Senior Security Engineer

Senior Security Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Work Arrangement: Hybrid, onsite Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire Conversion Salary: $130,000–$150,000 Start Date: ASAP Addison Group is looking for a Senior Security Engineer to help strengthen and mature our internal security engineering capabilities. This is a hands-on position focused primarily on Network Security and Cloud Security, with additional exposure to Application/API Security, Zero Trust, AI Security, and Data Loss Prevention. The ideal candidate will be someone who enjoys solving complex technical security problems, identifying gaps, designing practical solutions, and implementing those solutions directly. This is not a role for someone who has moved entirely into strategy, governance, or high-level architecture. Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain network security controls across on-premises and cloud environments
• Manage and optimize firewalls, network segmentation, IPS, secure remote access, and network monitoring technologies
• Review network architectures, identify security weaknesses, and implement improvements
• Design and implement security controls across Microsoft Azure and/or AWS environments
• Conduct cloud security assessments and identify vulnerabilities and control gaps
• Work with Cloud and Infrastructure teams to remediate security issues
• Strengthen IAM, least-privilege access, Zero Trust, and cloud security controls
• Participate in application security reviews, API security assessments, threat modeling, and Secure SDLC initiatives
• Support vulnerability remediation and security standards for applications and APIs
• Help automate security controls and workflows through scripting and automation
• Contribute to security architecture reviews and technical security standards
• Support the development and implementation of Zero Trust initiatives
• Help evaluate security controls for AI platforms, LLM-based applications, and emerging technologies
• Support DLP, data classification, encryption, and information-protection initiatives

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, security engineering, or security architecture
• Strong hands-on Network Security experience, including enterprise security architecture and controls
• Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure and/or AWS security
• Experience with firewalls, network segmentation, IPS, network monitoring, and secure remote access
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement security solutions, rather than primarily monitoring or administering tools
• Strong understanding of Zero Trust principles
• Working knowledge of Application Security, API Security, and Secure SDLC
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent practical experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with enterprise DLP and data-protection technologies
• Experience securing AI platforms, LLM applications, or emerging AI technologies
• Security certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, GIAC, Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Azure Security Engineer Associate, AWS Security Specialty, CEH, or similar
• Experience helping build or mature security engineering capabilities within a growing organization

The strongest candidates will have deep Network Security and Cloud Security experience. Application/API Security is an important secondary area, while AI Security and DLP experience are valuable but not required to be the candidate's strongest areas. Addison Group