Cybersecurity Engineer II

Kirkland-; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 133,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Learning & development

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is seeking a Cyber Security Engineer II to join our Security Governance team in Austin or Chicago. You will assess security risks, manage vulnerabilities, and partner with stakeholders to strengthen security across a complex enterprise.

This role suits a seasoned cybersecurity professional who enjoys problem-solving and collaboration. You will work with Architecture and various teams to implement controls, policies, and guidance, and mentor junior engineers while helping

Qualifications

• 5+ years of security assessments, vulnerability management, or related cybersecurity functions.
• Bachelor's degree in information technology or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• Experience performing product security assessments in Windows and Unix environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform security risk assessments on new technologies, IT projects, and third-party vendors.
• Manage vulnerability management programs, develop metrics and procedures.
• Monitor threats and coordinate remediation and response activities.
• Collaborate with Security Architecture to evaluate and implement controls.
• Provide security guidance to technical teams, leadership and attorneys.
• Support development of security policies, standards and guidelines.
• Assist long-term information security strategy and issue management.
• Train and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Security assessments

Vulnerability management

Cloud technologies

Windows & Unix security

Scripting (Python/PowerShell)

Education

Bachelor's degree in information technology or related field

Tools

Vulnerability assessment tools

IAM technologies

EDR/IDS/IPS

Firewalls & encryption

Log analysis

Security frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, SOC, SIG)

Job description

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You’ll Do

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a Cyber Security Engineer II to join our Security Governance team in either Austin or Chicago. In this role, you will play a critical part in protecting the firm by assessing security risks, identifying and managing vulnerabilities, and partnering closely with technical and business stakeholders to strengthen our overall security posture. This position is ideal for a seasoned cybersecurity professional who enjoys problem-solving, collaboration, and influencing security outcomes across a complex enterprise environment.

• Perform security risk assessments on new technologies, IT projects, and third-party vendors, and respond to client and partner security assessments, questionnaires, and audits.
• Manage and mature vulnerability management and security assessment programs, including developing metrics, procedures, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor emerging threats and vulnerabilities, triage findings, and coordinate appropriate remediation and response activities.
• Partner with Security Architecture and other technical teams to evaluate, recommend, and implement security technologies and controls.
• Provide subject matter expertise and consulting on information security topics to technical teams, business leadership, and attorneys.
• Support the development and maintenance of security policies, standards, processes, and guidelines.
• Assist with long-term information security strategy, planning, and issue management, including exceptions and findings.
• Train, mentor, and support junior cybersecurity engineers, contributing to team growth and capability building.

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years of direct experience in security assessments, vulnerability management, or related cybersecurity functions.
• A bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Experience performing product security assessments in Windows and Unix environments.
• Strong knowledge of IT security controls, enterprise infrastructure, and cloud technologies, including Microsoft Azure IaaS and SaaS.
• Experience working with security frameworks and standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, SOC, and SIG.
• Hands‑on experience with security tools and technologies, including vulnerability assessment tools, IAM technologies, authentication systems, EDR, firewalls, IDS/IPS, encryption, and log analysis.
• Scripting or automation experience (e.g., Python, PowerShell, APIs) is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• A self-directed, collaborative mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or OSCP are preferred.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $133,000 - $166,000

Don’t meet every job requirement? That’s okay! If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.