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If you’ve ever Googled “Cyber Security Engineer job description,” you’ve probably seen the same dry, recycled format on every page.
Bullet points. Buzzwords. And bland, templated language that could apply to any company, anywhere.
The problem?
These kinds of job posts don’t actually help you hire great cyber security talent. They don’t reflect what your company stands for, and they definitely don’t inspire qualified professionals to apply.
Because top cyber security engineers?
They’re not just looking for a job—they’re looking for impact. They want to know what they’re protecting, who they’ll work with, and why their work matters.
But most job posts?
They feel like a formality. And when your job post feels generic, you won’t just miss out on top candidates—you’ll attract the wrong ones.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a Cyber Security Engineer job description that actually attracts the right people.
One that’s clear, human, and role-specific.
One that reflects your mission, sets expectations, and helps you stand out.
Before we dive in, we highly recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it breaks down why most job posts fail and how to make yours work like a magnet for the right applicants.
Ready? Let’s define the role properly.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
What a Cyber Security Engineer Actually Does
A Cyber Security Engineer is the person who builds and maintains the digital security systems that keep your business safe.
They’re not just setting up firewalls and patching software—they’re protecting your customer data, financial records, internal systems, and intellectual property from threats that evolve every single day.
They think like a hacker to beat hackers.
They spot vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.
And they don’t just respond to incidents—they help prevent them.
In short: if you’re storing sensitive information, handling payments, or running any cloud-based tools, you need someone who can spot risks, tighten your defenses, and keep your digital environment safe.
But here’s the thing: not all cyber security engineers are created equal.
Some specialize in infrastructure. Others in application security. Some are great at red-teaming and penetration testing. Others shine at building long-term, automated defenses.
So when writing your job description, don’t just say “we need a cyber security engineer.”
Be clear on what you want them to protect, what systems you use, and what kind of threats they’ll need to anticipate.
That clarity will help you attract someone with the right mindset and expertise—because vague job descriptions lead to mismatched hires.
Two Great Cyber Security Engineer Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Candidates
🔒 Job Title: Cyber Security Engineer – Help Us Secure the Cloud at Fortivus (Remote or Hybrid in Austin, TX)
💼 Full-Time | $95,000–$125,000/year + Benefits
🌍 Remote (US-Based) or Hybrid in Austin, TX
🎥 Watch this quick intro from our CTO, Jenna McMillan, on what we’re building at Fortivus and how security fits into the bigger picture:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Who We Are
Fortivus is a Series B SaaS startup helping logistics and manufacturing companies automate fleet safety and compliance using predictive AI. We serve over 1,800 clients globally—including several Fortune 500 brands—and our platform processes over 300,000 sensor events daily.
As we scale, data privacy, uptime, and system integrity have become mission-critical—and we’re investing heavily in proactive security. This role is a key part of that commitment.
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
We’re not just looking for a security engineer—we’re looking for someone who wants ownership. You’ll play a lead role in shaping how we defend our cloud environments, manage threats, and future-proof our infrastructure.
If you want autonomy, influence, and the chance to build from the ground up alongside sharp, low-ego teammates—this is your role.
🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead vulnerability management and remediation across AWS
- Partner with DevOps on secure CI/CD and container scanning
- Proactively monitor threats and lead incident response playbooks
- Perform threat modeling and conduct security reviews on new features
- Own SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance initiatives
- Mentor junior engineers on secure coding and cloud best practices
✅ What We’re Looking For
- 4+ years in cybersecurity, with focus on cloud or infrastructure
- Expert-level knowledge of AWS security tooling
- Familiarity with security tools like Nessus, CrowdStrike, Prisma Cloud, etc.
- Experience leading security audits or compliance efforts
- Strong scripting/automation chops (Python, Bash, etc.)
- Bonus: experience securing Kubernetes-based systems
💡 Perks & Benefits
- 100% covered medical, dental, and vision
- $1,500/year learning & certifications stipend
- Monthly wellness allowance + no-questions-asked mental health days
- 22 PTO days + 2 company-wide recharge weeks per year
- Work-from-anywhere setup with tech stipend
📌 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to keep our hiring process fair, respectful, and focused on your strengths—not your buzzwords.
