Security Operations Engineer

job summary:

The ideal Security Operations (SecOps) Engineer for this one-year consulting contract should possess specialized expertise in Microsoft security technologies and ecosystems, complemented by proficiency in select network security solutions.

This role suits a professional who excels in Microsoft security depth but can seamlessly apply network security competencies-particularly in Cisco routers, switches, SD-WAN, Azure cloud networking, and network access control solutions-to create holistic SecOps strategies. Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate real-world implementations that bridge Microsoft ecosystems with the specified Cisco and Palo Alto technologies, rather than those with diffuse expertise across unrelated tools. The contract nature requires adaptability, self-motivation, and the capacity to deliver measurable security enhancements proven within the first three months.

Key Skills and Competencies

The engineer must demonstrate advanced knowledge in the following areas, with a primary focus on Microsoft-centric security:

Microsoft 365 Security and Ecosystems

In-depth configuration and management of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and Microsoft Purview for data loss prevention and compliance.

Expertise in Microsoft Entra ID and Active Directory for identity and access management, including conditional access policies and multi-factor authentication.

Proficiency in Microsoft Sentinel for security information and event management (SIEM), including custom query development, alert tuning, and integration with other Microsoft services.

Strong understanding of Microsoft 365 threat protection, vulnerability management, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities.

Ability to implement and optimize Microsoft security baselines, audit logs, conditional access, data loss prevention and reporting to ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA).

Network Security Technologies

Advanced skills in configuring and managing Cisco routers and switches for secure network architectures, with a focus on SD-WAN solutions (e.g., Cisco SD-WAN for edge routing and optimization). Proficiency in integrating Cisco networking with cloud environments, particularly Azure Virtual WAN and hybrid connectivity, while incorporating general network access control principles (e.g., role-based access, segmentation) without reliance on ISE.

Expertise in Cisco Meraki dashboard management, including secure wireless access points, switches, and security appliances for cloud-managed networking and SD-WAN security.

Advance proficiency in Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), including Panorama for centralized management, URL filtering, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and Zero Trust architecture implementation.

Required Experience and Qualifications

A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in SecOps roles, with the last 3 years dedicated to Microsoft security ecosystems.

Proven track record in consulting environments, including the ability to assess, design, and deploy integrated security solutions within enterprise settings.

Certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise or Routing and Switching, or Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) are highly desirable.

Strong analytical skills for incident response, root cause analysis, and proactive threat hunting, with an emphasis on leveraging Microsoft tools while incorporating network security insights from routers, switches, SD-WAN, and Azure cloud networking.

Excellent communication abilities to collaborate with stakeholders, document processes, and provide training on security best practices.

location: Telecommute

job type: Contract

salary: $50 - 80 per hour

work hours: 8am to 5pm

education: No Degree Required



responsibilities:

The ideal Security Operations (SecOps) Engineer for this one-year consulting contract should possess specialized expertise in Microsoft security technologies and ecosystems, complemented by proficiency in select network security solutions .

This role suits a professional who excels in Microsoft security depth but can seamlessly apply network security competencies-particularly in Cisco routers, switches, SD-WAN, Azure cloud networking, and network access control solutions -to create holistic SecOps strategies. Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate real-world implementations that bridge Microsoft ecosystems with the specified Cisco and Palo Alto technologies, rather than those with diffuse expertise across unrelated tools. The contract nature requires adaptability, self-motivation, and the capacity to deliver measurable security enhancements proven within the first three months .

Key Skills and Competencies

The engineer must demonstrate advanced knowledge in the following areas, with a primary focus on Microsoft-centric security:

Microsoft 365 Security and Ecosystems

• In-depth configuration and management of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and Microsoft Purview for data loss prevention and compliance.



• Expertise in Microsoft Entra ID and Active Directory for identity and access management, including conditional access policies and multi-factor authentication.



• Proficiency in Microsoft Sentinel for security information and event management (SIEM), including custom query development, alert tuning, and integration with other Microsoft services.



• Strong understanding of Microsoft 365 threat protection, vulnerability management, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities.



• Ability to implement and optimize Microsoft security baselines, audit logs, conditional access, data loss prevention and reporting to ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA).

Network Security Technologies

• Advanced skills in configuring and managing Cisco routers and switches for secure network architectures, with a focus on SD-WAN solutions (e.g., Cisco SD-WAN for edge routing and optimization). Proficiency in integrating Cisco networking with cloud environments, particularly Azure Virtual WAN and hybrid connectivity, while incorporating general network access control principles (e.g., role-based access, segmentation) without reliance on ISE.



• Expertise in Cisco Meraki dashboard management, including secure wireless access points, switches, and security appliances for cloud-managed networking and SD-WAN security.



• Advance proficiency in Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), including Panorama for centralized management, URL filtering, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and Zero Trust architecture implementation.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in SecOps roles, with the last 3 years dedicated to Microsoft security ecosystems.



• Proven track record in consulting environments, including the ability to assess, design, and deploy integrated security solutions within enterprise settings.



• Certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise or Routing and Switching, or Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) are highly desirable.



• Strong analytical skills for incident response, root cause analysis, and proactive threat hunting, with an emphasis on leveraging Microsoft tools while incorporating network security insights from routers, switches, SD-WAN, and Azure cloud networking.



• Excellent communication abilities to collaborate with stakeholders, document processes, and provide training on security best practices.

qualifications:

The ideal Security Operations (SecOps) Engineer for this one-year consulting contract should possess specialized expertise in Microsoft security technologies and ecosystems, complemented by proficiency in select network security solutions.

This role suits a professional who excels in Microsoft security depth but can seamlessly apply network security competencies-particularly in Cisco routers, switches, SD-WAN, Azure cloud networking, and network access control solutions-to create holistic SecOps strategies. Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate real-world implementations that bridge Microsoft ecosystems with the specified Cisco and Palo Alto technologies, rather than those with diffuse expertise across unrelated tools. The contract nature requires adaptability, self-motivation, and the capacity to deliver measurable security enhancements proven within the first three months.

Key Skills and Competencies

The engineer must demonstrate advanced knowledge in the following areas, with a primary focus on Microsoft-centric security:

Microsoft 365 Security and Ecosystems

In-depth configuration and management of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and Microsoft Purview for data loss prevention and compliance.

Expertise in Microsoft Entra ID and Active Directory for identity and access management, including conditional access policies and multi-factor aut