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What does a security system engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Galen Duree

The primary job of a security system engineer is to design computer systems that can prevent disruptions, such as cyberattacks and natural disasters. You will engineer, implement, and monitor security measures to protect computer networks, systems, and information. In addition, you will identify and define the requirements for system security and design computer security architecture. Other duties that you will perform include preparing and documenting standard operating protocols and procedures, configuring and troubleshooting security infrastructure, and developing security tools to help minimize computer security vulnerabilities.

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Security system engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real security system engineer resumes:

  • Manage 3rd party approval requests for new account creation, remote access, and site-to-site VPN connections.
  • Implement a manage endpoint encryption solution utilizing TrendMicro MobileArmor to secure university workstations against sensitive data loss.
  • Perform security hardening and security testing, including applying NIST 800-53 controls.
  • Assist customer in development and completion of security documentation as specified by DIAPCAP and NIST.
  • Implement and enforce security configuration, policies and operations standards on Microsoft and UNIX systems.
  • Support troubleshooting application issues relate to network security (SIEM, firewalls, network data collection and storage).
  • Assist the ISSO with reviewing system security controls to identify the parties responsible for activating and properly implementing controls.
  • Safeguard the network against unauthorize activity by checking logs from security devices, responding to network tap and SIEM alerts.
  • Harden Linux servers to prevent potential security vulnerabilities.
  • Design and configure testing changes/additions to the encryption infrastructure.
  • Approve procurement requests as security ISSO from the directorate security authority.
  • Used methods such as encryption technology, vulnerability analysis and security management.
  • Perform firewall rule approvals and responsible for integrating security best practices into projects.
  • Provide packet capture analysis as needed using various tools such as WireShark network protocol analyzer.
  • Test and evaluate applications against system patches and upgrades to ensure compatibility with DoD and commercial networks.

Security system engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Security System Engineers are proficient in Architecture, NIST, and DOD. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Analytical skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Security System Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Architecture, 8%

    Reviewed and evaluated systems' security architecture COTS/GOTS products to determine the level of protection required to develop security implementations.

  • NIST, 7%

    Performed mitigation and remediation actions of vulnerabilities (NIST), (US-CERT), (HIPAA).

  • DOD, 6%

    Implemented DoD security baselines across multiple technical stacks.

  • RMF, 6%

    Engaged in Risk Management Framework (RMF) architecture/planning Participated in Baseline and IV&V activities for JTF Capital Medical systems

  • Linux, 5%

    Administer network and computing devices/systems that enforce security policies and audit controls in Windows and Linux environment.

  • Security Engineering, 5%

    Offered security engineering support for technical implementation of security solutions comprised of COTS as well as custom products.

Most security system engineers use their skills in "architecture," "nist," and "dod" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential security system engineer responsibilities here:

Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a security system engineer to have is detail oriented. Their role and responsibilities require that "because cyberattacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay careful attention to computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance." Security system engineers often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "provided detail research and development on intrusion detection systems. "

Analytical skills. Many security system engineer duties rely on analytical skills. "information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved.," so a security system engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways security system engineer responsibilities rely on analytical skills: "analyzed and implemented software applications and tool utilizing agile development methodologies developing in java, perl, c programing languages. "

Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of security system engineers is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday security system engineer duties, as "information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "research, design and implement solutions involving data encryption, data masking, secure file transfers, and data leakage prevention. "

See the full list of security system engineer skills

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Compare different security system engineers

Security system engineer vs. Information systems security officer

An information systems security officer's role is to perform preventive measures to protect a company's data and systems from hackers or cyber-attacks. Their responsibilities revolve around assessing the existing security measures to identify any vulnerabilities or inconsistencies, recommending and implementing changes to improve security systems, and developing new strategies and programs for data protection. There are also instances when an information systems security officer must manage and maintain information in databases, train new employees, and create new security policies, all while adhering to the company's vision and mission.

