What This Role Does
A DevSecOps Engineer integrates security into the way software is built, tested, and deployed.
This role focuses on ensuring that security is part of every step of development and operations, instead of being added at the end.
DevSecOps Engineers work closely with developers, system engineers, and security teams to make sure applications and infrastructure are secure by design — and remain secure as they change.
Their goal is to help teams move fast without breaking trust.
Why This Role Matters
Modern technology changes quickly.
Applications are updated frequently.
Systems scale constantly.
Cloud environments evolve every day.
If security is not integrated early, risks grow silently.
DevSecOps Engineers help organizations:
- reduce vulnerabilities before release
- detect issues earlier in development
- automate secure practices
- support innovation without sacrificing safety
Security that moves at the speed of development protects everyone.
Tools and Environments Used in This Role
DevSecOps Engineers work with tools that support automation and continuous improvement.
These often include:
code repositories and pipelines
automated testing and validation tools
configuration and deployment systems
security scanning and monitoring tools
cloud and container environments
Security checks are built into workflows so teams can catch issues early and consistently.
Skills Commonly Used in This Role
This role combines technical skill with collaboration and automation.
Common skills include:
understanding how software is built and deployed
basic programming and scripting
automation and pipeline thinking
secure configuration practices
communication across teams
DevSecOps Engineers help different teams work together securely.
How Young People Often Discover This Role
Many people discover interest in DevSecOps by:
building apps or websites
using version control tools
automating tasks
learning how cloud systems work
participating in development or STEM programs
Curiosity about “how software gets from idea to production” often leads to this role.
Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1: Secure Code Deployment
A team releases updates frequently.
A DevSecOps Engineer ensures that security checks run automatically before code goes live.
Scenario 2: Cloud Environment Changes
Infrastructure is updated to support growth.
The engineer validates that new configurations remain secure and consistent.
Scenario 3: Reducing Human Error
Manual steps introduce mistakes.
The engineer automates secure processes so protection happens every time.
How to Start Exploring This Role
Exploring DevSecOps starts with understanding development and systems together.
Many students begin by:
learning basic programming
understanding how applications run
studying version control concepts
experimenting with automation
building small projects or labs
Hands-on practice builds confidence in this role.
Where This Role Fits in the Cybersecurity Landscape
Within the NICE Framework, DevSecOps roles fall under the Securely Provision, Operate and Maintain, and Protect and Defend categories.
These roles connect development speed with long-term security.
DevSecOps bridges innovation and protection.
Where Can This Role Lead?
Starting as a DevSecOps Engineer opens advanced paths.
Many professionals grow into roles such as:
Cloud Security Engineer
Security Architect
Platform Security Lead
Security Engineering Manager
Integrating security early supports scalable and resilient systems.
Using the Cyber Career Pathways Tool
The Cyber Career Pathways Tool helps you explore DevSecOps and related cybersecurity roles.
You can use it to:
compare engineering roles
understand skill progression
visualize secure development paths
Explore the tool here:
https://niccs.cisa.gov/tools/cyber-career-pathways-tool
How This Role Connects to Being a Cyber Hero
A cyber hero builds protection into creation.
DevSecOps Engineers:
- prevent vulnerabilities early
- support safe innovation
- reduce risk at scale
- help teams build responsibly
Security that grows with technology protects everyone.
Final Thought
DevSecOps Engineers don’t slow development — they strengthen it.
By integrating security into every step, they help create technology that is fast, reliable, and safe.
Be a Cyber Hero.
Daniel Porta
Cybersecurity Professional | CISO
Founder, Be a Cyber Hero Initiative