Cyber Security Engineer

What you will be doing

Join Neros as a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer and take ownership of the security program that protects our defense technology platforms. You'll build and mature our cybersecurity capabilities from the ground up — architecting detection and response systems, engineering security controls across cloud and endpoint environments, and ensuring compliance with NIST, ISO, and CIS frameworks. This is a high-impact, hands-on role at a fast-moving defense tech startup for a security professional who thrives as both architect and operator.

Responsibilities

• Build and operationalize the enterprise cybersecurity program, owning security architecture, detection and response, governance, and automation
• Engineer and manage the security technology stack including Microsoft Defender XDR, endpoint protection platforms, SIEM/MDR solutions, and Azure/M365 security controls
• Lead incident response operations — containment, investigation, remediation — and coordinate with leadership and stakeholders on findings and risk posture
• Perform security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses across infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments
• Develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and compliance programs aligned to NIST 800-171 and ITAR controls.
• Automate security workflows and build detection logic to improve alert fidelity, operational efficiency, and coverage across the environment
• Establish change control processes, security baselines, and security awareness training programs

You should have the following

• 8+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity engineering, with demonstrated ability to build and operate security programs — not just maintain existing ones
• Deep hands-on expertise with the Microsoft security ecosystem including Defender XDR (Endpoint, M365, Identity, Cloud Apps), Entra ID Protection, and Azure/M365 security controls
• Proven experience deploying and managing MDR/SIEM solutions for 24/7 threat monitoring and SOC operations (e.g., Rapid7, Secureworks Taegis XDR, or equivalent)
• Strong background in incident response — containment, investigation, remediation, forensic preservation, and stakeholder communication
• Working knowledge of compliance frameworks including NIST 800-171, NIST CSF, CIS benchmarks, and PCI DSS, with hands-on experience performing audits and control assessments
• Experience conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing across infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments
• Proficiency with endpoint protection platforms, Microsoft security baseline configuration, and change control programs
• Demonstrated ability to automate security workflows using AI-assisted tooling, XDR automation, or scripting
• Strong communication skills — able to translate security risks and technical findings for non-technical leadership and cross-functional teams
• Relevant certifications preferred: MCSA, CISSP (in progress acceptable), CompTIA Security+/CySA+, or equivalent

Nice to have

• Experience building a cybersecurity program from scratch at a startup or early-stage company
• Familiarity with ISO standards, 27001 in particular
• Familiarity with network segmentation tools (e.g., Illumio) and next-gen firewall administration (Palo Alto, Zscaler)
• Experience with security awareness platforms (KnowBe4 or equivalent) and phishing simulation programs
• Background in systems administration (Active Directory, Citrix, SCCM, Intune) providing depth of understanding of the environments being secured
• Experience with Tenable.ot or OT security in operational technology environments
• CISSP, SANS GIAC, or advanced Microsoft security certifications
• Eligibility or willingness to obtain a security clearance for potential future classified work

US Salary Range

$98,000 - $137,500 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.