If we compare the average security system engineer annual salary with that of an information systems security officer, we find that information systems security officers typically earn a $12,288 lower salary than security system engineers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both security system engineer and information systems security officer positions are skilled in dod, rmf, and linux.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, security system engineer responsibilities require skills like "architecture," "nist," "security engineering," and "intrusion detection." Meanwhile a typical information systems security officer has skills in areas such as "windows," "sci," "configuration management," and "issm." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Information systems security officers earn the highest salaries when working in the professional industry, with an average yearly salary of $89,615. On the other hand, security system engineers are paid more in the professional industry with an average salary of $102,960.information systems security officers tend to reach similar levels of education than security system engineers. In fact, information systems security officers are 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.8% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Security system engineer vs. Information assurance engineer

Information assurance engineers are responsible for protecting an organization's data. They act as a team of security specialists that use their skill in securely operating and keeping data to protect the organization's most essential asset. Their main role is to guarantee the quality, security, and retrievability of the organization's information. Also, they outline security systems that make certain the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of data. Additionally, they secure IT infrastructure, maintain hardware and software updated, establish security standards, and monitor threats like breaches.

Information assurance engineer positions earn lower pay than security system engineer roles. They earn a $13,727 lower salary than security system engineers per year.A few skills overlap for security system engineers and information assurance engineers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "dod," "rmf," and "linux. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, security system engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "architecture," "nist," "azure," and "amazon web services." Meanwhile, an information assurance engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "iam," "windows," "assurance support," and "network security." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, information assurance engineers earn a lower salary than security system engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, information assurance engineers earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $97,153. Whereas security system engineers have higher pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $102,960.information assurance engineers earn similar levels of education than security system engineers in general. They're 2.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for security system engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Galen Duree

Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and Professor, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

People with knowledge, even introductory experience, in quantum effects, quantum computing, optics in general (communication, measurements, imaging, illumination, detection), material science and engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, will be in high demand.

Security system engineer vs. Personnel security specialist

A personnel security specialist is responsible for conducting background checks and collecting requirements for security clearance. Personnel security specialists write background check reports, coordinate with other institutions for further investigations, and determining the eligibility of candidates for clearance. They must have excellent communication and researching skills to identify and gather data suitable for employment purposes. A personnel security specialist verifies and processes information according to security procedures and protocols, providing accurate information and managing data disputes.

On average, personnel security specialists earn lower salaries than security system engineers, with a $24,051 difference per year.By looking over several security system engineers and personnel security specialists resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "dod," "security policies," and "national security." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a security system engineer is likely to be skilled in "architecture," "nist," "rmf," and "linux," while a typical personnel security specialist is skilled in "sci," "jpas," "e-qip," and "personnel security."

Personnel security specialists earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $77,737. Security system engineers earn the highest pay from the professional industry, with an average salary of $102,960.personnel security specialists typically earn similar educational levels compared to security system engineers. Specifically, they're 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Security system engineer vs. Information security analyst

An information security analyst is an individual who is responsible for carrying out security measures to protect the computer network and systems of an organization. Information security analysts erect firewalls and encrypt data transmissions to protect the organization's data from being inappropriately accessed or used. They must be aware of reports on computer viruses and should share this information with the management or customer. Information security analysts are also required to conduct training for all the organization's employees regarding computer security and information safeguarding.

Information security analysts typically earn lower pay than security system engineers. On average, information security analysts earn a $4,874 lower salary per year.While both security system engineers and information security analysts complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like dod, linux, and azure, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between security system engineers and information security analysts, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a security system engineer might have more use for skills like "architecture," "nist," "rmf," and "security engineering." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of information security analysts require skills like "windows," "network security," "hipaa," and "corrective action. "

Information security analysts enjoy the best pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $119,898. For comparison, security system engineers earn the highest salary in the professional industry.information security analysts reach similar levels of education compared to security system engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 0.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of security system engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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