Click below to complete your short, role-specific skills evaluation.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
🟢 Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Candidates
🔐 Job Title: Junior Cyber Security Engineer – Learn While You Secure at ShieldBloom Technologies (Remote or On-Site in Chicago, IL)
💼 Entry-Level | $65,000–$80,000/year + Benefits
📍 Location: Remote US / Optional On-Site in Chicago
🎥 Hear from our Head of IT Security, Greg Toma, on what it’s like to join ShieldBloom as a junior engineer and grow from day one:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]
Who We Are
ShieldBloom Technologies is a Chicago-based fintech company building smart tools for digital lenders. Our mission is to make financial access safer and more transparent, and our platform is used by over 40 lending institutions in the U.S.
Security is the foundation of everything we do—our clients trust us to protect sensitive financial data, and we take that responsibility seriously. That’s why we’re building a security team that doesn’t just react to threats—it prevents them. And we’re ready to train the right person to help us do that.
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This role is perfect for someone early in their career who wants to build long-term in cybersecurity. You’ll work side-by-side with experienced engineers, get mentorship, and gain hands-on experience in real projects.
We don’t expect you to know everything—we expect you to be curious, coachable, and committed to learning fast.
🛠️ What You’ll Learn and Do
- Support daily monitoring and help triage alerts
- Run vulnerability scans and review findings
- Participate in phishing simulations and help improve internal awareness
- Shadow engineers during security reviews and drills
- Document processes and assist in compliance prep
- Learn secure infrastructure, network segmentation, and threat response
✅ What We’re Looking For
- Strong interest in cybersecurity (bootcamp grads welcome)
- Some background in IT, sysadmin, or network engineering preferred
- Understanding of basic networking, protocols, and cloud services
- Excellent communication and willingness to learn
- Bonus: Completed CompTIA Security+, OSCP, or similar (not required)
💡 Perks & Benefits
- Paid certifications and training programs
- Remote work flexibility + travel support if on-site preferred
- Health, dental, and vision insurance from day one
- $750 tech stipend for home setup
- 18 PTO days + 5 flex learning days + birthday off
📌 How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not resumes.
Click below to complete a quick, skills-focused evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Cyber Security Engineer Job Posts Work
Both examples aren’t just better-written—they’re designed to attract, engage, and convert the right candidates. Here’s why they work:
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Role-Relevant
- Instead of just “Cyber Security Engineer,” the experienced post says:
“Cyber Security Engineer – Help Us Secure the Cloud at Fortivus”
That tells applicants the domain (cloud), the impact (security leadership), and the company (Fortivus). - The entry-level version says:
“Junior Cyber Security Engineer – Learn While You Secure at ShieldBloom Technologies”
It signals that training is available, the company is supportive, and they’re hiring for potential—not just past experience.
📌 This immediately increases relevance and filters for the right mindset before they even click “Apply.”
✅ 2. The Video Element Builds Trust and Personality
- A short Loom or YouTube video from a hiring manager or team lead humanizes the post.
- Candidates get a feel for the people they’ll work with, the energy of the team, and how the company communicates.
🎥 This can be the difference between a scroll-past and a “Save & Apply” moment.
✅ 3. The “Who We Are” Section Feels Real and Contextual
- Fortivus and ShieldBloom aren’t described in abstract corporate terms—they’re positioned around their mission, industry, product, and impact.
- Candidates know who they’ll be protecting and why the role matters.
🏢 This creates emotional investment, which most job descriptions miss entirely.
✅ 4. Each Post Clearly Explains Why the Role Is Worth Their Time
- These sections pitch the opportunity—not just the duties.
- For Fortivus, it’s ownership, autonomy, and direct impact.
- For ShieldBloom, it’s mentorship, learning, and a long-term path in security.
💬 This is where most job posts fall flat. They list demands. These ones offer value.
✅ 5. Tasks Are Framed Around Impact, Not Just Activities
- Fortivus doesn’t just say “Run vulnerability scans.” It says:
“Own and improve vulnerability management processes.”
This signals trust, ownership, and growth. - ShieldBloom shows exactly how each task ties into business goals—like phishing simulations improving team awareness.
🛠️ This gives candidates a sense of purpose and alignment.
