Associate Microsoft Security Engineer

Company: Critical Start
Location: Washington
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

Who We AreAt Critical Start, we're on a mission to make everyone a valued member of a winning team, united by an inspiring purpose: shaping the future of cybersecurity. Since 2012, we've been dedicated to safeguarding organizations from cyberattacks, preparing for evolving threats, and earning recognition for our innovative contributions to the industry.We thrive in an agile, collaborative environment that fosters creativity and action. At Critical Start, innovation drives everything we do. We pioneered the first MOBILESOC app for on-the-go threat detection and response, automated alert resolutions to maximize efficiency, and cut alert investigation time by 99.3% - transforming the way cybersecurity teams work. Our team and customers genuinely value the impact we make every day.Everything we do is grounded in our three core principles:

• Do what's best for our customers.
• Do what's best for our team members.
• Don't do things that suck.Want to hear more from our team? Watch this video to gain insights into life at Critical Start or check out our Glassdoor reviews for an inside look.What can we offer you?
  • A chance to make an impact every day-whether protecting customers or contributing to a greater mission.
  • Collaboration with talented, supportive teammates who value accountability and growth.
  • A commitment to continuous improvement, striving for excellence, and breaking past mediocrity.
  • A culture of learning, innovation, and inclusivity, where every idea matters.
  • Recognition for being at the forefront of the industry-we've received accolades that prove we're doing something right.
  • A supportive environment where you belong and your contributions truly matter, as one team member put it:"Every day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth, and the culture is unlike any other.Who You AreThe Microsoft Security Engineer II will play a pivotal role in providing technical leadership and expertise to our diverse range of customers. The ideal candidate will have experience in customer-facing roles, demonstrating proficiency in leading technical discussions and managing projects. As a Microsoft Security Engineer II, you will showcase thought leadership, leveraging your deep understanding of Microsoft security solutions to benefit our customers and partners. Your primary responsibility will involve delivering high-quality Microsoft Security Consulting Services projects, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.In this role, you will take ownership of envisioning, planning, deploying, and optimizing Microsoft cybersecurity solutions, ensuring they align seamlessly with the unique security, technical, and business initiatives of our clients. Your ability to engage clients effectively will be crucial as you present and explain the diverse portfolio of Microsoft security solutions, guiding them through requirements gathering and architecting robust deployment strategies.What You Will Be Doing?The Microsoft Security Engineer II will have the following essential functions:
    • Drive high-quality Microsoft Security project delivery by establishing relationships with customer stakeholders and understanding their requirements.
    • Execute a full delivery lifecycle from initial exploration to deployment and operationalization of Microsoft Security solutions.
    • Hands-on deployment of Microsoft Security Solutions, including Microsoft 365 Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Cloud, and Azure Arc.
    • Assess client environments and provide Microsoft security recommendations.
    • Support incident response efforts in response to client breaches.
    • Develop deployment models and deliverable templates for Microsoft Security projects.
    • Build and maintain high levels of customer relationships that are trusted and respected.
    • Continuously update skills and knowledge to stay informed about changing Microsoft 365 and Azure security capabilities and customer needs.Primary Responsibilities:
      • Work closely with customers and project managers to understand and manage project delivery expectations and outcomes.
      • Provide architecture reviews and project milestone sessions for project sponsors.
      • Communicate with technical and business staff.
      • Help customers stay informed about new Microsoft 365 and Azure security capabilities and scenarios.Secondary Responsibilities:
        • Function as a delivery lead for Microsoft Security Workshop engagements.
        • Define and own the playbook for Microsoft Security tool proof-of-concept (POC) engagements.
        • Define and own the playbook for Microsoft Security Advanced Deployment Sessions (ADS).
        • Document and share technical best practices and insights with customers and the community.
        • Present solution demonstrations and virtual whiteboard sessions to CIO/CISO/CTO.What You Will Bring?Required Qualifications:
          • 2+ years of hands-on experience managing endpoints and cloud infrastructures.
          • Familiary and understandingwith security solutions included in the Microsoft 365 E5 license (e.g., Microsoft Defender, Azure AD Premium, Information Protection, Cloud App Security).
          • Demonstrated deployment and administration experience with various Microsoft solutions, including Azure Active Directory, Intune, Microsoft 365 Defender (AAD IPC, MDO, MDE, MDCA, MDI), and Purview.
          • Competency with security monitoring related to Microsoft cloud technologies.
          • Strong skills in Entra, including Conditional Access, PIM,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:
            • Prior consulting experience is preferred but not strictly required.
            • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Defender and Microsoft Sentinel.
            • 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.
            • Deep technical skills and experience with three or more of the following Microsoft technologies: Microsoft 365 Defender, MDO, MDE, MDCA, MDI, Microsoft Sentinel, Entra, RBAC, Conditional Access, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Intune, Purview.What It's Like Working HereImagine 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
              • Mines Employee Assistance Program
              • Monthly Wellness Initiatives
              • Optional Pet Benefits Discount PlanWe 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 RequirementsIt'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 [$88,000 - $132,000 USD].Additional Compensation:This role is eligible for additional or other forms of 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 May 31, 2025.How to Apply:Interested candidates are invited to visit our career site and apply for the position: https://www.criticalstart.com/careers/#LI-Remote#LI-CV1
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Keywords: Critical Start, Reston , Associate Microsoft Security Engineer, IT / Software / Systems , Washington, Virginia