Principal Data Security Engineer
Senior data security role serving a global fintech client, working fully remote with occasional travel to Johannesburg: architecting encryption, tokenization, DLP, and IAM solutions, securing AWS/Azure/GCP environments, leading data-breach incident response, and mentoring junior engineers.
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Work setup
- Remote
- Seniority
- Principal
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- 10+ years
- Category
- Security
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related engineering discipline
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in data security engineering and architecture
- Demonstrated expertise designing and implementing enterprise-grade data security solutions
- Deep understanding of encryption algorithms, key management, tokenization, and data masking
- Extensive experience with cloud security and controls in AWS, Azure, or GCP
- Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for security automation
- Strong knowledge of security frameworks (ISO 27001, SOC 2) and regulations (GDPR, POPIA)
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills; able to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Ability to work independently in a remote setting with occasional travel to Johannesburg
Full description
About the Role
Our client, a global leader in financial technology, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Data Security Engineer to join their cutting-edge security team. This pivotal role, based remotely but requiring occasional travel to Johannesburg , will focus on architecting, implementing, and maintaining advanced data security solutions across the organization's extensive digital landscape. You will be instrumental in safeguarding sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and critical infrastructure from sophisticated threats. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a senior security engineer to drive innovation and shape the future of data protection within a forward-thinking company operating across various markets, including Gauteng .
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and deploy state-of-the-art data security solutions, including encryption, tokenization, and data loss prevention (DLP) technologies.
- Lead the implementation and management of robust access control mechanisms and identity and access management (IAM) systems.
- Architect and implement security controls for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and on-premises infrastructure.
- Develop and enforce data security policies, standards, and best practices across the organization.
- Conduct in-depth security assessments, threat modeling, and risk analyses for new and existing systems.
- Lead incident response activities related to data breaches, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
- Collaborate with engineering, product, and compliance teams to ensure security is embedded throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
- Evaluate and recommend new security technologies and tools to enhance the organization's data protection posture.
- Provide expert guidance and mentorship to junior security engineers and other technical staff.
- Stay current with emerging data security threats, vulnerabilities, and regulatory requirements globally.
Requirements
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related engineering discipline.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in data security engineering and architecture.
- Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing enterprise-grade data security solutions.
- Deep understanding of encryption algorithms, key management, tokenization, and data masking techniques.
- Extensive experience with cloud security best practices and implementing security controls in AWS, Azure, or GCP.