Cyber Defense Engineer

Thomas Edwards Group; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Edwards Group in Dallas is seeking a Cyber Defense Engineer to lead the end-to-end incident response lifecycle across on-premises and cloud environments, leveraging AI-assisted technologies, automation, and threat intelligence to rapidly detect, investigate, contain, and remediate security incidents.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in cybersecurity operations, strong experience with the Microsoft security ecosystem, and familiarity with Azure, AWS, identity, endpoint, and email security;

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in Cybersecurity Operations or Incident Response.
• Experience investigating incidents across Azure, AWS, identity, endpoint, and email environments.
• Proficiency with Kusto Query Language (KQL).
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or GIAC preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact security incidents through the full incident response lifecycle.
• Investigate threats across endpoint, identity, email, network, and cloud environments.
• Use AI, automation, SIEM/XDR, and threat intelligence to improve detection and response.
• Perform threat hunting, log analysis, malware triage, and host forensics.
• Deliver incident reports, root cause analyses, and recommendations.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

6+ years cybersecurity operations / incident response

Strong analytical and incident leadership

Experience with AI-assisted security operations

Tools

Microsoft security ecosystem

Kusto Query Language (KQL)

Azure / AWS security

Job description

10870 Cyber Defense Engineer

A growing organization in Dallas is seeking an experienced Cyber Defense Engineer to support a cloud-first cybersecurity program. This role is responsible for leading the end-to-end incident response lifecycle across enterprise and cloud environments, leveraging AI-assisted technologies, automation, and threat intelligence to rapidly detect, investigate, contain, and remediate security incidents.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact security incidents through the full incident response lifecycle.
• Investigate threats across endpoint, identity, email, network, and cloud environments.
• Utilize AI, automation, SIEM/XDR, and threat intelligence to improve detection and response.
• Perform threat hunting, log analysis, malware triage, and host forensics.
• Apply frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK and Cyber Kill Chain during investigations.
• Collaborate with technical and business stakeholders during incident response.
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to process and security tool improvements.
• Deliver incident reports, root cause analyses, and recommendations to improve security operations.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in Cybersecurity Operations or Incident Response.
• Strong experience with the Microsoft security ecosystem.
• Experience investigating incidents across Azure, AWS, identity, endpoint, and email environments.
• Experience leveraging AI and automation within security operations.
• Proficiency with Kusto Query Language (KQL).
• Strong analytical, communication, and incident leadership skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or GIAC preferred.

#ZR

Company Description

Thomas Edwards Group is an Executive Search Firm specializing in the direct hire and interim placement of Accounting, Finance, HR and IT professionals. We’ve been in business since 1997 and the Dallas Business Journal has ranked us a Top Search Firm in Dallas and one of the "Best Places to Work" multiple times. Thomas Edwards Group also made the Inc. 5000 list in 2016 and our award-winning team of Search Consultants, which rank among the best and most experienced in the area, includes MBAs, CPAs, former Big 4 Professionals, Controllers, IT Search Professionals, Finance/Banking, and Business Professionals.

Company Description

Thomas Edwards Group is an Executive Search Firm specializing in the direct hire and interim placement of Accounting, Finance, HR and IT professionals. We’ve been in business since 1997 and the Dallas Business Journal has ranked us a Top Search Firm in Dallas and one of the "Best Places to Work" multiple times. Thomas Edwards Group also made the Inc. 5000 list in 2016 and our award-winning team of Search Consultants, which rank among the best and most experienced in the area, includes MBAs, CPAs, former Big 4 Professionals, Controllers, IT Search Professionals, Finance/Banking, and Business Professionals.