Principal Cloud Security Engineer

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 320,000 - 462,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global health benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Cloud Security Engineer for a remote, globally distributed team. Lead security strategy across AWS, Azure, and GCP, driving best practices and threat mitigation while mentoring other engineers.

You will implement scalable security controls, automate security tooling, and collaborate with architects and operations to embed security into CI/CD pipelines across cloud environments.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience designing and implementing security for large cloud environments.
• Deep knowledge of AWS, Azure, and GCP security controls.
• Scripting for security automation using Python or Bash.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, and manage cloud security architectures and strategies.
• Lead security design across AWS, Azure, and GCP environments.
• Enforce cloud security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Conduct security assessments, vulnerability scans, and pen tests of cloud infra.
• Implement IAM, data protection, and network security controls.
• Develop automated tooling for continuous monitoring and compliance.
• Investigate security incidents and provide remediation guidance.
• Collaborate with engineering to secure CI/CD pipelines.
• Stay updated on cloud security threats and mitigations.
• Provide mentorship to junior security engineers.

Skills

Cloud security

Python

Bash

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field

Tools

Terraform

CloudFormation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Cloud Security Engineer to join their elite, fully remote team. This is a premier opportunity to leverage your extensive expertise in cloud security to protect and enhance our client's cloud infrastructure and services. As a Principal Engineer, you will be responsible for defining and implementing cutting‑edge security strategies, driving security best practices across all cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), and leading the charge against emerging threats. This remote‑first role demands a deep technical understanding, exceptional strategic thinking, and the ability to influence security posture at an organizational level. You will work with a talented team of security professionals, architects, and engineers, collaborating remotely to ensure the highest levels of security for our client's assets. If you are a visionary security leader passionate about cloud technologies and dedicated to building resilient security defenses, this position is an exceptional fit. Join us and make a significant impact on the security landscape from your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive cloud security architectures and strategies.
• Lead the design and deployment of security solutions across AWS, Azure, and GCP environments.
• Establish and enforce cloud security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Conduct security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests of cloud infrastructure.
• Implement and manage security controls for identity and access management (IAM), data protection, and network security.
• Develop and maintain automated security tooling and processes for continuous monitoring and compliance.
• Respond to and investigate security incidents, providing expert analysis and remediation recommendations.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to integrate security into the CI/CD pipeline.
• Stay abreast of the latest cloud security threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior security engineers and other technical staff.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in cloud security engineering, with a proven track record of designing and implementing security solutions for large-scale cloud environments.
• In-depth knowledge of security best practices and controls for major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for security automation.
• Experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation) with a security focus.
• Strong understanding of network security principles, including firewalls, WAFs, IDS/IPS, and VPNs.
• Expertise in identity and access management (IAM) solutions and best practices.
• Experience with security monitoring, logging, and incident response tools (e.g., SIEM, EDR).
• Knowledge of container security (Docker, Kubernetes) and serverless security.
• Relevant security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCSP, cloud-specific security certs) are highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, capable of influencing stakeholders in a remote setting.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive global health benefits, and performance‑based bonuses.
• This fully remote position provides unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work with a world‑class cybersecurity team from anywhere in South Africa.
• We invest in continuous learning and development, offering access to cutting‑edge training, certifications, and conferences.
• Join an innovative and impactful organization focused on making the digital world safer.
• Enjoy a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth.
• Be at the forefront of cloud security innovation with a company that values its employees and their contributions.