Cybersecurity Engineer II — Risk & Defense Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Learning & development

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago seeks a cybersecurity engineer to perform security assessments, manage vulnerability programs, and advise on risk controls. You will collaborate with IT, security, and legal teams to protect client data and enterprise systems.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in security assessments, strong knowledge of Azure, ISO/NIST frameworks, and hands‑on tooling. Certifications such as CISSP are preferred; remote work options may be limited by client needs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct experience in security assessments, vulnerability management, or related cybersecurity functions.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Security assessments

Vulnerability management

Cloud technologies

Communication skills

Python

Automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT

Tools

IAM technologies

EDR

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

Encryption

Log analysis

Job description

Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago seeks a cybersecurity engineer to perform security assessments, manage vulnerability programs, and advise on risk controls. You will collaborate with IT, security, and legal teams to protect client data and enterprise systems.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in security assessments, strong knowledge of Azure, ISO/NIST frameworks, and hands‑on tooling. Certifications such as CISSP are preferred; remote work options may be limited by client needs.