[Hiring] Insider Risk Investigator @Microsoft

Role Description

The Insider Risk Investigator will lead complex insider risk investigations spanning on-premises, cloud, and endpoint systems. This role will apply advanced analytical, forensic, and detection engineering techniques to identify, assess, and contain insider-driven risks to Microsoft’s people, data, and intellectual property. Partnering with business units across Microsoft, the Senior Investigator will coordinate response actions, manage case communication, ensure evidence integrity and governance compliance throughout the investigative lifecycle. The role also requires contribution to the evolution of Microsoft’s insider risk detection and response capabilities by developing new detection plans and playbooks.

Responsibilities

• Investigative Execution & Rigor:
  • Execute the end-to-end investigative cycle, including evidence development, technical analysis, and documentation of findings using established investigative standards.
  • Ensure investigative work products are complete, defensible, and consistent with program expectations for rigor, evidentiary integrity, and due process.
  • Contribute to translating technical investigative activity into clear, structured findings and insights for stakeholders.
• Technical Investigation & Signal Development:
  • Partner with technical subject matter experts to identify, access, and interpret relevant data sources for investigative use.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of detection logic, investigative triggers, and signal quality to improve investigative outcomes.
  • Apply technical expertise to support root cause analysis and evidence-based conclusions across complex investigations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Collaborate closely with investigators, legal, HR, security, and compliance partners to support coordinated, cross-functional investigations.
  • Ensure alignment with established processes and minimize duplication of investigative effort across teams.
  • Contribute to a culture of investigative rigor, accountability, and professional excellence.
• Embody our company's Culture and Values.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field OR
• Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat modeling, cyber security, anomaly detection, Security Operations Center (SOC) detection, threat analytics, security incident and event management (SIEM), information technology (IT), or operations incident response OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 4+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat modeling, cyber security, anomaly detection, Security Operations Center (SOC) detection, threat analytics, security incident and event management (SIEM), information technology (IT), or operations incident response OR equivalent experience.

Requirements

• Security Clearance Requirements: Candidates must be able to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role.
• The successful candidate must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Clearance Verification: This position requires successful verification of the stated security clearance to meet federal government customer requirements.
• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
• Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This position requires verification of U.S. citizenship due to citizenship-based legal restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, modeling, cybersecurity, anomaly detection, Security Operations Center (SOC) detection, threat analytics, security incident and event management (SIEM), information technology (IT), and operations incident response OR equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in programming and query languages (e.g., Python, Powershell, SQL, KQL).
• Proficiency in Azure cloud environments, with a strong understanding of data flows, access management.
• Analytical mindset with experience in threat detection, incident response, and root-cause analysis in cloud environments.
• Experience in any of the following areas: Identity and Access Management, Red Team, Penetration testing, Software development, DevSecOps, or other specialization.
• Experience working with HR, legal, and compliance teams to ensure alignment with company policies and regulations.
• Experience supporting insider risk, trust & safety, security, or enterprise risk investigations programs.
• Experience working with technical data sources and translating findings into actionable insights.
• Familiarity with investigative standards, evidentiary principles, and structured investigative methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous, cross-functional environments spanning technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Compensation

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $160,200 - $261,000 per year.

Application Process

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances.