Remote Principal Cloud Security Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Cloud Security Engineer for a fully remote position. You will design, implement, and manage advanced security architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP, protecting critical infrastructure for an international client base.

The role emphasizes security policy development, incident response, and mentoring junior engineers in a remote-first environment. A senior security leader who stays ahead of threat trends will thrive here.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in cybersecurity with focus on cloud security
• 5+ years hands-on cloud security engineering
• Experience across AWS, Azure and GCP
• Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred
• CISSP/CCSP or cloud-specific certs desirable

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage cloud security architectures across AWS, Azure, GCP
• Develop and enforce cloud security policies and procedures
• Lead security assessments, penetration testing, and incident response
• Mentor junior security engineers and share knowledge
• Collaborate with DevOps to embed security in SDLC

Skills

Cloud security

Cloud architecture

AWS/Azure/GCP

Terraform

CI/CD security

Python Bash

Incident response

IAM & encryption

Security certifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

WAFs

SIEM

Endpoint security

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in cloud security solutions, is actively recruiting a Principal Cloud Security Engineer for a fully remote position. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your deep expertise in cloud security to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data for a diverse international client base. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing advanced security architectures, developing security policies, and responding to security incidents across various cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP). As a remote-first company, we value autonomy, collaboration, and a proactive approach to security. The ideal candidate is a seasoned security professional passionate about staying ahead of evolving threats and contributing to a secure digital future, all from the convenience of their home office. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact from anywhere in **South Africa**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain robust cloud security architectures and controls across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Develop and enforce cloud security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Conduct security assessments, vulnerability testing, and penetration testing of cloud environments.
• Implement and manage security tools for threat detection, monitoring, logging, and incident response.
• Automate security tasks and processes using scripting and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools.
• Collaborate with DevOps and engineering teams to embed security best practices throughout the SDLC.
• Lead incident response efforts for cloud security breaches and provide post-incident analysis.
• Stay current with the latest cloud security threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies.
• Mentor junior security engineers and contribute to the team's knowledge base.
• Provide expert guidance on cloud security best practices to internal teams and clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity, with a strong focus (5+ years) on cloud security engineering.
• Deep expertise in securing cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Proficiency in security technologies including firewalls, IDS/IPS, WAFs, SIEM, and endpoint security solutions.
• Strong understanding of security concepts such as IAM, encryption, network security, and compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2).
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation) and CI/CD security integration.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and incident response skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team.
• Relevant security certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, or cloud provider security certifications are highly desirable.
• Experience in the **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal** region is not required due to the remote nature of the role.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement offering ultimate flexibility and work-life balance.
• Highly competitive salary and executive-level benefits package.
• Opportunities for advanced professional development, training, and certifications.
• Access to cutting-edge cloud security tools and technologies.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking remote team culture.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Home office setup allowance.
• Regular virtual team-building activities and professional networking opportunities.