This role pays more than
76%
of similar roles. Most pay
$155,000–$207,350
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$207k
versus about
$181k
for comparable roles.
Based on 238 similar postings.
Employer
About Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is a global technology leader producing software, hardware, and cloud services including Windows, Office 365, Azure cloud platform, Xbox gaming, and Surface devices. Industry: Software & Cloud Computing
Microsoft currently has
1103 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$119,800–$234,700
across 985 roles with salary data.
As a principal-level security researcher on the Microsoft Threat Protection Research (MTP-R) team, you will collaborate closely with engineering, research, and threat intelligence teams to evaluate detection coverage and effectiveness against real-world cyberattacks. Your day-to-day responsibilities include analyzing telemetry using Kusto/KQL to validate detection logic, uncover gaps, and measure signal quality, while translating attacker tradecraft into actionable insights for defenders. You will apply MITRE ATT&CK frameworks to map adversary behavior, identify coverage gaps, and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Additionally, you will contribute to high-quality executive presentations and technical documentation that influence product and security strategy, acting as an experienced voice in shaping methodology and long-term research direction. This role requires deep expertise in cybersecurity, blue team operations, threat hunting, and working with Microsoft Defender suite products, along with proficiency in KQL, Python, PowerShell, and AI-driven detection engineering at scale.