Microsoft Security Engineer

Who We Are:

Want to be part of a company that empowers you to innovate and implement your powerful ideas as you help shape the future of cybersecurity? Since 2012, CRITICALSTART has assisted in safeguarding numerous businesses from cyberattacks, preparing them for upcoming threats, and earning a plethora of awards along the way. 

We thrive on innovation, devoid of bureaucracy. CRITICALSTART pioneered the first MOBILESOC app for on-the-go threat detection and response, devised a method to automatically resolve the majority of security alerts, and introduced services that reduce alert investigation time by 99.3% (our analysts truly appreciate us for that). 

Everything we do revolves around our three core principles: 

Do what’s best for our customers.  

Do what’s best for our employees. 

Don’t do things that suck. 

That's basically it. 

If you'd prefer to hear from our Critical Crew, watch this video to learn about their perspectives. Look at our Glassdoor reviews for another internal viewpoint (Pssst...want to grab our attention when you submit your resume? Include something about our Glassdoor reviews that resonated with you). 

While you're at it, meet our VP of Professional Services, Elena here!

What can we offer you? 

• Daily opportunities to make a difference. Whether it's protecting our customers from attacks and breaches or contributing to the greater good. 
• An abundance of intelligent, talented, high-performing individuals to collaborate with. We value accountability, support each other's growth, and genuinely enjoy what we do. 

• An approach of continuous improvement to revolutionize our industry and surpass mediocrity. While many cybersecurity companies hire competent individuals, we believe in striving for excellence. Don't you believe you're capable of more than just being good? 
• Constant learning, unlocking innovative ideas, and a nurturing, cooperative environment. 
• Extensive industry recognition. We receive so much acclaim that it's nearly overwhelming. Almost. 
• Our teammate put it best: "Every day presents new challenges and ample opportunities for professional growth... Your contributions directly impact the company's overarching purpose, and the sense of belonging and culture are unparalleled. 

The Microsoft Security Engineer provides expert technical leadership in Microsoft security tools within the E5 license to a diverse customer base. This role requires a seasoned professional with experience in customer-facing roles, skilled in leading technical discussions, managing projects, and delivering high-quality Microsoft Security Consulting Services. This role is ideal for a proactive, detail-oriented expert who can communicate complex security concepts and ensure customer alignment with best-in-class Microsoft security practices.

In this role, you will lead the end-to-end delivery of Microsoft Security projects, from initial assessment through deployment and operationalization. This includes deploying Microsoft security solutions like Microsoft 365 Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Cloud, and Azure Arc. You’ll assess client environments, offer tailored security recommendations, and support incident response when necessary. Key responsibilities involve developing deployment models, deliverable templates, and Statements of Work (SOWs), as well as building trusted client relationships by presenting demos, conducting workshops, and exploring new business opportunities.

You’ll stay updated on Microsoft 365 and Azure security capabilities, collaborate with sales to integrate Managed Detection and Response (MDR) into security solutions, and produce content like blog posts and webinars. This role also requires you to act as a thought leader, guiding clients in leveraging the full potential of Microsoft’s E5 security tools to align with their security, technical, and business goals.

Required Qualifications: 

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Defender and Microsoft Sentinel. 
• 5+ years of relevant experience. This includes experience in cybersecurity engineering with a focus on Microsoft security tools, customer engagement, project management, and expertise in deploying and optimizing solutions within the Microsoft E5 security suite 
• Demonstrated design, deployment, and administration experience with various Microsoft solutions, including Azure Active Directory, Intune, Microsoft 365 Defender (AAD IPC, MDO, MDE, MDCA, MDI), and Microsoft Information Protection. 
• Competency with security monitoring related to Microsoft cloud technologies. 
• Strong skills in Azure Active Directory, including Conditional Access, PIM, AzIP, and Azure MFA. 
• Ability to follow established processes, adapt to ambiguity, be a fast learner, and demonstrate a high level of personal ambition and initiative. 
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, along with the ability to develop technical documentation and presentations. 
• Demonstrated track record in troubleshooting complex product issues and executing test plans related to the integration of Microsoft technologies. 
  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• AZ-500 or MS-500 certification. 
• Prior consulting experience is preferred but not strictly required. 
• Familiarity with common security standards such as PCI, HIPAA, NIST, or CIS. 
• Strong understanding and knowledge of risk assessment, security assessment, and vulnerability management using Microsoft solutions. 
• Experience working with Microsoft programs such as ECIF and FastTrack. 
• Deep technical skills and experience with three or more of the following Microsoft technologies: Microsoft 365 Defender, AAD IPC, MDO, MDE, MDCA, MDI, Microsoft Sentinel, Entra, Azure AD, RBAC, Conditional Access, AzIP, Azure AD Connect, Azure MFA, Enterprise Permissions Management, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Intune. 

Imagine a dynamic, enjoyable, and rewarding work environment. We are professionals, and the work we do holds immense significance, like saving our customers from potential disasters. However, we believe in not taking ourselves too seriously. 

Prefer a casual dress code every day? No problem, as we find comfort enhances our thinking. 

Our workplace in Plano, TX offers open offices, collaborative meeting spaces, phone rooms, and wellness rooms. In the breakroom, friendly competition arises with games like ping-pong, bubble hockey machine, foosball, or the gaming machine. What harm does a little healthy competition among friends do? 

What does our Compensation and Benefits package entail? 

• Competitive salary with bonus potential 
• 100% employee coverage for healthcare/50% coverage for dependents 
• Unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy 
• Paid Parental and Military Leave 
• Dental and Vision Plan 
• Employer-provided Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability coverage 
• Additional Voluntary Life Insurance coverage 
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Program 
• 24/7/365 availability of Employee Assistance Program 
• Teladoc Mental Health Benefits 
• Optional Pet Benefits Discount Plan 
• And a new Tesla... just kidding! Kudos for making it to the end. 

We prioritize your privacy and security. Please note that Critical Start will never request financial information or sensitive personal data during the interview process. If you encounter any suspicious requests, do not respond and contact us directly at recruiting@criticalstart.com. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and trustworthy hiring experience.

Critical Start welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. One of our core values is to “Do what’s best for our employees,” and that starts with the hiring process by finding the best candidates and providing an environment that upholds equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants, strictly prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

This policy encompasses all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Mental and Physical Requirements 

It's important to note that specific physical and mental requirements may vary depending on the nature of the office job, organization, and individual responsibilities. 

Physical:  

• Stationary position for extended periods of time. 
• Constantly operate a computer.  
• Occasionally you may be required to move equipment or other items up to 20 lbs. 
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. 

Mental:  

• Must be able to apply established protocols in a timely manner. 
• Make timely decisions in the context of workflow. 
• Ability to complete tasks and perform in situations requiring speed deadlines, or productivity quota. 
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in high stress situations. 
• Ability to simultaneously address multiple complex problems. 

For positions that can or will be performed, in whole or in part, remotely within the U.S., range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, experience, performance in the role and potential for revenue generation (sales roles only).

Compensation:

The total compensation range (base) being offered for this role is [$125,000 USD - $175,000 USD].

Additional Compensation:

This role is eligible for the following: Bonus compensation.

Employment Benefits:

100% employee coverage for healthcare/50% coverage for dependents, unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off) policy, paid Parental and Military Leave, dental and vision plan, Employer-provided Life Insurance (up to $100K coverage), Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability coverage, 401(k) Plan with Matching Program, 24/7/365 availability of Employee Assistance Program.

Application Deadline:

The application deadline for this position is November 29, 2024.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to visit our career site and apply for the position: https://www.criticalstart.com/careers/

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