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Microsoft Security Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In Reactive Security, we ensure Microsoft can rapidly detect, assess, and respond to emerging threats. We collaborate with external researchers, threat intelligence teams, MSRC, and engineering ...

Support Microsoft security administration across Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Defender, and ... Share insights from technical research, industry developments, and security training to strengthen ...

Sr. Security Delivery Expert

Redmond, WA · On-site

$160K - $261K/yr

... of Microsoft Threat Experts providing deep research and analysis of threats impacting our customers. • Work cross-functionally with engineering, marketing, and business leaders to innovate and ...

IT Security Analyst

Denver, CO · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Support Microsoft security administration across Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Defender, and ... Share insights from technical research, industry developments, and security training to strengthen ...

Support Microsoft security administration across Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Defender, and ... Share insights from technical research, industry developments, and security training to strengthen ...

General Application

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$69.25 - $92.50/hr

Founded by Lou Manousos and Brandon Dixon, co-founders of RiskIQ (acquired by Microsoft) and the ... We're also looking for Security Researchers as well as experienced security leaders to act as ...

Overview The Windows Attack Research & Protection (WARP) team is looking for a learn-it-all ... Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

IT Security Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

... Microsoft Purview, and email security * Design, implement, and optimize policies (TLS inspection, DLP, URL filtering, email controls) * Drive platform enhancements through research, testing, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Microsoft Security Researcher information

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How much do microsoft security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for microsoft security researcher in the United States is $51.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.76 and $53.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Microsoft Security Researcher?

A Microsoft Security Researcher is a professional who investigates security threats, vulnerabilities, and cyberattacks related to Microsoft products and services. Their responsibilities include analyzing software for security flaws, developing patches or mitigations, and collaborating with other teams to improve overall security. They may also engage in threat intelligence, penetration testing, and reporting newly discovered vulnerabilities to relevant teams. Their work is crucial in protecting both Microsoft’s infrastructure and its customers from evolving cyber threats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microsoft Security Researcher?

To thrive as a Microsoft Security Researcher, you need deep expertise in cybersecurity principles, vulnerability assessment, and threat intelligence, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with security tools such as reverse engineering frameworks, malware analysis platforms, and certifications like CISSP or CEH is highly valuable. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help distinguish outstanding professionals in this role. These competencies are essential for identifying threats, developing robust defenses, and effectively sharing findings to protect Microsoft products and users.

What types of projects and teams do Microsoft Security Researchers typically collaborate with?

Microsoft Security Researchers frequently work in cross-functional teams that include software engineers, threat analysts, and product managers. They often collaborate on projects such as vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security feature development for Microsoft products and services. This collaborative environment means researchers regularly share findings, contribute to threat intelligence, and assist in incident response efforts. The structure encourages knowledge sharing and offers opportunities to work on diverse, high-impact security challenges across multiple products.

What are popular job titles related to Microsoft Security Researcher jobs?

For Microsoft Security Researcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Microsoft Security Researcher job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,000 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Principal Security Operations Engineer

Redmond, WA • On-site

Microsoft
Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Quantum computing has the potential to massively accelerate science and technology innovation. Microsoft Discovery & Quantum is building advanced computing platforms, spanning HPC, AI, and quantum, to realize that future. You will join the Quantum Security & IT Operations (QSIT) team protecting a globally distributed research community and its intellectual property.
As a Principal Security Operations Engineer in QSIT, you will own the response to cybersecurity, external & insider threat incidents affecting Microsoft Quantum, from initial detection and severity assessment through containment, recovery, root-cause analysis, and executive closure working across National Security Team, HR, Legal, Global Trade, and CISO organizations. You will set the technical direction for incident handling, coordinate responders across Quantum and Microsoft security organizations, and ensure lessons learned translate into durable improvements to controls, detections, and operating procedures.
You will also define and drive the requirements for an AI-enabled QSIT Security Operations Center, shaping how AI supports signal enrichment, triage, investigation, response, and analyst decision-making while maintaining strong auditability and data-handling controls.
This role requires broad technical and risk judgment, independent leadership in ambiguous situations, and the ability to influence security strategy across organizational boundaries. This role is onsite in Redmond, WA.
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
  • Own cybersecurity incidents affecting Microsoft Quantum, establishing severity and response strategy, directing technical investigation and containment, coordinating recovery, and driving incidents to clear, accountable closure.

