Principal Security Researcher | Microsoft Careers

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Salary
$142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted
6 days ago
Closes
Dec 5, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $180k
This role $209k
$101k most similar roles pay here $293k

This role pays more than 95% of similar roles. Most pay $152,150–$207,350 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $180k for comparable roles.

Based on 239 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 1568 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 1397 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Security Researcher | Microsoft Careers

As a Principal-level Red Team Security Researcher in Microsoft’s Threat Protection Research Purple Team, you will lead the design and execution of sophisticated adversary simulations across various environments including endpoints, identities, clouds, and SaaS platforms. You’ll develop advanced offensive tooling such as C2 frameworks and malware tradecraft while conducting deep research into modern attacker techniques. Your role involves driving threat modeling strategies, leveraging AI to automate attack simulations, and evaluating the effectiveness of defensive systems. You will collaborate with engineering teams to influence product direction and deliver executive-level briefings on strategic recommendations. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in red teaming, offensive security, and adversary emulation, along with expertise in C2 frameworks, malware development, and threat intelligence analysis. This role requires proficiency in Python, C++, and other relevant programming languages, as well as a deep understanding of MITRE ATT&CK methodologies.

What you'll do

  • Lead design and execution of complex, multi-stage adversary simulations in various environments.
  • Develop advanced offensive tooling including C2 frameworks, custom implants, and malware tradecraft.
  • Conduct deep research into modern attacker techniques and produce new threat intelligence insights.
  • Design AI-enabled systems to automate offensive operations and scale simulation complexity.
  • Evaluate defensive system effectiveness and provide strategic recommendations for improvement.
  • Deliver executive-level briefings on technical reports and strategic security recommendations.

What we're looking for

  • 5+ years experience in red teaming, offensive security, or adversary emulation.
  • Expertise in C2 framework design, implant development, and offensive infrastructure.
  • Background in malware development, reverse engineering, or exploit development.
  • Experience leveraging and producing threat intelligence at the campaign or actor level.
  • Knowledge of MITRE ATT&CK and threat modeling methodologies.
  • Security certifications such as OSCP, OSCE, OSEP, OSWE, GPEN, GXPN, GREM.

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