Post job

Senior systems security engineer vs lead systems engineer

The differences between senior systems security engineers and lead systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a senior systems security engineer, becoming a lead systems engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a lead systems engineer has an average salary of $119,705, which is higher than the $112,486 average annual salary of a senior systems security engineer.

The top three skills for a senior systems security engineer include DOD, security engineering and RMF. The most important skills for a lead systems engineer are systems engineering, architecture, and infrastructure.

Senior systems security engineer vs lead systems engineer overview

Senior Systems Security EngineerLead Systems Engineer
Yearly salary$112,486$119,705
Hourly rate$54.08$57.55
Growth rate32%5%
Number of jobs136,367186,392
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4243
Years of experience62

What does a senior systems security engineer do?

A senior systems security engineer maintains the safety and security of an organization's computer systems and network databases to safeguard them from unauthorized access and data breaches. The professional is also responsible for performing system configuration, ensuring the efficiency of computer networks, and increasing the optimal performance of complex systems. The core skills that a senior systems security engineer should possess include strong problem-solving and analytical skills and a keen eye for details. The education requirements for the position include a college or bachelor's degree in the field of computer systems security, computer science, and information technology.

What does a lead systems engineer do?

A lead systems engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the systems infrastructure and improving the stability of the operating systems to support business operations. Lead systems engineers install and upgrade software applications and ensure that the technical strategies meet the quality standards and business requirements. They also enhance the performance of the existing systems, configuring features for optimization. A lead systems engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in supporting the end-users with technical failures and identifying accurate resolutions.

Senior systems security engineer vs lead systems engineer salary

Senior systems security engineers and lead systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Systems Security EngineerLead Systems Engineer
Average salary$112,486$119,705
Salary rangeBetween $83,000 And $151,000Between $90,000 And $158,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyCredit KarmaMeta
Best paying industryProfessionalAutomotive

Differences between senior systems security engineer and lead systems engineer education

There are a few differences between a senior systems security engineer and a lead systems engineer in terms of educational background:

Senior Systems Security EngineerLead Systems Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorComputer ScienceElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Senior systems security engineer vs lead systems engineer demographics

Here are the differences between senior systems security engineers' and lead systems engineers' demographics:

Senior Systems Security EngineerLead Systems Engineer
Average age4243
Gender ratioMale, 86.0% Female, 14.0%Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 12.5% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between senior systems security engineer and lead systems engineer duties and responsibilities

Senior systems security engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage logistics of moving necessary equipment for test across country to newly designed/built NSA certify test facility.
  • Conduct security engineering activities and apply appropriate safeguards on system components as outlined in applicable DoD security policies and guidelines.
  • Utilize existing IP filtering code in the Linux kernel and build a firewall with tracking and strike back capabilities.
  • Author operational reports to prove an operational ACAS security overview for ARCYBER G36.
  • Create custom network attach storage (NAS) systems using Linux network block devices (NBD).
  • Identify continuous monitoring security controls to test using NIST SP 800-53/53A and produce associate documentation.
  • Show more

Lead systems engineer example responsibilities.

  • Lead multiple audits for manufacturing/management processes to meet ISO and CMMI requirements.
  • Create, share and manage LUN's using EqualLogic, EMC and StoreSimple.
  • Convert legacy batch scripts to PowerShell scripts, and automate them using FIM management agents.
  • Manage QA teams in local and distribute international locations.
  • Manage security, which includes monitoring and controlling database access, assigning permissions to application owners.
  • Accomplish responsibility to configure, administer and support new infrastructure solutions on Microsoft platforms to meet enterprise level requirements.
  • Show more

Senior systems security engineer vs lead systems engineer skills

Common senior systems security engineer skills
  • DOD, 8%
  • Security Engineering, 8%
  • RMF, 7%
  • NIST, 6%
  • Windows, 5%
  • Linux, 4%
Common lead systems engineer skills
  • Systems Engineering, 10%
  • Architecture, 10%
  • Infrastructure, 6%
  • DOD, 5%
  • System Design, 4%
  • C++, 4%

Browse computer and mathematical jobs