Security Engineer

General Description

The Security Engineer plays a key role in protecting NorthWinds Technology Solutions, its affiliated companies, and its clients by designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise security solutions. This position focuses heavily on the Microsoft security ecosystem, including endpoint protection, identity security, and related capabilities.

This role is responsible for strengthening the organization’s security posture through proactive monitoring, detection, and response, while working cross-functionally with infrastructure, cloud, and application teams. The Security Engineer will also participate in vulnerability management, incident response, and the ongoing evolution of security architecture and controls.

Core Responsibilities

Security Operations & Monitoring

Monitor, investigate, and respond to security alerts across Microsoft security and other platforms (Purview, Defender suite, SIEM, Entra ID)

Analyze logs and telemetry to identify suspicious activities and potential threats

Support incident response activities, including containment, eradication, and root cause analysis

Maintain and improve detection rules, analytics, and alert tuning

Microsoft Security Platform

Administer and Optimize:

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Identity, Cloud Apps, and Office 365

Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) security controls and tools

Microsoft Purview controls and tools

Additional responsibilities:

Develop and maintain automated workflows and playbooks

Integrate Microsoft security tools with other enterprise systems

Vulnerability & Risk Management

Conduct vulnerability assessments and coordinate remediation efforts

Partner with infrastructure and application teams to prioritize and mitigate risks

Contribute to risk tracking, reporting, and audit readiness (SOC 2, HIPAA, etc.)

Architecture & Engineering

Work with the Security Architect to identify and recommend improvements to enterprise security architecture

Assist with the implementation of security controls across cloud (Azure/AWS) and on-premises environments

Support identity and access management initiatives, including MFA, conditional access, and least privilege

Compliance & Governance

Assist with audits, security reviews, and third-party assessments

Ensure alignment with organizational security policies and regulatory requirements

Provide input into security standards, procedures, and documentation

Collaboration & Enablement

Work closely with infrastructure, network, and application teams to embed security controls

Provide technical guidance and support for security best practices

Help drive security awareness across engineering teams

Key Skills

Identity and access management (IAM)

Network security fundamentals (TCP/IP, firewalls, segmentation, switching, and routing)

Windows and cloud security principles

SIEM platforms and operations

Experience with vulnerability management and remediation processes

Familiarity with security frameworks and compliance standards (SOC 2, HIPAA, NIST, CIS)

AWS networking, security configuration, and tools

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

Linux terminal and PowerShell experience

Copilot administration and machine learning familiarity

Effective communication and collaboration skills

Key Characteristics

Detail-oriented and proactive in identifying and mitigating risks

Strong ownership mindset with the ability to drive security initiatives forward

Collaborative, team-first approach across infrastructure and security functions

Continuous learner who stays up to date on evolving threats and technologies

Required Qualifications

3–5 years of experience in cybersecurity, security engineering, or security operations

Hands-on experience with Microsoft security technologies, including:

Microsoft Defender suite (Endpoint, Identity, Cloud Apps, Office 365)

Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) security features and Intune administration

Experience with endpoint detection and response (EDR/XDR) and SIEM platforms

Preferred Qualifications

Microsoft certifications (SC-200, SC-300, AZ-500, or equivalent)

Experience with automation and scripting (PowerShell, Python)

Exposure to cloud security (Azure and/or AWS)

Experience implementing conditional access policies and Zero Trust principles

Knowledge of threat intelligence and detection engineering

Work Conditions

Participation in an on-call rotation may be required

Primarily remote work environment

Limited travel (<5%)