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Microsoft Security Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

An engineering mindset, attention to detail, and a preference for pragmatic solutions are essential ... Strengthen Microsoft 365 and Entra ID security through Conditional Access, MFA, PIM, Defender for ...

Senior Cloud & Security Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$118K - $161K/yr

Support security hardening, baseline remediation, and secure configuration initiatives across Azure ... Translate Microsoft E5 and E7 capabilities into scalable engineering standards and operational ...

Role Overview We are looking to hire a senior fully technical, hands-on Security Engineer who can ... Establish, enforce and operate the full IAM lifecycle in Microsoft Entra: SSO, MFA, conditional ...

Role Overview We are looking to hire a senior fully technical, hands-on Security Engineer who can ... Establish, enforce and operate the full IAM lifecycle in Microsoft Entra: SSO, MFA, conditional ...

Security Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$78K - $119K/yr

Role Overview We are looking to hire a senior fully technical, hands-on Security Engineer who can ... Establish, enforce and operate the full IAM lifecycle in Microsoft Entra: SSO, MFA, conditional ...

Work as a member of the security engineering team and cross functionally to help promote hybrid on ... Email Security (Proofpoint, Barracuda, Microsoft, etc.) * EPM solutions (CyberArk, Microsoft ...

Required Qualifications And Skills -Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information ... with Microsoft cloud and security platforms such as Microsoft -Defender and Microsoft Purview ...

Security Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Required Qualifications And Skills -Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information ... with Microsoft cloud and security platforms such as Microsoft -Defender and Microsoft Purview ...

Senior Security Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

Role: Sr. Security Engineer Location: Chicago, IL - Locals (Hybrid) Exp: 10+ Years * Security ... Cloud & SaaS Security Support security controls and governance within AWS, Microsoft Azure, and ...

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Microsoft Security Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$59.6K

$148K

$199.1K

How much do microsoft security engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for microsoft security engineer in Illinois is $148,041.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,600.00 and $153,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Microsoft Security Engineer?

Microsoft Security Engineers are IT professionals who specialize in designing, implementing, and managing security solutions within Microsoft environments. They work to protect an organization's data, systems, and networks by configuring security tools, monitoring for threats, and responding to incidents. Their responsibilities often include ensuring compliance with security policies, managing identity and access controls, and staying current with evolving cybersecurity threats. They may work with on-premises, cloud, or hybrid infrastructures, particularly focusing on Microsoft technologies such as Azure, Microsoft 365, and Windows security tools.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Microsoft Security Engineer?

To thrive as a Microsoft Security Engineer, you need a strong background in information security principles, experience with Microsoft security solutions (such as Azure Security Center, Microsoft Defender, and Active Directory), and relevant certifications like Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals or Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate. Familiarity with security monitoring tools, SIEM platforms, and scripting languages like PowerShell is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, implementing robust security measures, and ensuring the ongoing protection of organizational data and systems.

What challenges do Microsoft Security Engineers face when securing cloud environments, and how are they addressed?

Microsoft Security Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing complex identity and access controls, monitoring for evolving threats, and ensuring compliance across hybrid or multi-cloud environments. These are typically addressed by implementing robust Azure security best practices, automating security monitoring with tools like Microsoft Defender, and collaborating closely with development and IT teams to maintain secure configurations. Staying updated with the latest security features and regularly participating in security training also helps engineers proactively tackle emerging threats.

What is the difference between Microsoft Security Engineer vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectMicrosoft Security EngineerCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsMicrosoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals; CompTIA Security+CompTIA Security+; GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Work EnvironmentFocus on Microsoft security tools, cloud security, and enterprise environmentsBroader security monitoring, incident response, and threat analysis across various platforms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in organizations using Microsoft products and cloud servicesAcross diverse industries, including finance, healthcare, and government

The Microsoft Security Engineer specializes in securing Microsoft environments, cloud security, and compliance, often working with Microsoft tools and platforms. In contrast, a Cybersecurity Analyst has a broader focus on monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security threats across multiple systems and platforms. Both roles require security certifications and are vital in protecting organizational assets, but they differ in scope and technical focus.

Is Microsoft Security Engineer security a good career?

A Microsoft Security Engineer role is a strong career choice in cybersecurity, focusing on protecting Microsoft-based systems and networks. It often requires knowledge of security tools, certifications like Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals, and ongoing skill development. The role offers good job prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement in the cybersecurity field.

Is security engineering a good career?

Security engineering is a strong career choice for those interested in protecting information systems, as it involves designing and implementing security measures using tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption. It offers high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for continuous learning with certifications such as CISSP or CEH. The field requires technical skills, problem-solving ability, and staying current with evolving threats.

What job categories do people searching Microsoft Security Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Microsoft Security Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Microsoft Security Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,041 per year, or $71.2 per hour.

Sr. Microsoft Security Consultant (SME) - Remote

Chicago, IL โ€ข Remote

WaveStrong, Inc.
IT Servicesย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

Contractor

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Exciting Remote Sr. Microsoft Security Consultant, 6-8 months, contract opportunity.

Requirements

Sr. Microsoft Security Consultant (SME) to support and expand enterprise cloud security program.

  • Lead the integration and operationalization of Microsoft Security tools across enterprise cloud and hybrid environments
  • Provide deep technical subject matter expertise across the following areas:
  • Microsoft Entra ID and Conditional Access Policies
  • Defender for Cloud (CSPM, CWP, DevSecOps integration)Microsoft Defender Suite, including Defender for Endpoint Defender for Cloud Apps
  • Defender for Identity Defender for Office 365 (with an emphasis on email protection)
  • Microsoft Purview (Information Protection & Compliance)Microsoft Sentinel (configuration and tuning - nice to have)Microsoft Intune (endpoint management and security policy enforcement)
  • Demonstrated expertise with Microsoft cloud security technologies, including Entra ID, Defender for Cloud, XDR, and Purview
  • Strong understanding and practical experience with Conditional Access Policies (required)
  • Hands-on experience implementing and managing Microsoft Defender security solutions across enterprise environments
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Sentinel use case development and tuning (preferred)

Preferred Certifications

  • AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate
  • AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate
  • AZ-305: Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (formerly AZ-304)