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Microsoft Defender Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cloud Systems Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$52 - $69.50/hr

... Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Defender for Endpoint, and Microsoft Sentinel. • Design and maintain hybrid connectivity between company locations and Azure environments, including VPNs, Azure ...

Defender forOffice 365, Purview, DLP, and Compliance Manager Mentor and manage a team of security engineers; run QBRs andexecutive briefings with client stakeholders Proficiency with Microsoft Intune ...

Cloud Security Senior Consultant - M365

Houston, TX · On-site

$55.75 - $76.25/hr

This can include Microsoft's cloud solutions such as Entra, Purview, Defender, Intune, and Sentinel. * Perform technical health checks for these M365 platforms/environments prior to broader ...

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Microsoft Defender information

See Houston, TX salary details

$10.5K

$58.6K

$75.9K

How much do microsoft defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for microsoft defender in Houston, TX is $58,649.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,700.00 and $68,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Microsoft Defender jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Microsoft Defender jobs in Houston, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Microsoft Defender jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Microsoft Defender jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Microsoft Defender jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Microsoft Defender job openings:

Infographic showing various Microsoft Defender job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,649 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Cloud Solution Architect - Threat Protection

Invoke, LLC

Houston, TX • Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Cloud Solution Architect – Threat Protection

Location: Houston, Texas (Remote) 

Invoke—Microsoft Security Services Partner of the Year and Microsoft Partner of the Year for Identity—is seeking a hands-on consultant to lead enterprise threat mitigation implementations across cloud and hybrid environments. You’ll work with business and IT stakeholders to assess current security posture, design target operating models, and deploy Microsoft Defender XDR (including for Identity, Endpoint, Cloud Apps, Office, and Cloud Infrastructure), Microsoft Sentinel, Security Copilot, and Vulnerability Management solutions. This role also involves establishing sustainable policies, processes, and metrics aligned with frameworks such as Zero Trust, NIST, and CIS. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with practical governance design and change management skills.

Responsibilities

Working on some of the largest and leading-edge engagements; In the Cloud Solution Engineer – Threat Protection role, you will lead customer-facing engagements on some of the largest and most advanced security projects, guiding organizations through their journey to modernize and adopt Microsoft Threat Protection capabilities across cloud and hybrid environments. Key responsibilities include:

  • Advanced Threat Protection: Implement machine learning-driven anomaly detection, threat intelligence via Microsoft Security Graph, and Indicators of Compromise (IoC) analysis.
  • Prevention & Hardening: Deploy proactive malware blocking, Attack Surface Reduction (ASR), endpoint security, exploit protection, network protection, and Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) using Microsoft Defender for Cloud to secure Azure and hybrid infrastructure.
  • Identity & Access Management: Design RBAC/ABAC models, enable Just-In-Time (JIT) access, integrate Privileged Access Management (PAM), enforce Separation of Duties (SoD), and access review attestation.
  • Extended Detection & Response (XDR): Configure Microsoft Defender XDR for cross-domain correlation across endpoints, identities, email, and cloud apps; implement automated investigation and remediation with AI-driven playbooks.
  • Identity Protection: Enable risk-based Conditional Access with Microsoft Entra ID Protection, mitigate credential theft, and deploy phishing-resistant authentication methods.
  • Security Operations & Response: Utilize Microsoft Sentinel for log aggregation, advanced threat detection, automated response workflows, and proactive threat hunting.
  • Vulnerability & Exposure Management: Implement continuous scanning for CVEs and misconfigurations and provide actionable patch recommendations.
  • Integration & Automation: Deliver a unified security experience through the Microsoft Defender Portal and leverage Security Copilot for AI-assisted incident analysis, response guidance, and automation.

You will be responsible for the full engagement lifecycle—discovery, analysis, design, and implementation—while confidently leading customer workshops and executive discussions.

General Requirements:

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in IT professional services delivery.
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience as an Architect or Consultant for Microsoft Purview.
  • Highly motivated individual who exercises diligence in their work and an attitude of willingness to be successful.
  • Relationship building abilities.
  • Demonstrate confident presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work autonomously or with a team.
  • Excellent written and verbal skills with proficiency in all relevant Microsoft Data Security & Governance solutions.
  • Team player willing to assist peers to increase collective agility and success.
  • Meticulously attentive to details.

Role Specific Requirements:

  • Proven design, planning and implementation experience with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Microsoft Defender for Identity, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps (CASB), Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Entra ID Protection, and Microsoft Security Copilot.
  • Experience in working with implementing the Microsoft Defender Suite, Entra ID, Sentinel, and Security Copilot.
  • Experience working with customer Security teams to help provide guidance in moving to cloud-based management.
  • Experience working with customers in adopting new technologies to include Organizational Change Management by developing end-user, help desk, and stakeholder communications.
  • Experience working with Microsoft’s scripting (PowerShell) and low code with Power Platform to extend and customize capabilities.

Role Specific Preferred Experience:

  • Experience in design, implementation, and adoption of the Microsoft Defender Suite, including Defender for Cloud.
  • Experience in design, implementation, and adoption of Microsoft Entra ID.
  • Experience in design, implementation, and adoption of Microsoft Sentinel.
  • Experience in design, implementation, and adoption of Security Copilot.

Recommended Certifications:

  • Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)

Preferred Certifications:

  • Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300)
  • Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert (MS-102)
  • Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate (MD-102)

Compensation:

  • This position is full-time offering a base salary and monetary incentives.
  • A generous benefits package is also available to qualifying full-time employees.

About Invoke

Invoke is a consulting firm specialized in providing solutions for critical business needs through modern technologies encompassing Identity, Threat Protection, Data Security, Endpoint Management, and AI. Our mission is to deliver long-term business value by positioning ourselves as our customer’s trusted advisors through results-driven strategic planning and alignment with their business goals. As a Microsoft System Integrator with a Managed, specialized level partnership status, and Microsoft Partner of The Year, Invoke delivers a wide array of professional services to complement their customer's current or future investments in Microsoft technologies.

Invoke Core Values:

  • Be Results-Driven: We prioritize delivering measurable, impactful outcomes through focus, determination, and commitment.
  • Lead with Integrity: We operate with trust, ethical decision-making, and reliability, fostering confidence in our commitments and relationships.
  • Collaborate to Succeed: We believe in the power of teamwork, open communication, and customer-focused collaboration to achieve shared success.
  • Innovate and Improve: We continuously seek creative and scalable ways to refine how we work and deliver value, improving solutions across all areas of the business.
  • Solve Problems Effectively: We tackle challenges with creativity, focus, and sustainable solutions, ensuring long-term success and stability.