Principal Security Engineer – Cybersecurity Engineering

Job Description:

Principal Security Engineer – Cybersecurity Engineering

Description

Position Description

Are you ready to lead enterprise-level cybersecurity initiatives that directly impact the reliability and resiliency of public utility services? Do you thrive in an environment where strategic thinking, technical excellence, and cross-functional leadership come together to shape long-term security outcomes? If so, Tacoma Power invites you to join our Utility Technology Services (UTS) team as a Principal Security Engineer.

This key role serves as the lead architect and strategist for TPU’s cybersecurity engineering efforts. With broad enterprise influence and deep technical expertise, you will be responsible for driving the secure design, integration, and maturity of cybersecurity solutions across both operational and information technology environments. Your work will directly support the protection of critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and essential utility services.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead Cybersecurity Architecture and Design: Guide the development of secure architectures for utility systems by conducting security design reviews, participating in technical governance boards , and developing reference architectures and roadmaps.
• Ensure Security Alignment in Major Projects: Evaluate technical designs and collaborate with architects, project teams, and vendors to embed cybersecurity into system lifecycles and maintain compliance with internal and external standards.
• Advance Cybersecurity Tool Maturity: Drive the evolution of key security services such as SIEM, EDR, and IAM by conducting gap analyses, aligning with NIST CSF and NERC-CIP frameworks, and leading improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate Emerging Technologies: Lead proof-of-concept testing for new tools and capabilities to identify forward-looking security solutions and recommend adoption based on risk, value, and operational fit.
• Conduct Supply Chain Risk Assessments: Perform technical evaluations of third-party vendors and tools to identify potential cybersecurity risks and ensure secure integration into TPU’s environment.
• Provide Technical Leadership and Mentorship: Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor to cybersecurity staff, supporting team development and contributing to enterprise-wide security alignment.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in information technology, cybersecurity or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
5 years of progressively responsible technology experience related to assignment, including 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
As Assigned: Washington State Driver's License
Security+ or related certification (CISSP, GIAC GSDA, TOGAF, SABSA)

Depending on assignment, some positions may require the ability to pass additional background checks and / or obtain additional certifications, with maintenance thereafter

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Positions in this class typically require:

• remaining in a stationary position for 90% of the time with occasional movement to access office files, machinery and similar productivity tools (standing, sitting, walking).
• constant operation of a computer, as well as use of a calculator, printer and similar office tools (fingering, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions.
• communication and the exchange of information with others (hearing, seeing, talking.
• occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (sedentary work.

Work may also occasionally require:

• movement around the work place to pick up objects (stooping, walking, reaching).
• traversing, ascending or descending stairs, sloped terrain, or similar environments (climbing, balancing, walking).
• exerting up to 20 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (light work).

Knowledge & Skills

Desired Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in technical cybersecurity roles, with a focus on security operations, engineering, and enterprise-scale implementations.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • Cybersecurity incident response and investigation
  • Vulnerability management and risk assessment
  • Security architecture, secure system design, and integration practices
• Proven ability to lead enterprise-level security initiatives, influence cross-functional teams, and drive alignment across business and technical stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts and security risks to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Relevant professional certifications such as CISSP, GIAC (e.g., GSDA), TOGAF, SABSA, or an equivalent credential are strongly preferred.

Pay Details:

HOURLY

$61.26 - $86.25

ANNUALLY

$127,420.80 - $179,400.00

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt. If you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with her on LinkedIn.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online. Please attach a detailed resume that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 8/7/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$127,420.80 - $179,400.00 Annually