Senior Principal Cyber Engineer

Description

SAIC is seeking a Senior 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 (14) years or more experience; master's degree and twelve (12) 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 be a U.S. Citizen.

• 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.

REQNUMBER: 2617224

SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability