Who We Are:
At Critical Start, we’re on a mission to make everyone a valued member of a winning team, united by an inspiring purpose: shaping the future of cybersecurity. Since 2012, we’ve been dedicated to safeguarding organizations from cyberattacks, preparing for evolving threats, and earning recognition for our innovative contributions to the industry.
We thrive in an agile, collaborative environment that fosters creativity and action. At Critical Start, innovation drives everything we do. We pioneered the first MOBILESOC app for on-the-go threat detection and response, automated alert resolutions to maximize efficiency, and cut alert investigation time by 99.3% - transforming the way cybersecurity teams work. Our team and customers genuinely value the impact we make every day.

Everything we do is grounded in our three core principles:

• Do what’s best for our customers.
• Do what’s best for our team members.
• Don’t do things that suck.

Want to hear more from our team? Watch this video to gain insights into life at Critical Start or check out our Glassdoor reviews for an inside look.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years of hands-on experience managing endpoints and cloud infrastructures.
• Familiary and understanding with security solutions included in the Microsoft 365 E5 license (e.g., Microsoft Defender, Azure AD Premium, Information Protection, Cloud App Security).
• Demonstrated deployment and administration experience with various Microsoft solutions, including Azure Active Directory, Intune, Microsoft 365 Defender (AAD IPC, MDO, MDE, MDCA, MDI), and Purview.
• Competency with security monitoring related to Microsoft cloud technologies.
• Strong skills in Entra, including Conditional Access, PIM, and Azure MFA.
• Ability to follow established processes, adapt to ambiguity, be a fast learner, and demonstrate a high level of personal ambition and initiative.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, along with the ability to develop technical documentation and presentations.
• Demonstrated track record in troubleshooting complex product issues and executing test plans related to the integration of Microsoft technologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior consulting experience is preferred but not strictly required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Defender and Microsoft Sentinel.
• Familiarity with common security standards such as PCI, HIPAA, NIST, or CIS.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of risk assessment, security assessment, and vulnerability management using Microsoft solutions.
• Deep technical skills and experience with three or more of the following Microsoft technologies: Microsoft 365 Defender, MDO, MDE, MDCA, MDI, Microsoft Sentinel, Entra, RBAC, Conditional Access, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Intune, Purview.
  What It’s Like Working Here:
  Imagine a dynamic, enjoyable, and rewarding work environment. We are professionals, and the work we do holds immense significance, like saving our customers from potential disasters. However, we believe in not taking ourselves too seriously.
  Prefer a casual dress code every day? No problem, as we find comfort enhances our thinking.
  Our workplace in Plano, TX offers open offices, collaborative meeting spaces, phone rooms, and wellness rooms. In the breakroom, friendly competition arises with games like ping-pong, bubble hockey machine, foosball, or the gaming machine. What harm does a little healthy competition among friends do?

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

It’s important to note that specific physical and mental requirements may vary depending on the nature of the office job, organization, and individual responsibilities.

The Microsoft Security Engineer II will have the following essential functions:

• Drive high-quality Microsoft Security project delivery by establishing relationships with customer stakeholders and understanding their requirements.
• Execute a full delivery lifecycle from initial exploration to deployment and operationalization of Microsoft Security solutions.
• Hands-on deployment of Microsoft Security Solutions, including Microsoft 365 Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Cloud, and Azure Arc.
• Assess client environments and provide Microsoft security recommendations.
• Support incident response efforts in response to client breaches.
• Develop deployment models and deliverable templates for Microsoft Security projects.
• Build and maintain high levels of customer relationships that are trusted and respected.
• Continuously update skills and knowledge to stay informed about changing Microsoft 365 and Azure security capabilities and customer needs

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work closely with customers and project managers to understand and manage project delivery expectations and outcomes.
• Provide architecture reviews and project milestone sessions for project sponsors.
• Communicate with technical and business staff.
• Help customers stay informed about new Microsoft 365 and Azure security capabilities and scenarios

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Function as a delivery lead for Microsoft Security Workshop engagements.
• Define and own the playbook for Microsoft Security tool proof-of-concept (POC) engagements.
• Define and own the playbook for Microsoft Security Advanced Deployment Sessions (ADS).
• Document and share technical best practices and insights with customers and the community.
• Present solution demonstrations and virtual whiteboard sessions to CIO/CISO/CTO