Cyber Security Engineer

Neros Technologies•Torrance, CA

About The Position

Join Neros as a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer and take ownership of the security program that protects our defense technology platforms. You'll build and mature our cybersecurity capabilities from the ground up — architecting detection and response systems, engineering security controls across cloud and endpoint environments, and ensuring compliance with NIST, ISO, and CIS frameworks. This is a high-impact, hands-on role at a fast-moving defense tech startup for a security professional who thrives as both architect and operator.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity engineering, with demonstrated ability to build and operate security programs — not just maintain existing ones
Deep hands-on expertise with the Microsoft security ecosystem including Defender XDR (Endpoint, M365, Identity, Cloud Apps), Entra ID Protection, and Azure/M365 security controls
Proven experience deploying and managing MDR/SIEM solutions for 24/7 threat monitoring and SOC operations (e.g., Rapid7, Secureworks Taegis XDR, or equivalent)
Strong background in incident response — containment, investigation, remediation, forensic preservation, and stakeholder communication
Working knowledge of compliance frameworks including NIST 800-171, NIST CSF, CIS benchmarks, and PCI DSS, with hands-on experience performing audits and control assessments
Experience conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing across infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments
Proficiency with endpoint protection platforms, Microsoft security baseline configuration, and change control programs
Demonstrated ability to automate security workflows using AI-assisted tooling, XDR automation, or scripting
Strong communication skills — able to translate security risks and technical findings for non-technical leadership and cross-functional teams

Nice To Haves

Experience building a cybersecurity program from scratch at a startup or early-stage company
Familiarity with ISO standards, 27001 in particular
Familiarity with network segmentation tools (e.g., Illumio) and next-gen firewall administration (Palo Alto, Zscaler)
Experience with security awareness platforms (KnowBe4 or equivalent) and phishing simulation programs
Background in systems administration (Active Directory, Citrix, SCCM, Intune) providing depth of understanding of the environments being secured
Experience with Tenable.ot or OT security in operational technology environments
CISSP, SANS GIAC, or advanced Microsoft security certifications
Eligibility or willingness to obtain a security clearance for potential future classified work

Responsibilities

Build and operationalize the enterprise cybersecurity program, owning security architecture, detection and response, governance, and automation
Engineer and manage the security technology stack including Microsoft Defender XDR, endpoint protection platforms, SIEM/MDR solutions, and Azure/M365 security controls
Lead incident response operations — containment, investigation, remediation — and coordinate with leadership and stakeholders on findings and risk posture
Perform security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses across infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments
Develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and compliance programs aligned to NIST 800-171 and ITAR controls.
Automate security workflows and build detection logic to improve alert fidelity, operational efficiency, and coverage across the environment
Establish change control processes, security baselines, and security awareness training programs