IT Security Engineer Jobs in California
IT Security Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand from technology companies, defense contractors, financial institutions, and healthcare systems at levels from entry-level analyst to senior architect. San Jose, San Francisco, and Los Angeles anchor most of the hiring, with major employers including Lockheed Martin, Kaiser Permanente, and Wells Fargo maintaining large security teams across the state. The most sought-after specialties in California listings are cloud security, zero-trust architecture, and security operations center work. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Primary Skills: Security Intelligence-Advanced, Prompt Engineering-Expert, SQL-High, AWS-Intermediate, Cyber Security-Advanced
Contract Type: W2
Contract Duration: 8+ Months
Location: San Diego CA (Li-Onsite)
Pay Range: $90.00 - $100.00 Per Hour
Job Summary: This role involves actively participating in a threat intelligence and security operations function, focusing on critical tasks like takedown programs and backlog reduction. The position requires a strong technical aptitude for data analysis and the ability to identify and mitigate evolving threats. You will collaborate closely with external vendors and internal teams to enhance the overall security posture. The candidate will work closely with other engineers to improve workflows, mitigate production issues, and enhance our security infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review incoming security alerts and prioritize based on threat level.
- Work with vendors to remove malicious content and entities.
- Analyze data to identify threat patterns and adversary behavior.
- Develop and implement automation scripts to streamline workflows.
- Support operational and analytical processes for security.
Must-Have Skills:
- Proficient in writing complex SQL queries.
- Experience in security operations or threat intelligence.
- DevOps or developer exposure.
Domain Experience Required: Prior experience in cybersecurity within IT or related industries is essential for this role.
ABOUT AKRAYA
Akraya is an award-winning IT staffing firm consistently recognized for our commitment to excellence and a thriving work environment. Most recently, we were recognized Stevie Employer of the Year 2025, SIA Best Staffing Firm to work for 2025, Inc 5000 Best Workspaces in US (2025 & 2024) and Glassdoor's Best Places to Work (2023 & 2022)!
Industry Leaders in Tech Staffing
As Talent solutions provider for Fortune 100 Organizations, Akraya's industry recognitions solidify our leadership position in the IT staffing space. We don't just connect you with great jobs, we connect you with a workplace that inspires!
Join Akraya Today!
Let us lead you to your dream career and experience the Akraya difference. Browse our open positions and join our team!
Primary Skills: Security Intelligence-Advanced, Prompt Engineering-Expert, SQL-High, AWS-Intermediate, Cyber Security-Advanced
Contract Type: W2
Contract Duration: 8+ Months
Location: San Diego CA (Li-Onsite)
Pay Range: $90.00 - $100.00 Per Hour
Job Summary: This role involves actively participating in a threat intelligence and security operations function, focusing on critical tasks like takedown programs and backlog reduction. The position requires a strong technical aptitude for data analysis and the ability to identify and mitigate evolving threats. You will collaborate closely with external vendors and internal teams to enhance the overall security posture. The candidate will work closely with other engineers to improve workflows, mitigate production issues, and enhance our security infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review incoming security alerts and prioritize based on threat level.
- Work with vendors to remove malicious content and entities.
- Analyze data to identify threat patterns and adversary behavior.
- Develop and implement automation scripts to streamline workflows.
- Support operational and analytical processes for security.
Must-Have Skills:
- Proficient in writing complex SQL queries.
- Experience in security operations or threat intelligence.
- DevOps or developer exposure.
Domain Experience Required: Prior experience in cybersecurity within IT or related industries is essential for this role.
ABOUT AKRAYA
Akraya is an award-winning IT staffing firm consistently recognized for our commitment to excellence and a thriving work environment. Most recently, we were recognized Stevie Employer of the Year 2025, SIA Best Staffing Firm to work for 2025, Inc 5000 Best Workspaces in US (2025 & 2024) and Glassdoor's Best Places to Work (2023 & 2022)!
Industry Leaders in Tech Staffing
As Talent solutions provider for Fortune 100 Organizations, Akraya's industry recognitions solidify our leadership position in the IT staffing space. We don't just connect you with great jobs, we connect you with a workplace that inspires!
Join Akraya Today!
Let us lead you to your dream career and experience the Akraya difference. Browse our open positions and join our team!
See All 57 IT Security Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find IT Security Engineer JobsIT Security Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
IT Security Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Ampere Computing2
- Baker Tilly Canada2
- Etched2
- Mattel2
- NexHealth2
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software16
- Electronics & Hardware8
- Consulting & Professional Services5
- Education3
- Manufacturing3
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in IT security engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or a related technical field
- Industry certification such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ strongly preferred
- Hands-on experience with SIEM platforms, endpoint detection, and incident response tools
- Working knowledge of NIST, ISO 27001, and California Consumer Privacy Act compliance frameworks
- Experience securing cloud environments on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
- Ability to obtain or maintain security clearance for defense and government contract roles
IT Security Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a it security engineer in California?
IT security engineer roles in California do not require a state-issued license, but employers consistently expect a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or information systems alongside recognized industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CompTIA Security+. California's large defense and financial sectors often require candidates to complete a federal security clearance process. Building hands-on experience through internships, capture-the-flag competitions, or home lab projects strengthens applications considerably.
How much do IT security engineers make in California?
IT security engineers in California earn a median of about $138,570 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $66,070 for the lowest 10% to over $221,000 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire it security engineers in California?
Employers hiring it security engineers in California right now include Ampere Computing, Baker Tilly Canada, and Etched, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, defense primes, and large hospital systems means consistent openings appear across a wide range of industries rather than clustering in a single sector.
Which California cities have the most it security engineer jobs?
San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles post the most it security engineer openings in California. The San Jose and San Francisco concentration reflects the density of technology headquarters and cloud infrastructure firms in the Bay Area, while Los Angeles draws volume from entertainment studios, aerospace and defense contractors, and large financial services firms headquartered in the region.
Are there remote it security engineer jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 32% of it security engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how much of the work centers on monitoring dashboards, writing policies, and reviewing logs rather than touching physical hardware. Roles tied to on-site infrastructure, data centers, or government facilities with classified networks remain in-person by requirement.
How can I get hired as a it security engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a security analyst or IT support role first, then moving laterally into security engineering. Large California technology companies and hospital systems including those in the UC Health network run structured associate and rotational programs that accept candidates without dedicated security experience. Earning CompTIA Security+ or completing a recognized cybersecurity bootcamp recognized by California community colleges signals commitment, and a documented home lab or capture-the-flag portfolio gives interviewers something concrete to evaluate.
Where can I find and apply to it security engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to it security engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly through each listing.
See All 57 IT Security Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find IT Security Engineer Jobs