Principal Data Security Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Stock options

Training allowances

Conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Data Security Engineer to lead the design and deployment of advanced data protection across global systems. This remote role includes occasional travel to Johannesburg and collaboration with multiple teams to safeguard customer data and critical infrastructure.

You will drive encryption, tokenization, DLP, and IAM strategies, while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring compliance with ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR and POPIA across cloud and on-premises environments.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in data security engineering and architecture.
• Expertise in designing enterprise-grade data security solutions.
• Knowledge of encryption, key management, tokenization, and data masking.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy data security solutions including encryption, tokenization, and DLP.
• Lead IAM implementation and access control management.
• Architect security for cloud and on-premises infrastructure.
• Develop and enforce data security policies and standards.
• Conduct security assessments, threat modeling, and risk analyses.
• Lead incident response for data breaches and root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and compliance teams across SDLC.
• Evaluate new security technologies to enhance data protection.
• Provide mentorship to junior security engineers.
• Stay current with data security threats, regulatory requirements.

Skills

Data security engineering

Encryption

IAM

Cloud security

DLP

Python

PowerShell

Security frameworks

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Education

Master's degree

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in financial technology, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Data Security Engineer to join their cutting-edge security team. This pivotal role, based remotely but requiring occasional travel to Johannesburg , will focus on architecting, implementing, and maintaining advanced data security solutions across the organization's extensive digital landscape. You will be instrumental in safeguarding sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and critical infrastructure from sophisticated threats. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a senior security engineer to drive innovation and shape the future of data protection within a forward-thinking company operating across various markets, including Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy state-of-the-art data security solutions, including encryption, tokenization, and data loss prevention (DLP) technologies.
• Lead the implementation and management of robust access control mechanisms and identity and access management (IAM) systems.
• Architect and implement security controls for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and on-premises infrastructure.
• Develop and enforce data security policies, standards, and best practices across the organization.
• Conduct in-depth security assessments, threat modeling, and risk analyses for new and existing systems.
• Lead incident response activities related to data breaches, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and compliance teams to ensure security is embedded throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Evaluate and recommend new security technologies and tools to enhance the organization's data protection posture.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to junior security engineers and other technical staff.
• Stay current with emerging data security threats, vulnerabilities, and regulatory requirements globally.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in data security engineering and architecture.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing enterprise-grade data security solutions.
• Deep understanding of encryption algorithms, key management, tokenization, and data masking techniques.
• Extensive experience with cloud security best practices and implementing security controls in AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for automation of security tasks.
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2) and compliance regulations (e.g., GDPR, POPIA).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a remote setting, with occasional travel to Johannesburg required.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary and a significant performance-based bonus. Comprehensive benefits include world-class medical coverage, substantial retirement contributions, and stock options. Professional development is strongly encouraged, with generous allowances for training, conferences, and certifications. Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of a fully Remote work arrangement, with opportunities to collaborate with a diverse global team. Occasional travel to Johannesburg for strategic meetings will be accommodated. Join a company that is at the forefront of technological innovation and offers unparalleled career advancement opportunities in data security.