Systems Security Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Systems Security Engineer jobs in Ohio are in strong demand, concentrated in defense contracting, financial services, healthcare IT, and government sectors, with openings from entry-level analyst positions through senior architect and principal engineer roles. Columbus, Cleveland, and Dayton are the largest hiring metros, anchored by employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, Battelle, and JPMorgan Chase, which maintain significant Ohio operations. The most in-demand specialties include cloud security architecture, SIEM and threat detection engineering, and compliance-focused security for regulated industries. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Title:
Senior Systems Security EngineerAt KBR, we deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 85 countries and operations in over 28 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results.
Trinzic is the future independent company to be created through the planned spin-off of KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business, expected in January 2027. Our people work at the frontier of what is possible, delivering solutions in challenging environments and advancing some of the world's highest-priority national security and space missions.
Backed by decades of mission success, deep expertise, and trusted partnerships, Trinzic will launch as a global organization with more than 18,000 employees supporting customers around the world. Join us at a defining moment and help shape the future of a company built to tackle complex challenges and make a meaningful impact.
Candidates who join KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business before the spin-off will transition to Trinzic when the separation is complete and will not need to reapply for employment.
Position Summary:
KBR, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and experienced System Security Engineering SME to support the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) Division. Responsible for providing expert-level system security engineering guidance, including cybersecurity guidance, on this complex program. Ensure that interfaces to other service, DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) efforts in support of Joint All Domian Command and Control (JADC2) are engineered using appropriate system security engineering practices.
This role will focus on implementing, maintaining, and managing system security engineering requirements in compliance with Air Force, DoD and IC instructions and directives across the various ABMS product lines. Provide technical advice to Air Force acquisition teams, ensuring that all system security engineering requirements are met across the entire acquisition lifecycle, from program initiation through system deployment, maintenance, and decommissioning.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide subject matter expertise on system security engineering requirements and practices during all phases of the acquisition lifecycle, from materiel solution analysis through production, deployment, and operations and support.
- Ensure ABMS acquisition processes and documents align with appropriate system security statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Develop and then lead execution of the ABMS Cybersecurity Strategy (CSS).
- Develop and lead execution of the ABMS Program Protection Plan (PPP) and its appendices, including Anti-Tamper/CSS, which details critical program technologies and information which must be protected.
- Address System Security During Design
- Provide subject matter expertise to product delivery teams to ensure their systems are designed, developed, and maintained securely.
- Advise on security considerations for critical infrastructure and classified systems as they relate to Air Force acquisition efforts (e.g., Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), Special Access Program (SAP), Collateral, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)).
- Conduct system security evaluations and support certification and accreditation processes to ensure the systems align with AFI 17-101, DoD 8570.01-M, and other relevant directives.
- Cybersecurity Compliance, Risk Management and Documentation:
- Oversee compliance with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) as outlined by NIST and DoD Instruction 8510.01, specifically focusing on Air Force-specific requirements for System Security Authorization and Security Assessment Reports (SAR).
- Lead the development of Assessment and Authorization (A&A) packages, ensuring full compliance with DoD 8500.2 and AFI 17-101, including Security Test & Evaluation (ST&E) reports and Cybersecurity Risk Assessments.
- Support the development of System Security Plans (SSPs), Security Assessment Reports (SARs), and other cybersecurity documentation for Air Force systems and programs.
- Ensure Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses relating to system security are implemented.
- Advise program managers about Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance requirements and assist contractors in achieving necessary certification levels.
- Lead the response to cybersecurity incidents involving assigned systems, ensuring swift identification, containment, and mitigation of cyber threats.
- Provide input on risk mitigation strategies for ongoing and future acquisition programs and assist with incident response plan development.
- Develop and maintain security metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to continuously monitor and evaluate security measure effectiveness.
- Deliver training and awareness programs on Air Force-specific system security engineering requirements for acquisition program office personnel.
- Promote system security best practices across all assigned programs, ensuring that program personnel understand and implement security controls effectively.
- Serve as a liaison between program office, user community and contractor personnel to ensure clear communication and adherence to acquisition security policies.
Work Environment:
- Location: On-site (Beavercreek, OH)
- Travel Requirements: Moderate, 20-40%
- Working Hours: Standard – Core hours 0900 - 1500
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Engineering or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of experience in system security engineering and/or cybersecurity with a specific focus on Air Force acquisition programs or similar DoD systems.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver system security engineering solutions which meet applicable security policies, standards, and guidelines.
