Principal Cyber Engineer

Saic; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in San Diego, CA seeks a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to support Navy communication systems within the DoD. This hands-on role requires deep engineering skill, offensive security experience, and a track record in securing high-security environments. You will collaborate with engineers, program managers, and government personnel to deliver secure, resilient systems on-site in San Diego, with up to 10% travel.

Active TS/SCI eligibility is preferred. Must be a U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, CS or engineering with 9+ years in the field.
• 5–7 years hands-on cybersecurity engineering experience.
• 5+ years designing, implementing, or supporting hardened IT systems in classified/high-security environments.
• Proven penetration testing/red team experience against DoD/IC systems.
• Experience with air-gap architectures and secure offline transfer.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute penetration test exercises against systems, networks, and applications.
• Perform network traffic analysis and threat detection using Wireshark and other tools.
• Architect and harden IT systems in classified settings.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and mitigate per DISA STIGs and DoD standards.
• Document vulnerabilities, risks, and recommendations to improve security posture.
• Stay updated on exploits and security tools and report to government.

Skills

DoD frameworks

Network security

Wireshark

Scripting / programming

HSM / PKI

Virtualization / containers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Engineering

Tools

VMware ESXi

Hyper-V

Docker

Python

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a 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 (9) 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.