✅ 6. Transparency Around Perks and Compensation
- Salary ranges are clear up front (which builds trust).
- Perks aren’t buried or vague—they’re real, well-written, and meaningful.
💡 Candidates want to know: “Is this worth my time?” These posts answer that directly.
✅ 7. The Application Process Respects the Candidate
- Instead of “Send your CV,” both posts explain why WorkScreen is used: to keep things fair, fast, and skill-based.
- This positions your company as modern, thoughtful, and respectful of people’s time.
🤝 And that increases your chances of receiving high-quality, motivated applicants.
Bad Cyber Security Job Post Example (And Why It Fails)
Let’s look at a real-world style example that’s unfortunately all too common—and break down why it falls short.
🔐 Job Title: Cyber Security Engineer
Company: TechNova Corp
Job Type: Full-Time | Location: Remote
Application Deadline: August 30, 2025
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled Cyber Security Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for monitoring systems, implementing security protocols, and maintaining compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor network traffic and alerts
- Maintain security protocols and firewall settings
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards
- Respond to security incidents as needed
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
- 3–5 years of cybersecurity experience
- Strong understanding of security principles and tools
- Certifications preferred (e.g., CISSP, CISM)
How to Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to careers@technova.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🔍 Why This Job Post Fails
❌ 1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
“Cyber Security Engineer” gives no insight into the focus of the role (cloud? red team? internal systems?), the team size, or the company’s mission. It reads like a placeholder.
❌ 2. The Introduction Is Cold and Robotic
There’s no story, no context, no emotional pull. It doesn’t explain why the company needs this role, what impact it has, or who the candidate will be helping. It’s just filler text.
❌ 3. No Mention of Salary or Perks
This creates distrust and makes it feel like the company either doesn’t value transparency or hasn’t invested in building a competitive offer.
❌ 4. Responsibilities Are Vague and Impersonal
There’s no sense of scale, tooling, or team dynamics. Tasks like “monitor network traffic” could apply to any role in the last 20 years. Nothing here shows what makes the role or company unique.
❌ 5. No Culture, No Mission, No Human Connection
There’s zero insight into how the team works, what they value, or what it’s like to be part of the company. Candidates are left asking: “Why should I care?”
❌ 6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is not only outdated—it’s disrespectful. It signals that the company views applicants as disposable, and that’s a fast way to lose great talent.
❌ 7. The CTA Is Cold and Transactional
“Send resume and cover letter” does nothing to motivate someone to apply. There’s no urgency, no explanation of the process, and no invitation to get excited.
This kind of job post may check the legal and HR boxes—but it does nothing to inspire confidence, connection, or action.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Cyber Security Job Description Stand Out
Even a well-structured job post can be made great with a few thoughtful additions. These aren’t just “nice to haves”—they often make the difference between a candidate applying or moving on.
✅ 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Candidates
Cybersecurity professionals are especially aware of scams and privacy risks—so show them upfront that your process is safe and professional.
Example:
🔒 We take the security and privacy of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for personal financial information, passwords, or payment at any point in the hiring process. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from us, please report it immediately.
🧠 This builds trust and sets the tone for how you treat people.
✅ 2. Mention Leave Days or Recharge Time
Even high-performing candidates want work-life balance. Calling out leave policies in your job description can actually increase applications—especially for roles that tend to burn people out.
Example:
🌴 Enjoy 22 PTO days, two company-wide recharge weeks, and no-questions-asked wellness days—because great security work starts with a clear mind.
✅ 3. Highlight Training, Certifications, or Growth Opportunities
Cybersecurity is fast-changing. Candidates want to know they’ll grow on the job. Mentioning this in your post makes your company instantly more appealing to high-motivation talent.
Example:
🎓 We offer paid certifications (CompTIA, AWS Security, OSCP, etc.), mentorship from senior engineers, and a clear promotion path for every security team member.
✅ 4. Add a Video from a Real Human
A short Loom video from your CTO, team lead, or hiring manager doesn’t just personalize the role—it makes your post more memorable.
Tip: Put this just before your “Who We Are” section so it sets the tone early.
