Principal Security Researcher Purple Team Lead

Overview

Security represents the most critical priorities for our customers in a world awash in digital threats, regulatory scrutiny, and estate complexity. Microsoft Security aspires to make the world a safer place for all. We want to reshape security and empower every user, customer, and developer with a security cloud that protects them with end-to-end, simplified solutions. The Microsoft Security organization accelerates Microsofts mission and bold ambitions to ensure that our company and industry is securing digital technology platforms, devices, and clouds in our customers heterogeneous environments, as well as ensuring the security of our own internal estate. Our culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset, a theme of inspiring excellence, and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. In doing so, we create life-changing innovations that impact billions of lives around the world.

We are seeking a Principal Security Researcher to lead offensive security and purple team initiatives within Microsofts Threat Protection organization. This role is ideal for a seasoned security expert who thrives at the intersection of red and blue teaming, and who is passionate about using adversary simulation, detection engineering, and AI-driven insights to protect billions of users. You will play a key role in building and scaling a Purple Team hub, driving high-impact engagements that test and improve Microsoft Defenders detection and response capabilities.

Microsofts mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Qualifications Required / Minimum Qualifications

• 7 years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, modeling, cybersecurity, and / or anomaly detection
• OR Doctorate in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field.
• 7 years in cybersecurity, with deep experience in red teaming, detection engineering, or threat research.
• Proven leadership in offensive security or purple team operations and proficient knowledge of MITRE ATT&CK, adversary TTPs, and detection frameworks.
• Experience in scripting (Python, PowerShell) and familiarity with attack simulation tools (e.g., Caldera, Atomic Red Team).
• Experience with SIEM / EDR platforms (Microsoft Sentinel, Defender, etc.).

Other Requirements

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

Security Research IC5

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here : Microsoft Careers .

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until June 9, 2025.

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Responsibilities

Locations