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Senior systems security engineer vs principal systems engineer

The differences between senior systems security engineers and principal 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 principal systems engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a principal systems engineer has an average salary of $133,208, 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 principal systems engineer are systems engineering, DOD, and C++.

Senior systems security engineer vs principal systems engineer overview

Senior Systems Security EngineerPrincipal Systems Engineer
Yearly salary$112,486$133,208
Hourly rate$54.08$64.04
Growth rate32%5%
Number of jobs136,367146,444
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 principal systems engineer do?

A Principal Systems Engineer supervises a group of other engineers in technical projects. They develop and lead systems engineering projects and efforts.

Senior systems security engineer vs principal systems engineer salary

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

Senior Systems Security EngineerPrincipal Systems Engineer
Average salary$112,486$133,208
Salary rangeBetween $83,000 And $151,000Between $97,000 And $181,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyCredit KarmaeBay
Best paying industryProfessionalTelecommunication

Differences between senior systems security engineer and principal systems engineer education

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

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

Senior systems security engineer vs principal systems engineer demographics

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

Senior Systems Security EngineerPrincipal Systems Engineer
Average age4243
Gender ratioMale, 86.0% Female, 14.0%Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
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, 8.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 12.8% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between senior systems security engineer and principal 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

Principal systems engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creation and deletion of user accounts in the department using Perl scripts.
  • Achieve compatibility requirements by partnering with LTE team to perform APCO P25 - LTE device functional and performance testing.
  • Develop and integrate software that drives flight control system hardware and achieves product requirements for an international avionics customer base.
  • Create verification test plans for TCP/IP network systems and storage area networks (SAN) incorporating Linux and Cisco network equipment.
  • Perform RF signal processing and simulation testing of pulse compression modulations.
  • Configure Linux systems to analyze system performance and review results against verification test plans.
  • Show more

Senior systems security engineer vs principal systems engineer skills

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

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