Example intro to the video:
🎥 Hear from our Head of Security on how this role fits into our roadmap—and what kind of teammate we’re looking for.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ 5. Use a Friendly, Human Tone in the CTA
Most companies end their posts with robotic language like “submit your CV.” A warm, clear CTA boosts conversion and signals that you’re a modern, people-first organization.
Example:
📥 We respect your time—that’s why we use WorkScreen to keep things efficient, skill-based, and fair. Click below to complete your short evaluation and show us what you bring to the table. We can’t wait to meet you.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
The short answer?
Yes—but not blindly.
It’s tempting to use AI tools (like ChatGPT or built-in job post generators from ATS platforms like Manatal or Workable) to spit out a “ready-made” job description in one click.
But here’s the problem:
When you rely on AI without context, you end up with generic, uninspiring, and often misaligned job posts.
❌ Why AI-Generated Posts Often Fall Flat
- They use the same buzzwords and bullet points as every other post
- They attract low-effort candidates who apply to anything remotely relevant
- They reflect no understanding of your company’s mission, culture, or hiring philosophy
- They miss the emotional nuance top candidates are actually looking for
Remember:
📌 Your job post is your first impression. If it reads like AI filler, the best candidates won’t bother applying.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI When Writing a Job Description
AI isn’t the enemy—it’s a great assistant if you give it the right ingredients.
Here’s how to use it smartly:
Step 1: Gather Your Inputs
Before prompting AI, make a quick list of:
- What your company does
- Who your ideal candidate is (skills, mindset, personality)
- What this person will protect or improve
- The tools or systems you use
- Your tone and values (e.g., casual and transparent? or technical and precise?)
- Benefits, salary range, growth opportunities
- Your actual hiring process (timeline, tests, interviews, platforms)
Step 2: Give AI a Detailed Prompt
Instead of:
“Write me a cyber security engineer job post.”
Try:
“Help me write a job post for our company, Fortivus. We’re hiring a Cyber Security Engineer to help secure our AWS infrastructure and automate our threat response systems. We serve logistics and manufacturing clients and process over 300,000 sensor events a day. We’re looking for someone experienced in cloud security, with strong scripting skills and the ability to lead vulnerability management. Our tone is transparent and human. We offer full remote work, 22 PTO days, a $1,500 learning stipend, and use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates through skill-based assessments.”
You can even paste in notes or a rough draft and say:
“Here’s what I’ve written [paste notes here]—please clean up the structure, improve clarity, and keep the tone warm and direct.”
Step 3: Polish, Don’t Publish Blindly
What AI gives you should be treated as a draft, not a final product.
Review it like a real candidate would.
Does it sound like your company?
Does it feel human?
Would it make you want to apply?
If not—rewrite or add the missing elements until it does.
Using AI well can save you hours.
Using it lazily could cost you months with the wrong hire.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read through this guide and understand what a great job post looks like… but you also want a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and customize in just a few minutes.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
🔐 Cyber Security Engineer – Help Us Secure the Cloud at [Company Name]
💼 Full-Time | [Salary Range]
📍 [Remote / Hybrid / Location]
🎥 Watch this short video from our [CTO / Hiring Manager] on why this role matters and what we’re building:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a [brief description of what your company does—e.g., SaaS company, fintech startup, B2B services firm]. We help [describe the audience or customers you serve] do [what your product or service enables them to do]. Security is mission-critical to our business, and we’re ready to bring in a skilled engineer to help us scale securely and confidently.
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
We’re not just looking for a checklist of skills—we want someone who’s excited to take ownership. You’ll help shape our security roadmap, strengthen our infrastructure, and work cross-functionally to protect the systems our customers rely on every day.
🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing
- Monitor and respond to threats across [insert cloud provider or infrastructure]
- Lead or support vulnerability management and remediation
- Help design secure infrastructure and deployment pipelines
- Collaborate with DevOps and product teams on secure release practices
- Assist with compliance efforts and audits (SOC 2, ISO 27001, etc.)
✅ What We’re Looking For
- [X]+ years of experience in cybersecurity or cloud security
- Hands-on experience with [tools or platforms]
- Strong understanding of network security, IAM, and encryption
- Scripting or automation skills in [e.g., Python, Bash]
- Bonus: familiarity with container security, DevSecOps, or compliance standards
💡 Perks and Benefits
- [Example: Health, dental, and vision insurance]
- [Example: 20+ PTO days + company-wide recharge days]
- [Example: Remote setup stipend + annual learning budget]
- [Example: Paid certifications or training programs]
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates based on real-world skills—not just keywords on a resume.
