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Microsoft Defender Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Microsoft Defender information

What is a Microsoft Defender?

A Microsoft Defender job typically involves working with Microsoft's security solutions to protect systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. Professionals in this role may focus on threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and security policy enforcement. They use Microsoft Defender products, such as Defender for Endpoint and Defender for Office 365, to monitor and mitigate security risks. This role is common in cybersecurity teams within enterprises, managed security service providers (MSSPs), and Microsoft itself. Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, threat intelligence, and Microsoft security tools is essential.

What does a Microsoft Defender do?

In a Microsoft Defender security role, your daily responsibilities usually include monitoring security alerts, analyzing potential threats, conducting vulnerability assessments, and responding to incidents using Microsoft technologies. You’ll collaborate with IT and business teams to implement security best practices, perform regular system audits, and continuously optimize defense strategies. The role may also involve preparing security documentation, participating in incident response drills, and providing guidance on the safe use of digital resources. This position is both dynamic and collaborative, often requiring fast problem-solving to protect organizational assets effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Microsoft Defender position?

To thrive as a Microsoft Defender (Security Engineer or Analyst), you need a solid background in cybersecurity, network administration, and threat detection, often demonstrated by a relevant degree and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate. Mastery of Microsoft security solutions such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Azure Security Center, and SIEM tools is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, proactive communication, and teamwork are key soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure you can effectively identify and mitigate threats while collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain organizational security.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microsoft Defender jobs in California?

The most popular types of Microsoft Defender jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Microsoft Defender jobs in California?

For Microsoft Defender jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Microsoft Defender jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Microsoft Defender jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Microsoft Defender jobs?

Cities in California with the most Microsoft Defender job openings:

Microsoft Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microsoft Defender job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Microsoft Security Engineer

Cornerstone Concilium

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$170K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a Microsoft 365 and Azure Architect to lead the design, security, and ongoing optimization of an enterprise environment across one of the largest public transportation agencies in the United States. This role will architect identity, azure, cybersecurity, with direct accountability for the integrity, posture and design of the Microsoft 365 tenant, Azure subscriptions, and the hybrid infrastructure that connects these services.

The successful candidate is a hands-on expert who can translate Microsoft platform capabilities into measurable security, performance, and outcomes for a regulated government environment. This role requires deep technical authority in M365 and Azure, paired with the judgment to operate inside the constraints of public sector procurement, audit, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Microsoft 365 Architecture and Operations

  • Own the architecture, configuration baseline, and lifecycle of the M365 tenant supporting active directory accounts, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Teams etc.
  • Define and enforce tenant-wide policies for identity, licensing, data loss prevention, retention, eDiscovery, best practices and information protection.
  • Lead remediation of legacy configurations, technical debt, and drift accumulated in the existing M365 environment, with a clear roadmap to a hardened target state.
  • Manage hybrid identity through Entra ID (Azure AD), Entra Connect, Conditional Access, and PIM, including integration with on-premises Active Directory and downstream applications.
  • Govern Microsoft licensing strategy across E3, E5, and add-on SKUs to align entitlements with security requirements and budget constraints.

Azure Platform and Virtual Machines

  • Architect and operate Azure subscriptions, management groups, and policy structures aligned to Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework and Zero Trust principles.
  • Design, harden, and optimize Azure Virtual Machines and supporting services, including VM sizing, availability sets, scale sets, disk encryption, backup, patching, and Just-in-Time access.
  • Implement and tune Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Defender for Servers, Microsoft Sentinel, and Azure Monitor to deliver actionable telemetry to the SOC.

Security, Identity, and Compliance

  • Partner directly with the Cybersecurity organization to translate security requirements into enforceable Microsoft platform controls.
  • Implement and continuously improve Conditional Access, MFA, privileged access management, and identity governance across all M365 and Azure workloads.
  • Maintain alignment with NIST 800-53 where applicable, CIS Microsoft 365 and Azure Benchmarks, and any state and federal mandates relevant to a transit agency.
  • Establish secure configuration baselines for collaboration tooling that account for the operational realities of a 24/7 transit workforce.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Minimum 8 years of progressive experience designing and operating enterprise Microsoft environments, with at least 5 years focused on M365 and Azure at scale.
  • Expert-level command of Microsoft 365 administration, including hands-on experience with tenants of 10,000 accounts or more.
  • Demonstrated expertise in Azure IaaS and PaaS, with deep knowledge of Azure Virtual Machines, networking, storage, identity, and governance.
  • Strong working knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, Windows Server, certificate services, and traditional on-premises Microsoft infrastructure.
  • Proven track record applying NIST, CIS, or equivalent frameworks to Microsoft cloud environments.
  • Proficiency with PowerShell, including Microsoft Graph, Exchange Online, and Azure modules.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief both engineers and executives.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience in a government, transit, utility, or other regulated public sector environment.
  • Active Microsoft certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Identity and Access Administrator, or Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert.
  • Experience with Microsoft Sentinel, Defender XDR, Purview, and Intune at enterprise scale.
  • CISSP, CCSP, or equivalent senior security certification.
  • Hands-on experience with infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and GitHub or Azure DevOps in a controlled-change environment.

The position is on-site (Monday – Friday).

Salary Range: $170,000 - $230,000 YR with benefits