What Does an Application Security Engineer Do?
Application security engineers protect software applications from cyber threats by embedding security into every phase of development. They collaborate with developers, architects, and DevOps teams to identify vulnerabilities, implement security controls, and ensure adherence to secure coding standards. These professionals use automated testing tools, conduct manual code reviews, and monitor applications post-deployment to maintain a strong security posture.
Their responsibilities extend across the software development lifecycle (SDLC), from threat modeling and secure design to incident response planning and compliance auditing. Whether working in a financial enterprise or a tech startup, application security engineers make sure that apps are resilient against the evolving threat landscape without compromising performance or usability.
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Application Security Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Perform security assessments and code reviews to identify vulnerabilities
- Develop and implement secure coding standards and best practices
- Integrate security tools (SAST, DAST, IAST) into CI/CD pipelines
- Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for new applications
- Collaborate with development and DevOps teams to remediate issues
- Stay up to date with current vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation strategies
- Write and maintain secure software development guidelines
- Respond to application-level security incidents and breaches
- Automate security testing for scalability across development environments
- Ensure compliance with industry standards such as OWASP, NIST, and ISO 27001
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with secure coding practices in languages like Java, Python, JavaScript, or C#
- Hands-on experience with security testing tools (e.g., Burp Suite, Fortify, Veracode)
- Deep understanding of OWASP Top 10 and CWE vulnerabilities
- Familiarity with SDLC and DevSecOps practices
- Experience with code repositories and CI/CD platforms (e.g., GitHub, Jenkins)
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Clear communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
- Detail-oriented approach to risk identification and mitigation
- Initiative and ownership in high-stakes environments
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or related field
Certifications
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) recommended
- Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) and Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE) optional but valued
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in application security, software engineering, or penetration testing
- Familiarity with container security and microservices architecture
- Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their security frameworks
- Open source contributions to security tools or standards
- Experience working in Agile or DevOps environments
National Average Salary
Application security engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Application Security Engineer is:
$132,522
The average annual salary for an application security engineer ranges from $125,000 to $135,000. Compensation can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the organization’s size. Engineers in larger companies or in urban areas with a higher cost of living tend to earn more. Additionally, those with advanced certifications and extensive experience can command higher salaries.
Sample Job Description Templates for Application Security Engineers
Junior Application Security Engineer
Position Overview
Junior application security engineers support secure software development initiatives by identifying vulnerabilities, assisting with testing, and learning how to integrate security into the SDLC. They work closely with more experienced engineers to develop foundational skills in application security.
Application Security Engineer Responsibilities
- Assist with vulnerability scanning and code reviews
- Help integrate basic security tools into development workflows
- Research OWASP Top 10 risks and mitigation tactics
- Participate in threat modeling and application risk assessments
- Document findings and security recommendations
Application Security Engineer Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of secure coding principles
- Exposure to common web vulnerabilities
- Familiarity with one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript)
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn
- Attention to detail
- Strong communication and documentation skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field (or in progress)
Certifications
- None required; interest in pursuing CSSLP or OSWE encouraged
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or coursework in cybersecurity or secure software development
Mid-Level Application Security Engineer
Position Overview
Mid-level application security engineers help embed security practices throughout the development lifecycle. They lead vulnerability scans, conduct secure code reviews, and collaborate with engineering teams to resolve security issues.
Application Security Engineer Responsibilities
- Conduct SAST/DAST scanning and manual code reviews
- Collaborate with developers to remediate vulnerabilities
- Integrate security tools into CI/CD pipelines
- Maintain documentation on secure development policies
- Monitor application behavior for security anomalies
Application Security Engineer Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with OWASP Top 10, SAST/DAST tools, and secure coding
- Proficient in one or more programming languages
- Familiar with DevOps tooling and pipelines
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking
- Cross-team communication
- Problem-solving focus
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
Certifications
- CSSLP or equivalent recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years in AppSec, security testing, or secure development
Senior Application Security Engineer
Position Overview
Senior application security engineers lead secure development practices across projects, mentor junior team members, and ensure security is integrated at scale. They assess architectural designs and guide incident response planning.
Application Security Engineer Responsibilities
- Lead threat modeling and secure architecture reviews
- Oversee vulnerability management and remediation plans
- Provide strategic input on security tool adoption and integration
- Mentor junior engineers and developers on AppSec best practices
- Respond to high-priority application security incidents
Application Security Engineer Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep understanding of application architecture and attack vectors
- Hands-on experience with SAST, DAST, and container security tools
- Skilled in scripting and automation for testing
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring ability
- Strategic thinking
- Strong communication with technical and business teams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or cybersecurity
Certifications
- CISSP or CSSLP recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years in application security or software engineering with security focus
Principal Application Security Engineer
Position Overview
Principal application security engineers are technical leaders who define enterprise-wide security strategies and frameworks. They work with executives and architects to enforce scalable and proactive application security standards.
Application Security Engineer Responsibilities
- Define and implement organization-wide AppSec strategies
- Lead cross-functional security architecture initiatives
- Conduct advanced threat modeling and secure design reviews
- Establish enterprise security metrics and reporting
- Guide AppSec technology roadmaps and vendor selection
Application Security Engineer Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert in enterprise security frameworks and architecture
- Familiarity with secure design patterns for cloud-native apps
- Skilled in integrating security into large-scale SDLCs
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership
- Executive-level communication
- Influence across engineering, compliance, and product teams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in cybersecurity or related field
Certifications
- CISSP, CSSLP, OSWE preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of AppSec or secure development experience
- Public speaking or thought leadership in cybersecurity
Cloud Application Security Engineer
Position Overview
Cloud application security engineers focus on securing cloud-hosted applications and infrastructure. They ensure applications are designed securely for public, private, or hybrid cloud environments.
Application Security Engineer Responsibilities
- Secure cloud-native applications and APIs
- Implement access control, encryption, and identity measures in cloud apps
- Integrate cloud security tools into DevSecOps pipelines
- Audit cloud deployments for misconfigurations and vulnerabilities
- Maintain compliance with cloud security standards (e.g., CIS, NIST, CSA CCM)
Application Security Engineer Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of AWS, Azure, or GCP security practices
- Familiarity with IaC security tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation scanners)
- Proficiency with container and serverless security
Soft skills
- Initiative in fast-paced, distributed environments
- Strong problem-solving skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information security
Certifications
- AWS Security Specialty, Azure Security Engineer, or equivalent recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years in cloud security or cloud-native development
Mobile Application Security Engineer
Position Overview
Mobile application security engineers protect iOS and Android apps from exploits and data leaks. They work with mobile development teams to integrate security from design to deployment.
Application Security Engineer Responsibilities
- Perform mobile app penetration testing
- Review mobile source code for vulnerabilities (e.g., improper storage, insecure APIs)
- Monitor app traffic for anomalies and privacy leaks
- Guide developers on secure mobile design patterns
- Implement mobile app security tools in CI pipelines
Application Security Engineer Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of iOS and Android security models
- Familiarity with mobile security testing tools (e.g., MobSF, Frida, OWASP MASVS)
- Understanding of secure storage, authentication, and data transmission
Soft skills
- Adaptability across mobile platforms
- Clear communication with development teams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or software engineering
Certifications
- Recommended: GIAC Mobile Device Security Analyst (GMOB)
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years in mobile application development or security
- Experience with app store compliance and privacy policies