DevSecOps Engineer
SOC 15-1212.00 · ESCO 2519 · OSCA 271135
Role snapshot
Overview
Embeds security checks directly into the software delivery pipeline, automating vulnerability scanning and compliance testing so code ships safely without slowing teams down. Writes tooling that catches risks early in the development process.
Ensures the continuous delivery of secure software by integrating security practices throughout the entire development lifecycle, protecting organizational assets and customer data from evolving cyber threats.
On the job
- Integrate automated security testing tools (SAST, DAST, SCA) into CI/CD pipelines.
- Develop and implement security as code practices and policies for cloud infrastructure.
- Collaborate with development and operations teams to embed security best practices and remediate vulnerabilities.
- Design and build security automation tools and scripts to enhance detection and response capabilities.
- Monitor security metrics, analyze threat intelligence, and adapt security controls proactively.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
ExcellentNew job opportunities are highly likely. Demand significantly outpaces supply in most markets.
Education & training
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related engineering field, often complemented by relevant industry certifications.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
high
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
AI can automate vulnerability scanning, integrate security tools into pipelines, and generate security policy code.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
Designing novel security architectures, interpreting complex threat intelligence, and proactive risk management require significant human judgment and cannot be fully automated.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
The critical need for automated security in fast-paced development cycles drives very high employer adoption pressure for AI solutions.
Human dependence
strong
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Strategic risk assessment, proactive threat hunting, incident response for critical vulnerabilities, and balancing security with business goals are highly human-dependent.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The constantly evolving cybersecurity threat landscape demands very high adaptability to new tools, techniques, and AI-driven security solutions.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Integrating automated security testing tools (SAST, DAST, SCA) into CI/CD
- Generating security policy as code for cloud infrastructure
- Automated vulnerability scanning and initial risk assessment
- Analyzing security logs and alerts for potential threats
- Drafting compliance reports and security audit documentation
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Designing novel and secure application and infrastructure architectures
- Interpreting complex threat intelligence and anticipating zero-day exploits
- Developing proactive risk management strategies and incident response plans
- Collaborating with development and operations to embed security best practices
- Conducting ethical hacking and penetration testing for critical systems
- Balancing security requirements with business agility and performance goals
How the role may evolve
Beyond automated scanning, into proactive security strategy.
The role evolves from primarily integrating security tools to a more strategic focus on proactive threat intelligence, designing resilient security architectures, and leveraging AI for advanced risk detection and response.
Strengthen your future fit
- Expertise in advanced threat modeling and attack surface analysis
- Proficiency in AI-driven security analytics and anomaly detection
- Strong skills in cloud security architecture and governance
- Deep understanding of regulatory compliance and data privacy laws
- Ethical hacking and red team/blue team experience
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
DevSecOps Engineer
Software Development
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
conventional · CIR
Individuals who are methodical, enjoy analytical problem-solving, and have a practical, results-oriented approach to technology will find this role engaging. It suits those who thrive on systematic processes, intellectual challenges, and hands-on technical work.
Personality characteristics
Conscientious
Exhibits strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to securing complex systems and pipelines.
Inquisitive
Driven by curiosity to understand how systems work, identify vulnerabilities, and explore new security technologies.
Analytical
Enjoys dissecting technical problems, analyzing data, and applying logical reasoning to design robust security solutions.
Practical
Prefers hands-on work, building and implementing security tools and automation directly.
Collaborative
Works effectively with development, operations, and other teams to integrate security seamlessly.
Resilient
Manages pressure well during security incidents and can adapt to a constantly evolving threat landscape without becoming overwhelmed.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy blending software engineering principles with cybersecurity practices.
- Problem-solvers passionate about automating security controls and building resilient systems.
- Those who thrive on intellectual challenges and contributing to a secure software development lifecycle.
Watch out for
- Requires continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies and evolving cyber threats.
- Can involve high-pressure situations during security incidents or critical vulnerability remediation.
- Requires strong communication skills to bridge the gap between security, development, and operations teams.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a DevSecOps Engineer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about DevSecOps Engineer roles
What does a DevSecOps Engineer do?
A DevSecOps Engineer embeds security checks directly into the software delivery pipeline, automating vulnerability scanning and compliance testing so code ships safely without slowing teams down. Writes tooling that catches risks early in the development process. Ensures the continuous delivery of secure software by integrating security practices throughout the entire development lifecycle, protecting organizational assets and customer data from evolving cyber threats.
How much does a DevSecOps Engineer earn?
A DevSecOps Engineer earns a median of $135,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $100,000 to $170,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a DevSecOps Engineer?
To become a DevSecOps Engineer, bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related engineering field, often complemented by relevant industry certifications.
What personality suits a DevSecOps Engineer?
DevSecOps Engineer roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 85/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 68/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Conscientious, Inquisitive, Analytical and Practical. Exhibits strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to securing complex systems and pipelines. On interests, DevSecOps Engineer maps to a CIR Holland Code profile — individuals who are methodical, enjoy analytical problem-solving, and have a practical, results-oriented approach to technology will find this role engaging. It suits those who thrive on systematic processes, intellectual challenges, and hands-on technical work.
Who does a DevSecOps Engineer role suit?
A DevSecOps Engineer role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. High Conventional affinity for structured processes, compliance, and systematic security implementations. Strong Investigative component drives continuous learning, threat analysis, and problem-solving. A significant portion of the role involves hands-on, technical (Realistic) work in automation and infrastructure security.
What are the downsides of being a DevSecOps Engineer?
DevSecOps Engineer roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Requires continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies and evolving cyber threats. Can involve high-pressure situations during security incidents or critical vulnerability remediation. Requires strong communication skills to bridge the gap between security, development, and operations teams.
What is the work environment like for a DevSecOps Engineer?
Work as a DevSecOps Engineer is mostly office-based with hybrid arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work and high exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 64% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a DevSecOps Engineer?
Core skills for a DevSecOps Engineer include CI/CD pipeline security, Cloud security architecture, Scripting and automation, Vulnerability management, Threat modeling and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
How do you become a DevSecOps Engineer?
Common entry routes into DevSecOps Engineer roles include DevOps Engineer, Security Analyst, Software Engineer and System Administrator.
What career progression is there for a DevSecOps Engineer?
From a DevSecOps Engineer role, common next steps include Senior DevSecOps Engineer, Security Architect, Cloud Security Architect and Principal Engineer, Security; lateral moves include DevOps Engineer and Application Security Engineer.
What is the job outlook for DevSecOps Engineer roles?
The outlook for DevSecOps Engineer roles is currently rated excellent. New job opportunities are highly likely. Demand significantly outpaces supply in most markets.
Will AI replace DevSecOps Engineer roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for DevSecOps Engineer roles at 53 out of 100, which is moderate. While AI automates many security checks in pipelines, human expertise remains crucial for threat intelligence, proactive risk management, and responding to novel vulnerabilities. AI is most likely to take on integrating automated security testing tools (sast, dast, sca) into ci/cd, generating security policy as code for cloud infrastructure and automated vulnerability scanning and initial risk assessment. Designing novel and secure application and infrastructure architectures, interpreting complex threat intelligence and anticipating zero-day exploits and developing proactive risk management strategies and incident response plans stay with people. Beyond automated scanning, into proactive security strategy. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.