  • Manage insider and external threat incident analysis and triage from initial indicators through scoping, forensic review, evidence preservation, case disposition, and root-cause analysis, producing defensible investigative narratives for executive, legal, and compliance review.

  • Drive changes to systems and processes based on incident and risk learnings that cross and impact other teams.

  • Lead cross-functional incident response with Quantum engineering, Microsoft CISO organization, National Security Team, HR, Legal, and Global Trade; provide concise executive updates, document decisions and evidence, and ensure post-incident actions are assigned and completed.

  • Define and drive the requirements, architecture, operating model, and prioritized engineering backlog for an AI-enabled QSIT SOC, covering signal enrichment, triage, investigation, response recommendations, analyst-in-the-loop controls, auditability, and sensitive-data handling.

  • Translate AI SOC needs into measurable capabilities and acceptance criteria, evaluate first- and third-party solutions, guide implementation, and assess operational effectiveness, risk, and readiness for production use.

  • Design, implement, and tune insider threat and cybersecurity detections in Microsoft Sentinel and related platforms; onboard and normalize new security data streams; identify visibility gaps; and convert incident findings into improved detections, controls, runbooks, and monitoring coverage.

Embody our Culture and Values
Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
  • Doctorate in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat modeling, cyber security, anomaly detection, Security Operations Center (SOC) detection, threat analytics, security incident and event management (SIEM), information technology (IT), or operations incident response
    • OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 4+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat modeling, cyber security, anomaly detection, Security Operations Center (SOC) detection, threat analytics, security incident and event management (SIEM), information technology (IT), or operations incident response
    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 6+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat modeling, cyber security, anomaly detection, Security Operations Center (SOC) detection, threat analytics, security incident and event management (SIEM), information technology (IT), or operations incident response
    • OR equivalent experience.

Other Qualifications
  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
    • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
  • Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations or Export Administration Regulations, the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of citizenship, U.S. permanent residency, or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate's citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.Additional or Preferred Qualifications (PQs)

Additional or preferred qualifications
  • Doctorate in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 5+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large scale computing, threat modeling, cyber security, or anomaly detection
    • OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 8+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large scale computing, threat modeling, cyber security, or anomaly detection
    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 12+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large scale computing, threat modeling, cyber security, or anomaly detection
    • OR equivalent experience.
    • CISSP CISA CISM SANS OSCP Security+

  • 6+ years of experience in cybersecurity, security operations, incident response, insider threat, threat analytics, security information and event management (SIEM), or equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex security incidents end-to-end, including technical investigation, containment, recovery, root-cause analysis, executive communication, and post-incident remediation.
  • Hands-on experience with Microsoft Sentinel (KQL) or an equivalent enterprise SIEM, including detection engineering, data onboarding, investigative analysis, and the ability to set technical direction across ambiguous, high-impact security situations.
  • CISSP certification or other relevant (CISA, CISM, SANS GCIA, GCIH, OSCP, Security+).

  • Experience collaborating with corporate insider threat, investigations, legal, or trade compliance functions; exposure to dedicated insider threat platforms such as Purview, DTEX, Proofpoint ITM, Magnet Axiom, or Forcepoint.

  • Experience designing, deploying, or evaluating agentic AI or LLM-based automation in a security operations context is strongly desired; familiarity with post-quantum cryptography concepts and CNSA 2.0.

  • Experience or interest in the specific challenges of protecting strategic research programs from sustained external targeting; familiarity with export control (EAR / ITAR) and government program environments.

#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers #Security
Security Operations Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

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Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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