Click below to complete your short evaluation.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
📄 Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: Cyber Security Engineer
Company: [Company Name]
Location: [Remote / In-Person / Hybrid]
Salary Range: [Insert range]
Job Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time / Contract]
🎥 Get a quick intro from our [Head of Security / Hiring Manager] about this opportunity and the team you’ll be joining:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link]
Job Brief
[Company Name] is hiring a Cyber Security Engineer to support our growing infrastructure and protect our internal and customer-facing systems. This role will focus on threat detection, security automation, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to scale securely.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor alerts and respond to security events
- Implement and maintain tools like firewalls, IDS/IPS, and scanners
- Conduct risk assessments and penetration testing
- Support cloud security posture management
- Document policies, runbooks, and incident procedures
- Collaborate with engineering, compliance, and IT teams
Required Qualifications
- [2–5]+ years of experience in a cybersecurity-related role
- Strong understanding of network protocols and cloud security
- Experience with common tools (e.g., Burp Suite, CrowdStrike, Nessus, etc.)
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST, etc.)
- Strong communication and analytical thinking skills
💡 Perks and Benefits
- [List key benefits such as insurance, wellness, time off, etc.]
- [Mention learning stipends, certification reimbursement, or mentorship]
- [Include anything unique to your company: remote budget, offsites, etc.]
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to streamline our hiring process and ensure fair, skill-based evaluations.
Click below to apply and complete your short skills assessment:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
Ready to Hire Smarter? Let WorkScreen Help.
Writing a strong job description is only the first step.
The real challenge?
Figuring out who can actually do the work—and spotting that before you waste time on interviews, back-and-forth emails, or candidates who talk the talk but can’t execute.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
✅ WorkScreen helps you:
● Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
● Test real-world skills with one click
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
● Eliminate low-effort applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
👉 Check Out WorkScreen.io today and take the guesswork out of hiring.
Whether you’re hiring your first security engineer or scaling a full tech team, WorkScreen gives you the signal you need—so you can hire confidently, quickly, and without the costly mistakes.
FAQ: Cyber Security Engineer Job Description
Beyond technical certifications, look for candidates who demonstrate:
- Threat modeling and risk assessment experience
- Hands-on skills with security tools (e.g., intrusion detection systems, vulnerability scanners, cloud security tools)
- Automation and scripting ability (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Bash)
- Understanding of modern architectures (like microservices, Kubernetes, cloud-native apps)
- Strong communication skills—especially when explaining risks to non-technical teams
- Proactive thinking—they should be the kind of person who hunts for problems before they happen, not just reacts
Bonus points if they’ve worked in environments similar to yours (e.g., startup vs. enterprise, regulated industries, remote-first teams).
As of 2025, the average salary for a Cyber Security Engineer in the U.S. ranges from $95,000 to $135,000, depending on experience, specialization, and location.
- Entry-level roles typically start around $65,000–$85,000
- Experienced or cloud-specialized engineers can earn $120,000–$160,000+
- Salaries are often higher in fintech, healthcare, or companies handling sensitive data
Remote-first companies may offer location-adjusted pay or added stipends for high-cost regions.
While they sometimes overlap, here’s the key difference:
- Cyber Security Engineers are builders. They design, implement, and improve the systems that keep your infrastructure safe. They write scripts, configure firewalls, and work with DevOps.
- Information Security Analysts are more focused on monitoring and compliance. They assess risks, review policies, and generate reports. They’re often more aligned with GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) functions.
If you’re looking for someone to build and secure systems, hire an engineer.
If you need someone to review and audit them, an analyst might be the better fit.
Not necessarily.
Certifications like CISSP, OSCP, or CompTIA Security+ can signal foundational knowledge or deep technical skill—but they’re not a substitute for real-world ability.
Some of the best candidates are self-taught or come from unconventional backgrounds.
If you’re unsure, use a platform like WorkScreen to test their practical skills before making assumptions based on credentials alone.
