Principal Cyber Engineer

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

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to support Navy communication systems within the DoD. The role emphasizes hands-on security engineering, offensive security, and securing high-security environments.

You will design and maintain secure identity and cryptographic infrastructure for large-scale enterprise environments and collaborate with government personnel to secure warfighter systems. This position is fully on-site in San Diego, CA with up to 10% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Engineering with 9+ years of related experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance to start (or ability to obtain).
• Hands-on experience 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, data diodes, and secure offline transfer mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct penetration tests and red-team exercises on classified systems and networks.
• Perform network traffic analysis and threat detection using Wireshark and related tools.
• Design, implement, and maintain air-gap architectures, data diodes, and secure offline transfer mechanisms.
• Harden IT systems and virtualized environments (VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, Docker) in secure contexts.
• Lead PKI, IAM, and Zero Trust initiatives across enterprise environments.
• Collaborate with engineers, program managers, and government personnel to deliver secure, resilient systems.

Skills

Penetration testing

Red team exercises

Network traffic analysis

Python

Bash

PowerShell

C/C++

Wireshark

Docker

VMware ESXi

Hyper-V

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity/Computer Science/Engineering

Master's degree in Cybersecurity (desired)

Tools

Nutanix

VMware ESXi

Hyper-V

Docker

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI

Job ID 2615927

Location San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted 2026-08-20

Category Cyber

Subcategory Cyber Engineer

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain None

Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

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 securing classified and high‑security environments. Support enterprise Identity and Access Management (IAM), PKI, and Zero Trust initiatives. In this role, you will design, implement, automate, and maintain secure identity and cryptographic infrastructure solutions for large‑scale enterprise environments. You will serve as a key technical expert collaborating with engineers, program managers, and government personnel to deliver secure, resilient systems for our nation's warfighters.

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 tests and red team exercises against classified systems, networks, and applications simulating advanced persistent threats (APT)
• Perform network traffic analysis and threat detection using Wireshark and other offensive/defensive security tools
• Design, implement, and maintain air-gap architectures, data diodes, and secure offline transfer mechanisms
• 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
• Design, implement, configure, and maintain enterprise PKI environments
• Identify and implement process improvements for cybersecurity sustainment across the operational environment.

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.
• 9+ Years in 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
• Experience working with Nutanix-based architecture

Clearance

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must have an Active TS/SCI to 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

Certifications

• IAM Level II/III per DoD 8570.01-M (CISSP, CISM, or CAP)

Desired Skills

• Master's degree in Cybersecurity or related field
• 9+ 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

Certifications

• 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.