Head of Endpoint Defense

Kyndryl; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 219,000; Full time

Job summary

Kyndryl is seeking an experienced leader to own and optimize the endpoint defense function across Cortex XDR, Defender for Endpoint, Trend Micro, and more. You will lead policy, deployment, and telemetry quality, partnering with Cyber Defense and SIEM teams.

The role emphasizes preventing, detecting, and responding to threats, driving automation, and developing a high-performing endpoint defense team within a large, global security program.

Qualifications

• Mastery of security tools and technologies such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, endpoint security, and SIEM.
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• Deep understanding of Windows and Linux security mechanisms.
• Knowledge of ISO 27001, NIST and GDPR standards.
• Experience with security architectures, segmentation and zero-trust frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Own operations, policy, and health for the endpoint defense estate across multiple tools.
• Drive agent coverage, deployment, and configuration integrity across the fleet.
• Tune prevention and detection policy balancing efficacy with operational disruption.
• Rationalize multi-vendor endpoint stack toward consistent coverage.
• Ensure endpoint telemetry is complete and integrated into XSIAM.
• Support incident response with endpoint containment and forensic data on demand.
• Drive automation for deployment, health monitoring, remediation actions, and telemetry quality.
• Establish and report on endpoint security KPIs and remediation outcomes.
• Lead and develop the endpoint defense team.

Skills

Security tools mastery

OS security (Windows/Linux)

Security standards (ISO27001/NIST/GDPR

Security architecture

Deployment best practices

Zero trust & segmentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Cybersecurity/IT

Job description

Who We Are

At Kyndryl, we design, build, manage and modernize the mission-critical technology systems that the world depends on every day. So why work at Kyndryl? We are always moving forward - always pushing ourselves to go further in our efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive world for our employees, our customers and our communities.

The Role

Role Purpose

Leads Kyndryl's endpoint defense function, owning the operation, tuning, and coverage of the endpoint detection and response estate across Palo Alto Cortex XDR, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Trend Micro, and additional endpoint tooling. Ensures consistent prevention, detection, and telemetry quality across a heterogeneous, multi-vendor fleet, and that endpoint signal feeds the detection pipeline cleanly. Runs the function as a platform service to Cyber Defense, not as an independent detection authority.

Key Responsibilities

• Own operations, policy, and health for the endpoint defense estate: Cortex XDR, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Trend Micro, and other endpoint tooling.
• Drive agent coverage, deployment, and configuration integrity across the managed fleet, closing gaps in visibility.
• Tune prevention and detection policy to balance efficacy against operational disruption, in partnership with Cyber Defense and SIEM/SOAR.
• Rationalize the multi-vendor endpoint stack toward consistent coverage and reduced overlap, with a defensible consolidation or coexistence posture.
• Ensure endpoint telemetry is complete, timely, and correctly integrated into XSIAM and the detection pipeline.
• Support incident response with endpoint containment, isolation, and forensic data on demand from the Incident Commander.
• Drive automation for agent deployment, health monitoring, policy management, remediation actions, and telemetry quality to reduce operational overhead and improve response times.
• Establish and report on endpoint security KPIs, including coverage, agent health, prevention efficacy, telemetry quality, containment performance, and remediation outcomes.
• Lead and develop the endpoint defense team.

Accountabilities

• Operational effectiveness and health of the endpoint defense estate.
• Endpoint coverage and telemetry quality across the fleet.
• Endpoint contribution to detection and to incident containment.
• Leadership and development of endpoint defense personnel.
• Continuous improvement of operational processes through automation, standardization, and best practices.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Kyndryl currently does not require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, however, if you are hired to work at a client, customer, or partner location, you may be required to show proof of vaccination to align with their respective COVID-19 vaccination policies. Those who believe they are eligible may apply for a medical or religious accommodation prior to the start of employment.

Who You Are

You're good at what you do and possess the required experience to prove it. However, equally as important - you have a growth mindset; keen to drive your own personal and professional development. You are customer-focused - someone who prioritizes customer success in their work. And finally, you're open and borderless - naturally inclusive in how you work with others.

Required Skills And Experience

• Mastery of security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, endpoint security, , and SIEM solutions
• Deep understanding of operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux) and their security mechanisms
• Knowledge of security standards and compliance requirements (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR)
• Experience with key market leading technologies in the relevant area
• Ability to assess and follow best practices in technology deployment and configuration
• Experience with the design and implementation of security architectures, segmentation and zero trust frameworks

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or other related fields
• Experience with workload, server, network architectures and associated security controls

Compensation

The compensation range for the position in the U.S. is$115,080 to $218,520 based on a full-time schedule. Your actual compensation may vary depending on your geography, job-related skills and experience. For part time roles, the compensation will be adjusted appropriately. The pay or salary range will not be below any applicable state, city or local minimum wage requirement.

There is a different applicable compensation range for the following work locations:

• California (San Francisco Bay Area):$138,120 to$ 262,320
• California (All Other):$126,600 to $240,480
• Colorado: $115,080 to$ 218,520
• Massachusetts$115,080 to $240,480
• New York City: $138,120 to$ 262,320
• Washington: $126,600 to $240,480
• Washington DC:$126,600 to $240,480

This position will be eligible for Kyndryl's discretionary annual bonus program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Kyndryl's applicable plans. You may also receive a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical and dental coverage, disability, retirement benefits, paid leave, and paid time off. Note: If this is a sales commission eligible role, you will be eligible to participate in a sales commission plan in lieu of the annual discretionary bonus program.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity is a whole lot more than what we look like or where we come from, it's how we think and who we are. We welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. But we're not doing it single-handily: Our Kyndryl Inclusion Networks are only one of many ways we create a workplace where all Kyndryls can find and provide support and advice. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you - and everyone next to you - the ability to bring your whole self to work, individually and collectively, and support the activation of our equitable culture. That's the Kyndryl Way.

What You Can Expect

With state-of-the-art resources and Fortune 100 clients, every day is an opportunity to innovate, build new capabilities, new relationships, new processes, and new value. Kyndryl cares about your well-being and prides itself on offering benefits that give you choice, reflect the diversity of our employees and support you and your family through the moments that matter - wherever you are in your life journey. Our employee learning programs give you access to the best learning in the industry to receive certifications, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Skillsoft, and many more. Through our company-wide volunteering and giving platform, you can donate, start fundraisers, volunteer, and search over 2 million non-profit organizations. At Kyndryl, we invest heavily in you, we want you to succeed so that together, we will all succeed.

Get Referred!

If you know someone that works at Kyndryl, when asked 'How Did You Hear About Us' during the application process, select 'Employee Referral' and enter your contact's Kyndryl email address.