • Keep up to date and report to government the latest exploits, hacking techniques, and security tools.


Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and experience:
  • Bachelors in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering and nine (9) years or more experience; Years of experience in lieu of degree to be considered.
  • 5-7 Years relevant hands on experience with Cybersecurity Engineering or related discipline
  • 5+ years hands on designing, implementing, or supporting hardened IT systems in classified or high-security environments
  • Proven penetration testing and/or red team experience against DoD/IC systems
  • Demonstrated experience with air-gap architecture, data diodes, and secure offline transfer mechanisms

Clearance
  • Must have an Active Top Secret clearance to start
  • Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI after start


Technical Skills:
  • Deep knowledge of DoD/IC security frameworks (NIST RMF, DISA STIG, DoD CC SRG)
  • Proficiency with network security devices (firewalls, IDS/IPS, routers, switches) and secure protocols (IPSec, TLS/DTLS, SSH, S/MIME)
  • Network traffic analysis using Wireshark
  • Strong scripting/programming skills (Python, Bash, PowerShell, C/C++)
  • Experience with HSM, TPM, and PKI implementation
  • Familiarity with virtualization/containers (VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, Docker) in hardened, secure contexts


DESIRED SKILLS:
  • 10+ years supporting DoD/DoN Navy-focused programs
  • Experience with NIWC Pacific or Navy organizations
  • Familiarity with NIAP and Common Criteria technologies
  • Strong communication skills for senior leadership and multidisciplinary team engagement
  • Splunk Enterprise Security experience.
  • Python, PowerShell, Bash, or other automation/programming experience.
  • Experience with REST APIs and cybersecurity tool integrations.

Certifications
  • SecurityX or CISSP certification, including candidates actively pursuing either certification.
  • Certifications such as OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or CISSP are highly valued.
  • Offensive security certifications (OSCP, GPEN, or GWAPT)


Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.


Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.
  • Dice Id: 10111346
  • Position Id: 2616764
  • Posted 5 hours ago

Company Info

About SAIC

SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion.​​​ For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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