Job ID: JOB_ID_1657
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Azure Security and Identity Engineer to join our enterprise infrastructure team in Columbia, MD. This is a critical 12-month contract role focused on the comprehensive security, administration, and optimization of our Microsoft cloud ecosystem. The successful candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end management of identity services, endpoint security, and threat protection mechanisms. As organizations move toward more complex hybrid environments, your expertise in Microsoft Entra ID and the Defender suite will be paramount in maintaining a resilient security posture.
Key Responsibilities
- Identity and Access Management: Lead the administration of Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), ensuring robust identity governance, conditional access policy enforcement, and secure authentication protocols.
- Endpoint Management: Utilize Microsoft Intune to manage a diverse fleet of devices, ensuring all endpoints meet strict security baselines and compliance requirements.
- Security Operations: Configure, tune, and monitor Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM/SOAR) to detect and respond to security incidents in real-time.
- Threat Protection: Deploy and manage the full Microsoft Defender suite, including Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, and Defender for Cloud Apps.
- Zero Trust Implementation: Design and implement security controls based on Zero Trust principles, ensuring that every access request is fully authenticated, authorized, and encrypted.
- Compliance and Governance: Support environments driven by strict regulatory frameworks such as NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, CMMC, and ISO 27001.
- Infrastructure Security: Manage Azure networking security controls, including Network Security Groups (NSGs), Azure Firewall, and Private Link.
- Incident Response: Act as a primary technical resource for security incident investigations and operational troubleshooting within the Azure environment.
Technical Requirements
The ideal candidate must possess at least 5 years of hands-on experience in Azure and Microsoft 365 administration. Deep technical knowledge of SIEM/SOAR concepts and cloud security best practices is mandatory. Experience working within Managed Service Provider (MSP) environments or highly regulated industries is a significant advantage. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and possess the ability to translate complex security requirements into actionable technical configurations. Strong communication skills are required for collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Preferred Certifications
While not strictly required, candidates holding the following certifications will be given priority: AZ-104 (Azure Administrator Associate), SC-200 (Security Operations Analyst Associate), MD-102 (Endpoint Administrator Associate), and SC-300 (Identity and Access Administrator Associate). The SC-100 (Cybersecurity Architect Expert) is considered a major plus for this senior-level position.
Special Requirements
Face To Face Interview required this week (Wednesday to Friday). Subject line mentions F2F at Columbia, Alabama, while body mentions Columbia, MD. Domain: Security & Identity.
Compensation & Location
Salary: $145,000 – $185,000 per year (Estimated)
Location: Columbia, MD
Recruiter / Company – Contact Information
Recruiter / Employer: Tek Pyramids Inc.
Email: anurag@tekpyramids.com
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