Principal Cybersecurity Engineer

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Stock options

Home office stipend

Continuous learning and development

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to join a remote-first engineering team. You will design, develop, and implement advanced security solutions to protect highly sensitive financial data and critical infrastructure, mentoring junior engineers and driving security initiatives.

This remote role requires deep expertise in secure development, cloud security, and threat modeling, with a track record of leading security architectures across complex systems.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent practical experience in CS/engineering.
• 10+ years of cybersecurity engineering and software development experience.
• Deep expertise in secure development and secure coding practices.
• Proven experience designing complex security architectures and solutions.
• Programming in Python, Go, C++, or Java.
• Extensive cloud security (AWS/Azure/GCP), network security, OS internals.
• Experience with SIEM, IDS/IPS, WAF, vulnerability management.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of scalable, secure systems.
• Architect and implement defensive security technologies and strategies.
• Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments.
• Develop security automation tools to improve detection and response.
• Perform advanced security analysis including code reviews and pentest guidance.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote security excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed security in the SDLC.
• Research emerging threats and technologies.
• Contribute to security policies and procedures.
• Champion security practices across the engineering organization.

Skills

Python

Go

C++

Java

Cloud security

Network security

OS internals

SIEM

IDS/IPS

WAF

Vulnerability management

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

SIEM

IDS/IPS

WAF

Vulnerability management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in financial technology, is seeking a distinguished Principal Cybersecurity Engineer to join their remote-first engineering team. This senior position will be at the forefront of designing, developing, and implementing advanced security solutions to protect highly sensitive financial data and critical infrastructure. You will tackle complex security challenges, drive innovation in defensive technologies, and mentor junior engineers. The ideal candidate is a deep technical expert with a passion for cybersecurity and a proven ability to lead security initiatives. This role is entirely remote, offering the ultimate flexibility while demanding a high level of self-motivation and proactive engagement. You will be an integral part of a world-class team, contributing to security excellence from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of robust, scalable, and secure systems and applications.
• Architect and implement cutting-edge defensive security technologies and strategies.
• Conduct in-depth threat modeling and risk assessments for new and existing systems.
• Develop and maintain security automation tools and frameworks to improve detection and response capabilities.
• Perform advanced security analysis, including code reviews and penetration testing guidance.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of security excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure security best practices are embedded throughout the development lifecycle.
• Research and evaluate emerging security threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of security policies and procedures.
• Champion security best practices and awareness across the engineering organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity engineering and software development.
• Deep expertise in secure software development principles, secure coding practices, and common vulnerability exploitation.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing complex security architectures and solutions.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Go, C++, or Java.
• Extensive knowledge of cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP), network security, and operating system internals.
• Experience with security tools such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, WAF, and vulnerability management systems.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience mentoring technical teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical details clearly and concisely in a remote setting.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fully remote environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive remote benefits package including health insurance, generous stock options, a home office stipend, opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, and a flexible work schedule. Join a pioneering team that values innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being in a fully remote capacity. Be part of shaping the future of cybersecurity engineering with a company that invests in its people and technology. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact from anywhere.