Security Researcher

Overview

Microsoft’s 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.

Join an elite team of security researchers working to protect people and organizations from sophisticated cyber threats! We’re seeking an experienced security researcher to join our Redmond-based team. You’ll investigate cutting-edge endpoint attacks—including attacks on AI, attacks using AI, attacks on AI using AI and everything in between. Drawing on one of the world’s richest security telemetry datasets, you’ll uncover new attack techniques, develop protections against the next generation of threats, advance our security platform, and share impactful research with the global security community.

Responsibilities

Conduct research that yields new insights, investigate advanced, real-world attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) Develop high-quality protection signals and resilient detection logic across complex attack chains. Design and implement innovative capabilities that autonomously prevent, detect, and disrupt sophisticated threats in near real time. Apply deep security expertise to inform evidence-based research decisions. Analyze real-world attacks and telemetry to continuously improve protection coverage, precision, and resilience.

Required/minimum qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 2+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check:

• This position will be required to pass the Microsoft background and Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Additional or preferred qualifications

Offensive security research experience Digital forensics skills Programming skills in C, C++, C# or willingness to learn Industry recognized author of security research papers, blogs, or books Low-level/security knowledge of other operating systems

Security Research IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $133,800 - $219,200 per year.

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

https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances.

If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

Insights from previous hires

Top skills: Automation, Business, Active Directory, Documentation, Computer Science, Collaborative Environment, Cloud Computing, Assessment, Analytics, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Common previous titles: Tech Support Engineer, Vice President Engineering, Senior Security Engineer, Senior Specialist, Senior Intelligence Analyst, Digital Specialist, Senior Solution Architect, Specialist, Software Engineer