Senior Security Engineer

Senior Security Engineer (Contract-to-Hire)

Location: Huntersville, NC (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire

Target Conversion Salary: $120,000 - $140,000 (hourly rate aligned to salary target)

Position Overview

Robert Half is seeking a Security & Identity Engineer for a contract-to-hire opportunity in the Huntersville area. This individual will play a key role in strengthening and maintaining enterprise security controls across identity management, endpoint security, email protection, data governance, and network security technologies.

The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience with Microsoft security platforms, identity and access management, and modern cybersecurity best practices. This position offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with infrastructure, cloud, and security teams while contributing to ongoing security modernization initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and support Microsoft Purview to drive data governance, compliance, information protection, and data loss prevention initiatives.
• Design, implement, and maintain Conditional Access policies to secure cloud applications, user identities, and enterprise resources.
• Configure, monitor, and optimize Microsoft Defender solutions, including Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, Defender for Cloud, and Defender for Office 365.
• Support enterprise email security platforms, including Proofpoint administration, email filtering, threat detection, and phishing protection.
• Monitor and assist with mitigation efforts related to unauthorized AI tool usage and emerging security risks associated with AI technologies.
• Support secure network access initiatives, including implementation and administration of Zscaler solutions.
• Provide limited support for existing firewall environments while assisting with ongoing security infrastructure modernization efforts.
• Manage Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), including certificate lifecycle management, issuance, renewal, and certificate authority administration.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify security vulnerabilities, recommend improvements, and support audit and compliance activities.
• Participate in security operations, incident response efforts, risk mitigation initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.
• Maintain security documentation, standards, and operational procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, identity management, or information security engineering roles.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Defender security technologies.
• Experience designing and administering Conditional Access policies within Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD).
• Hands-on experience with email security solutions such as Proofpoint or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and certificate management.
• Familiarity with cloud security principles and modern identity and access management practices.
• Experience supporting network security technologies, including secure web gateways and firewall environments.
• Understanding of security compliance frameworks, risk management, and audit support processes.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Zscaler implementation and administration.
• Knowledge of Microsoft security and compliance ecosystems.
• Security certifications such as Security+, CISSP, SC-200, SC-300, AZ-500, or related credentials.
• Experience supporting enterprise cybersecurity initiatives within complex environments.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player with a focus on partnership and shared ownership.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Compensation

This position is being offered on a contract-to-hire basis with an anticipated conversion salary target of $120,000 - $140,000 annually , depending on experience and qualifications.