Azure Security Architect - Defender/ M365 / Powershell

Microsoft Security Architect (Azure / M365 / Defender)
12 Month contract, with potential to extend
100% Remote
Position Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Microsoft Security Architect to assess, design, and enhance our enterprise security posture across a Microsoft-centric environment (Azure + Microsoft 365 E5).

This role will focus on evaluating the current infrastructure, identifying security gaps, and implementing scalable security solutions leveraging the Microsoft security stack. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Defender, M365 security configurations, and Azure security architecture, along with a strong ability to operationalize threat detection, response, and vulnerability management.

This is a high-impact, execution-focused role blending architecture with hands-on engineering.

We are seeking a hands-on Security Architect to support a fast-paced, startup-like environment .

This role is highly focused on design, build, and implementation of security architecture across a Microsoft/Azure ecosystem.

This is not a monitoring or incident response role. We are prioritizing candidates with strong architecture and implementation experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess current security infrastructure and identify gaps
• Design and implement security architecture solutions
• Build and orchestrate security controls across multiple environments
• Configure and optimize Microsoft security tools (M365 / Azure)
• Work closely with internal IT teams (non-customer facing)

Must-Have Skills (Top Priorities)
1. Security Architecture (MOST IMPORTANT)
Proven experience designing and implementing security frameworks
Ability to assess an environment and build from the ground up

2. Microsoft Ecosystem Expertise
Azure security architecture
M365 environment configuration and security review
Experience with E5 security capabilities (or equivalent like Defender Suite for Business Premium)

3. Hands-On Engineering Mindset
Roll up your sleeves typethis is a builder role
Comfortable in high-change, startup-style environments
Technical Stack
Azure Security Architecture
M365 Security Configuration
PowerShell (important)
Microsoft Defender / E5 Security Suite

Nice to Have
Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM) experience
Experience orchestrating security across isolated environments
Not a Fit If Candidate Is Focused On
Incident response / SOC monitoring
Governance-only or policy-only roles
High-level strategy without hands-on build experience
Terraform (infrastructure as code)
Python (secondary but valuable)

Ideal Profile
Scrappy, collaborative, and adaptable
Comfortable working in a startup-like, high-stress environment
Strong technical communicator (primarily with IT teams, not business stakeholders)
Private sector experience preferred (not requiered)