- Demonstrated knowledge of applying the Risk Management Framework (RMF) to DoD and/or IC acquisition programs.
- Expertise in System Security Engineering Acquisition Documentation (e.g., CSS, PPP, Anti-Tamper, System Security Plans, Security Test & Evaluation Reports).
- Familiarity with CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification), CUI, and classified system security requirements.
- Proficiency with security tools and technologies commonly used in Air Force and DoD environments, such as endpoint protection, and cloud security solutions.
- Communication and Collaboration:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex security concepts to program managers, contractors, and non-technical stakeholders.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines within the DoD acquisition environment.
- Ability to navigate the complexities of military contracting processes and collaborate with defense contractors to ensure compliance with Air Force security requirements.
- Top Secret, SCI Eligible
- SAP Eligibility (Counterintelligence Polygraph may be required)
Desired:
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in Special Access and/or SCI programs.
- Demonstrated ability to work well independently or as a team member.
- Demonstrated ability to drive projects to closure and to assimilate and correlate project information in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate with technical and non-technical project teams.
- Experience with cloud security in an Air Force or DoD context (e.g., AWS GovCloud, Azure Government).
- Familiarity with DoD and Air Force system security-related acquisition initiatives.
- Experience evaluating contract proposals and security specifications.
- Highly Preferred: DAWIA Engineering and Technology Management Practitioner with Intermediate Secure Cyber Resilient Engineering Credential or DoD 8140 DCWF Security Architect Intermediate Qualification or Equivalent
- Preferred: DoD 8140 DCWF Security Architect Advanced Qualification or Equivalent
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
See All 32 Systems Security Engineer Jobs in Ohio
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Find JobsSystems Security Engineer Jobs by City in Ohio
Where Ohio roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Systems Security Engineer Job Market in Ohio
A snapshot from current Ohio openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Construction & Real Estate
What Ohio Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in systems security engineer jobs across Ohio.
- Active security clearance or eligibility for DoD clearance preferred by Ohio defense employers
- Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a closely related technical field
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or equivalent certification required
- Hands-on experience with SIEM platforms, vulnerability management tools, and endpoint detection
- Familiarity with NIST, RMF, or CMMC compliance frameworks relevant to Ohio government and defense work
- Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python or PowerShell for automation and security tooling
Systems Security Engineer Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a systems security engineer in Ohio?
Ohio does not require a state-issued license to work as a systems security engineer, so the path centers on education and industry credentials. Most Ohio employers expect a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems, followed by certifications such as the CISSP, CompTIA Security+, or Certified Ethical Hacker. Ohio's large defense and government sector also places significant weight on obtaining a federal security clearance early in your career.
How much do systems security engineers make in Ohio?
Systems security engineers in Ohio earn a median of about $109,780 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $49,320 for the lowest 10% to over $161,520 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire systems security engineers in Ohio?
Employers hiring systems security engineers in Ohio right now include MTSI, Silco Fire & Security, and Trinzic, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Ohio's mix of defense contractors headquartered near Dayton, financial institutions based in Columbus, and major health systems across the state creates a broad and varied hiring base for this role.
Which Ohio cities have the most systems security engineer jobs?
Dayton, Columbus, and Wright-Patterson AFB have the most systems security engineer openings in Ohio. Columbus leads as the state's largest metro with a dense concentration of financial services firms and government agencies, while Dayton's proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base drives consistent defense-sector demand, and Cleveland's healthcare and manufacturing base supports a steady need for security engineering talent.
Are there remote systems security engineer jobs in Ohio?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 14% of systems security engineer openings tied to Ohio are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the work involves cloud platforms, SIEM monitoring, and policy analysis rather than on-site hardware. The most fully remote positions tend to be in cloud security architecture and compliance engineering, while roles requiring cleared facility access remain predominantly on-site.
How can I get hired as a systems security engineer in Ohio with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting in a security operations center analyst or IT helpdesk role, then building toward security engineering through targeted certifications. Ohio employers like Battelle and large hospital networks such as OhioHealth hire junior security analysts and offer structured mentorship programs. CompTIA Security+ is the credential that opens the most entry-level doors, and Ohio's defense contractors frequently hire recent graduates from schools like The Ohio State University and Wright State University into associate security engineer pipelines.
Where can I find and apply to systems security engineer jobs in Ohio?
You can find and apply to systems security engineer jobs in Ohio on Migrate Mate, which lists current Ohio openings across Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, and the rest of the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and specialization, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 32 Systems Security Engineer Jobs in Ohio
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