Principal Cybersecurity Engineer

Workday, Inc.; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Workday, Inc. is seeking a Principal cybersecurity engineer to architect our internal Risk Management and Automation tools. You will define risk data structures, analytics, and automation, bridging the Cybersecurity Risk org and Engineering teams from planning through deployment.

The role requires leading technical roadmaps, translating risk concepts into scalable software, and mentoring engineers in a fast-paced security-focused environment.

Qualifications

• 9+ years building custom GRC platforms with full lifecycle responsibility.
• Proficient in Python, Go or Java with API design and PoCs for risk models.
• Experience leading technical roadmaps and architectural governance.

Skills

Python/Go/Java

Git version control

API design

PoCs for risk models

SDLC governance

Data modeling (ERD)

System architecture

QA standards & test plans

Lead / principal experience

Data pipelines & ELT/ETL

Job description

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 are seeking a highly skilled Principal cybersecurity engineer to architect the development of our internal suite of Cybersecurity Risk Management and Automation tools. This role requires a rare blend of deep domain expertise in security risk and the technical ability to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and robust software execution. As a Principle engineer, you will serve as the primary visionary for how our risk data is structured, analyzed, and automated, acting as the bridge between the Cybersecurity Risk organization and our Engineering teams.

About the Role

As a Principle engineer, you will serve as the primary visionary for how our risk data is structured, analyzed, and automated, acting as the bridge between the Cybersecurity Risk organization and our Engineering teams.

About You

Basic Qualifications

• 9+ Years of Experience building custom GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) platforms.
• Software Engineering & Development: Demonstrable proficiency in Python, Go, or Java with a strong background in version control (Git), API design, and the ability to build complex PoCs for risk models.
• Full-Lifecycle Engineering Governance: Proven mastery of the end-to-end SDLC, including the creation and oversight of comprehensive SRS documentation, Project Plans, and Product Backlogs to ensure architectural alignment from initial planning through to deployment and maintenance.
• Architectural & Quality Standards: Ability to define System Architectures, Data Models (ERDs), and API specifications while enforcing rigorous QA standards through formalized Test Plans, automated Build Scripts, and Production Operations manuals.
• Experience leading the technical roadmap for software engineering teams or data scientists without direct reporting authority (e.g., Lead, Principal, or Staff level experience).
• Technical Influence: Data & Automation Engineering: Validated proficiency in data pipeline logic, ELT/ETL processes, and data quality assurance, specifically as they apply to automating security telemetry.

Other Qualifications

• Strategic Technical Translation: Architect high-level business and security "end-states" into sophisticated process designs and technical specifications. You will own the translation of risk philosophy into the logic used by our engineering squads.
• Risk Domain Authority: Serve as the definitive Subject Matter Expert (SME) for defining risk metrics and calculation methodologies, specifically within: Enterprise Risk (ERM): Designing and implementing data-driven risk frameworks (e.g., NIST, FAIR) through sophisticated automation. Third-Party Risk (TPRM): Architecting systems for automated due diligence, continuous monitoring, and assessment scoring for our vendor ecosystem.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Champion security risk automation across the organization, mentoring junior engineers and influencing stakeholders on best practices for data-driven risk modeling.
• Essential Domain Knowledge Mastery of Cybersecurity Risk: A proven track record of designing and implementing Enterprise and Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) programs at scale.
• Architectural Design: Demonstrated ability to take a blank slate and define complex security processes, translating them into technical user stories, functional specifications, and logic diagrams.
• Advanced Risk Modeling: Expertise in quantitative risk analysis (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations or FAIR methodology) and how to programmatically apply these models to software.

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.

Primary Location: USA.VA.Reston

Primary Location Base Pay Range: $184,800 USD - $277,200 USD

Additional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $167,200 USD - $300,000 USD

Our Approach to Flexible Work

With Flex Work, we’re combining the best of both worlds: in-person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in-office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. At Workday, we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring experience where all candidates can fully demonstrate their skills. If you require assistance or an accommodation at any point, please email [e-mail].

We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us. We may view the Workday's Pay Transparency Policy, and Know Your Rights Notice, by clicking on their corresponding links. Workday is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals during our application process, in order to perform one or more essential functions of their job, as well as regarding the use of AI tools for employment decision-making to any degree. Please see below for more details including how to request an accommodation as a qualified veteran, due to a disability or for religious reasons, or as otherwise provided under applicable law. Workday prohibits taking adverse action against any candidate or employee for reporting a possible violation of this policy, requesting one or more work accommodation, exercising a privacy right, or cooperating in an investigation in accordance with applicable law. Any employee who retaliates against a candidate or employee for doing so may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, to the fullest extent allowable under applicable law. If you require a reasonable accommodation, you may email [e-mail], as far in advance as possible.

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