Information Security Engineer
SOC 15-1299.05 · ESCO 2529
Role snapshot
Overview
Designs and builds security architectures including intrusion detection systems, access controls, and secure network configurations. Tests defences through penetration testing and hardens infrastructure against emerging threats, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of an organization's systems and data.
Protects an organization's digital assets and reputation by proactively identifying vulnerabilities, implementing robust security measures, and responding to cyber threats, thereby preventing data breaches and operational disruptions.
On the job
- Design and implement secure network architectures, firewalls, and VPNs.
- Perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses.
- Develop and maintain security policies, standards, and procedures.
- Implement and manage security tools such as SIEM, antivirus, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
- Respond to security incidents, analyze root causes, and implement corrective actions.
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, cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications are highly valued.
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
moderate
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
While AI can assist in architectural design and automate parts of vulnerability assessments, the creative act of designing novel defenses is less exposed.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
AI can automate components of security, but the strategic design of entire security architectures and adaptive penetration testing requires human creativity and judgment.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
Companies will adopt AI to augment engineers, streamline tasks, and improve overall security posture, driving high adoption for AI-assisted tools.
Human dependence
strong
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Strategic design, understanding complex threat landscapes, ethical considerations in testing, and leadership in incident response are critically human functions.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role will pivot to designing AI-driven security systems, overseeing advanced automated defenses, and focusing on novel threat intelligence and strategic security posture.
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.
- Automated vulnerability assessments and basic penetration testing.
- Implementing and managing standard security tools like antivirus and firewalls.
- Analyzing security data from SIEMs for routine anomalies.
- Generating reports on security compliance and system configurations.
- Automating deployment of security patches and updates.
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Designing and implementing secure network architectures and complex VPNs.
- Developing and maintaining comprehensive security policies and standards.
- Performing advanced penetration testing requiring creative exploitation techniques.
- Analyzing root causes of security incidents and implementing corrective actions.
- Evaluating and integrating new security technologies into existing infrastructure.
- Providing expert guidance on security best practices to development teams.
How the role may evolve
Designing and building AI-powered defenses, rather than just managing tools.
Engineers will evolve from managing individual security tools to architecting and integrating intelligent, AI-driven defense systems. Their focus will be on proactive security design, advanced threat modeling, and ensuring the overall resilience of the organization's infrastructure.
Strengthen your future fit
- Expertise in AI/ML for cybersecurity and automated defense systems.
- Advanced architectural design for secure cloud and network environments.
- Proficiency in advanced penetration testing and red teaming techniques.
- Strategic risk management and policy development.
- Strong programming skills for automation and custom security tool development.
- 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
Information Security Engineer
IT Operations & Security
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
investigative · CIR
Individuals who enjoy complex problem-solving, continuous learning in technology, and applying systematic methods to protect digital assets will find this role fulfilling.
Personality characteristics
Curious Learner
Driven to continuously learn about new cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and security technologies to stay ahead of adversaries.
Highly Conscientious
Extremely detail-oriented and systematic in implementing security measures, ensuring no critical step is missed.
Independent Worker
Prefers to work independently on complex technical problems, often requiring deep focus and minimal external distractions.
Objective Analyst
Approaches problems logically and analytically, prioritizing technical solutions over emotional responses, especially during incidents.
Calm Under Pressure
Maintains composure and clear thinking when responding to high-pressure security incidents or managing critical system vulnerabilities.
Problem Solver
Enjoys dissecting complex security issues and designing innovative solutions to fortify systems.
Best for
- Individuals who thrive on technical challenges and have a passion for cybersecurity.
- Those who are meticulous, systematic, and enjoy designing and implementing robust solutions.
- Professionals who are committed to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security landscape.
Watch out for
- The job can involve high-stress situations during security incidents, requiring quick and decisive action.
- Requires a high degree of precision and attention to detail, as errors can have significant consequences.
A week in the life
A representative working week for an Information Security 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 Information Security Engineer roles
What does an Information Security Engineer do?
An Information Security Engineer designs and builds security architectures including intrusion detection systems, access controls, and secure network configurations. Tests defences through penetration testing and hardens infrastructure against emerging threats, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of an organization's systems and data. Protects an organization's digital assets and reputation by proactively identifying vulnerabilities, implementing robust security measures, and responding to cyber threats, thereby preventing data breaches and operational disruptions.
How much does an Information Security Engineer earn?
An Information Security Engineer earns a median of $125,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $90,000 to $160,000.
What qualifications do you need to become an Information Security Engineer?
To become an Information Security Engineer, bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications are highly valued.
What personality suits an Information Security Engineer?
Information Security Engineer roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 85/100) and reserved — comfortable with long independent focus rather than constant social contact (Extraversion 30/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Curious Learner, Highly Conscientious, Independent Worker and Objective Analyst. Driven to continuously learn about new cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and security technologies to stay ahead of adversaries. On interests, Information Security Engineer maps to a CIR Holland Code profile — individuals who enjoy complex problem-solving, continuous learning in technology, and applying systematic methods to protect digital assets will find this role fulfilling.
Who does an Information Security Engineer role suit?
An Information Security Engineer role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Investigative (I) and Conventional (C) alignment: the role demands deep technical analysis and adherence to security protocols. A significant portion of the week is dedicated to deep technical work, ideal for those who enjoy focused problem-solving. The role offers constant intellectual challenge, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to evolving threats.
What are the downsides of being an Information Security Engineer?
Information Security Engineer roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. The job can involve high-stress situations during security incidents, requiring quick and decisive action. Requires a high degree of precision and attention to detail, as errors can have significant consequences.
What is the work environment like for an Information Security Engineer?
Work as an Information Security Engineer is mostly office-based with hybrid arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and medium exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 58% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be an Information Security Engineer?
Core skills for an Information Security Engineer include Network security, Cloud security, Vulnerability management, Incident response and Security architecture design.
How do you become an Information Security Engineer?
Common entry routes into Information Security Engineer roles include Network Engineer, System Administrator and Junior Security Analyst.
What career progression is there for an Information Security Engineer?
From an Information Security Engineer role, common next steps include Senior Information Security Engineer, Security Architect and Information Security Manager; lateral moves include DevSecOps Engineer.
What is the job outlook for Information Security Engineer roles?
The outlook for Information Security Engineer roles is currently rated excellent. New job opportunities are highly likely. Demand significantly outpaces supply in most markets.
Will AI replace Information Security Engineer roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Information Security Engineer roles at 51 out of 100, which is moderate. The strategic design of security architectures and creative penetration testing will remain human-led, while AI augments automated defenses and streamlines tool management. AI is most likely to take on automated vulnerability assessments and basic penetration testing., implementing and managing standard security tools like antivirus and firewalls. and analyzing security data from siems for routine anomalies.. Designing and implementing secure network architectures and complex vpns., developing and maintaining comprehensive security policies and standards. and performing advanced penetration testing requiring creative exploitation techniques. stay with people. Designing and building AI-powered defenses, rather than just managing tools. 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.