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Security Engineering & Architecture

Design, build, and maintain the technical security controls that protect organisations.

Security engineers and architects build the defensive infrastructure that protects organisational assets. This pathway progresses from hands-on implementation of security tools to designing enterprise-wide security architectures and establishing security standards.

Career Progression

Junior Security Engineer

ENTRY $70k - $100k AUD

Experience: 0-2 years

Configure and maintain security tools and infrastructure, applying security controls and supporting incident response activities.

Day-to-Day:

  • Configure and manage firewall and endpoint security tools
  • Apply security patches and system hardening configurations
  • Implement network and system access changes
  • Monitor infrastructure health and security alerts
  • Support incident response and forensic activities

Key Skills: Firewall Management Endpoint Security System Hardening Scripting Basics Network Security

Certifications: CompTIA Security+ CCNA AZ-500

Common Tools: Firewalls (Palo Alto/Fortinet) EDR platforms Active Directory Azure/AWS console Ansible

Security Engineer

MID $120k - $155k AUD

Experience: 2-5 years

Design and deploy security solutions, automate security operations, and manage organisational security infrastructure.

Day-to-Day:

  • Design and deploy security solutions across infrastructure
  • Automate security operations and management tasks
  • Review infrastructure changes for security implications
  • Manage identity and access management systems
  • Lead vulnerability management and remediation efforts

Key Skills: Security Architecture Cloud Security Automation Identity Management Vulnerability Management

Certifications: CISSP AWS Security Specialty AZ-500

Common Tools: Terraform AWS/Azure/GCP Ansible Docker CI/CD pipelines

Security Architect

SENIOR $160k - $210k AUD

Experience: 5-10 years

Define enterprise security architecture standards and strategies, advising teams on secure solution design and emerging threats.

Day-to-Day:

  • Define security architecture standards and reference implementations
  • Review solution designs for security alignment and risks
  • Develop threat models for critical systems and initiatives
  • Advise project teams on secure architecture patterns
  • Create and maintain security architecture documentation

Key Skills: Enterprise Architecture Threat Modelling Security Patterns Standards Development Stakeholder Management

Certifications: CISSP-ISSAP SABSA TOGAF

Common Tools: Architecture modelling tools Threat modelling tools Visio/Draw.io Cloud platforms

Enterprise Security Architect

LEADERSHIP $200k - $260k AUD

Experience: 10+ years

Set organisational security architecture direction, align security strategy with business objectives, and lead architectural governance.

Day-to-Day:

  • Set enterprise architecture direction and security principles
  • Align security initiatives with business and technology roadmaps
  • Lead architecture governance boards and reviews
  • Evaluate emerging technologies for security impact
  • Mentor and develop security architect team members

Key Skills: Enterprise Strategy Business Alignment Technology Roadmapping Cross-functional Leadership Innovation

Certifications: CISSP-ISSAP SABSA TOGAF

Common Tools: Enterprise architecture platforms Strategy tools Governance frameworks

Transition Opportunities

From Security Engineering & Architecture, common career transitions include:

  • Cloud Security - Specialise in cloud-native architecture and controls
  • DevSecOps - Focus on integrating security into development pipelines
  • Security Management - Transition to programme and team management roles
  • Consulting - Advise other organisations on security architecture design