Principal Cyber Security Engineer US Federal

Workday, Inc.; Reston, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 167,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Workday, Inc. in Reston, VA, is seeking a Principal Cyber Security Engineer for US Federal contracts. The role involves designing, deploying, and operating security tooling across Workday's cloud and on-prem infrastructure, partnering with service teams to reduce risk.

You will influence security policy, threat modeling, and compliance with NIST 800-53, and must hold TS/SCI with CI poly. On-site work in the DMV area; US citizenship required for contract.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with CI poly clearance required for federal contracts.
• Experience with Linux or containerized environments and automation scripting.
• Knowledge of cloud security (AWS or GCP) and threat modeling with NIST 800-53.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and security tooling.
• Experience with Kubernetes and container security fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Build, deploy, and operate security tooling for federal contracts.
• Provide security consulting to service teams and improve threat defenses at scale.
• Contribute to security policy, standards, and IaC practices.

Skills

TS/SCI with CI poly clearance

Linux or containers

Scripting/automation

Cloud security (AWS or GCP)

Threat modeling & NIST 800-53

CI/CD

Kubernetes

REST API / HTTP

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Container security

DoD 8570/8140 IAT II certification

Tools

Kubernetes

CI/CD tooling

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

REST API tooling

Container security tooling

AWS

GCP

Job description

## Principal Cyber Security Engineer US FederalApply: Flex: USA.VA.Reston: Full Time: Posted Yesterday: JR-0110057**Your work days are brighter here.**We’re obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we’re shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you’ll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We’re in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you’ll do meaningful work with Workmates who’ve got your back. In return, we’ll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you’ve found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.**About the Team**We develop tools and implement technical controls in support of the platforms and infrastructure used in the Workday product. We deliver security services, tools, and automated controls across the various platforms in Workday’s production infrastructure. Our team provides guidance and helps to improve our infrastructure security. The most valuable contributions you will make are those that address common security issues systematically, and at scale through frameworks, tooling and automation.**About the Role****This role will support one or more direct or indirect contracts with the U.S. Federal Government which, due to federal government security requirements, mandates that all Workday personnel working on the contracts be United States citizens (naturalized or native).**Do you have a passion for security? The infrastructure cybersecurity engineering team is responsible for building, deploying and operating security tooling, as well as providing consulting to service teams. Inherent to the role is an ability to develop using industry standard languages. Innovation and creativity are heavily emphasized upon and encouraged at Workday to combat an ever evolving threat landscape. The tools, processes and standards developed by the team are a critical part of the threat defense capabilities of Workday. Having an infrastructure presence in both public and private clouds, the team is repeatedly challenged in new ways to improve existing toolchains and build new ones. Candidates for this role should have an analytical and problem solving approach, capability to learn new skills, comfortable with accepting feedback and able to work well with a team.**About You****This position requires a TS/SCI with CI polygraph security clearance. Applicants MUST ALREADY possess a valid and active TS/SCI with CI polygraph security clearance.****May be required to be on site at client locations in the DC, MD, and VA (DMV) area****Basic Qualifications*** Experience with Linux operating systems or containers* Experience with development/scripting/automation language* Knowledge of cloud security, AWS or GCP* Knowledge of threat modeling, security policy, NIST 800-53 security standards and functional requirements**Other Qualifications*** Infrastructure as Code (IaC) development* Knowledge of Kubernetes* Experience with CI/CD* Knowledge of REST API and HTTP protocol* Experience with container security* Knowledge of common encryption functions and authorization schemas* Preferred DoD 8570/8140 compliant with at least IAT Level Il certification, including a current Computing Environment (CE) credential and one approved specialty certification (e.g., CompTIA CySA+, GICSP, CASP+)Workday is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.Further, pursuant to applicable local ordinances, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.You may view the Workday's Pay Transparency Policy, and Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law notice, by clicking on their corresponding links.Workday is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during our application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [e-mail].**Workday Pay Transparency Statement**The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate’s compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things. For more information regarding Workday’s comprehensive benefits, please click here.Primary Location: USA.VA.RestonPrimary Location Base Pay Range: $184,800 USD - $277,200 USDAdditional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $167,200 USD - $300,000 USD