Security Engineer - Azure Government · xAI

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:05:13 GMT
Engineering

xAI · Palo Alto, CA; Washington, D.C. · $180,000 - $440,000 USD · onsite

We are seeking a skilled Azure Security Engineer to design, implement, and maintain robust security controls across our Azure Gov Cloud environment. In this hands-on role, you will build, strengthen, and maintain our cloud security posture, protect critical workloads, and collaborate with engineering, DevOps, and compliance teams to embed security throughout the development lifecycle.

Key responsibilities include: Implementing, designing, and managing security architecture for Azure Government and Commercial deployments. Configuring and optimising Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and related services for threat detection, vulnerability management, and automated response. Designing and enforcing identity & access management using Microsoft Entra ID, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), Conditional Access policies, RBAC, and just-in-time access. Securing network architectures with Azure Firewall, Network Security Groups (NSGs), DDoS Protection, Web Application Firewall (WAF), Network Watcher, and private endpoints. Protecting data at rest and in transit via Azure Key Vault, encryption strategies, data classification, and information protection controls. Developing and maintaining security policies, initiatives, and blueprints using Azure Policy and Microsoft Purview for compliance (NIST, FedRAMP, CMMC, STIGs, etc.). Performing threat hunting, incident response, and forensics using Sentinel playbooks, Log Analytics, and KQL queries. Conducting security reviews of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), containers, Kubernetes (AKS), and serverless workloads. Collaborating with developers and architects to implement DevSecOps practices, including secure CI/CD pipelines, code scanning, and secure defaults. Monitoring and remediating security findings, reducing attack surface, and improving overall security posture per the Microsoft Cloud Security Benchmark (MCSB). Deploying configurations and compliance policies to Azure AVD endpoints using Intune and other Azure native services.

Basic qualifications include: Active U.S. security clearance (e.g., Secret, Top Secret) or eligibility to obtain one. 3+ years of experience in cloud security, cybersecurity engineering, or related roles (with strong Azure focus). Deep hands-on expertise with core Azure security services: Microsoft Defender suite, Sentinel, Intune, Entra ID, Key Vault, Azure Policy, Firewall, Network Watcher, and Purview. Strong understanding of DLP implementation both in cloud and on endpoints utilising Purview and other Microsoft native controls. Experience implementing security in hybrid/multi-cloud environments. Proficiency in scripting/automation (PowerShell, Azure CLI, Bicep/ARM templates, Terraform). Strong understanding of identity federation, zero-trust principles, encryption, network security, and vulnerability management. Familiarity with compliance frameworks (NIST, FedRAMP, CMMC, STIGs, etc.) and regulatory requirements. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

Preferred skills and experience include: Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500), Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect (SC-100). Additional relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCSP, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, AWS Security Specialty, SANS GCPS, SANS GCAD). Deep experience with detection and response engineering and SOC operations. Knowledge of container security (Docker, AKS), secure DevOps, or AI/ML workload protection. Prior experience in government regulations frameworks such as FedRAMP and CMMC.