Role Snapshot
A DevSecOps Engineer is the cybersecurity professional who integrates security directly into software development and operations.
In the United States, where technology is built and deployed at high speed, this role ensures that security is part of the process, not something added at the end.
If cybersecurity were a production line, DevSecOps Engineers would be the professionals who embed safety checks into every step, from design to deployment.
What You Actually Do
In this role, you are often the person who:
integrates security controls into development pipelines
automates security checks and testing
works with developers to fix issues early
helps operations teams deploy systems securely
monitors environments for security misconfigurations
documents secure development practices
DevSecOps focuses on continuous security, not one-time fixes.
A Day in the Life
A typical day as a DevSecOps Engineer may include:
reviewing code changes and pipeline configurations
adding or tuning automated security tests
working with developers to resolve security findings
supporting secure cloud deployments
documenting secure workflows and standards
Some days are hands-on and technical.
Other days involve collaboration and guidance.
Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1
A development team wants to release new features quickly.
You help integrate automated security checks so issues are caught before deployment.
Scenario 2
A cloud deployment introduces a configuration risk.
You identify the issue early and help fix it before it reaches production.
Scenario 3
Security findings slow down a release.
You help teams adjust workflows so security and speed can coexist.
These situations are common in startups, enterprises, and technology-driven organizations across the U.S.
Skills You Build
As a DevSecOps Engineer, you develop:
understanding of software development workflows
automation and scripting skills
secure cloud and infrastructure knowledge
risk-based decision-making
collaboration across development and operations teams
clear documentation and communication
These skills are highly valued in modern technology environments.
Soft Skills That Matter in the U.S. Market
In the U.S., DevSecOps Engineers are expected to:
communicate security requirements without blocking progress
collaborate closely with developers and operations teams
advocate for secure practices through guidance, not control
translate security findings into practical solutions
Empathy and collaboration are essential for success in this role.
Training and Certifications
Aligned with NICCS and the NICE Framework
Within the NICE Framework, DevSecOps roles align primarily with the Securely Provision, Operate and Maintain, and Protect and Defend categories.
To understand how this role fits into the U.S. cybersecurity workforce, use the Cyber Career Pathways Tool:
https://niccs.cisa.gov/tools/cyber-career-pathways-tool
To explore training aligned with this role, use the NICCS Education and Training Catalog:
https://niccs.cisa.gov/training/catalog
NICCS emphasizes that certifications are tools to validate learning, not mandatory requirements:
https://niccs.cisa.gov/resources/cybersecurity-certifications
Certifications commonly explored for DevSecOps paths include:
Cloud and DevOps security certifications
Secure software development training
Automation and infrastructure security certifications
Hands-on experience with pipelines, cloud platforms, and automation tools is essential.
Career Progression
In the U.S. market, DevSecOps Engineers often move into roles such as:
Senior DevSecOps Engineer
Security Architect
Cloud Security Engineer
Platform Security Lead
Security Leadership Roles
Experience in DevSecOps is highly respected due to its direct impact on speed and safety.
How This Role Fits the Be a Cyber Hero Initiative
DevSecOps Engineers represent the bridge between building and protecting.
Their work ensures that security evolves alongside innovation and that systems remain trustworthy as they grow.
They protect society by making secure development the default.
Final Thought
If you enjoy building systems, improving processes, and helping teams move fast without sacrificing safety, DevSecOps may be the right path.
In the United States, DevSecOps Engineers play a key role in shaping how secure technology is built at scale.
Secure by design.
Continuous by practice.
Responsible by choice.
Be a Cyber Hero.
Daniel Porta
Cybersecurity Professional | CISO
Founder, Be a Cyber Hero Initiative