The Principal Security Researcher (Red Team) role at Microsoft focuses on leading the design and execution of complex adversary simulations to enhance security across various environments. The position is part of the Microsoft Threat Protection Research (MTP-R) Purple Team, which integrates offense, defense, and intelligence to combat cyber threats. The researcher will leverage AI-driven workflows to scale attack simulations and contribute to the development of advanced offensive tooling. This role is ideal for someone with extensive experience in offensive security who is eager to influence product direction and drive innovation.

• Doctorate in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 3+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat analysis or modeling, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, and/or anomaly detection.
• Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 4+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat analysis or modeling, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, and/or anomaly detection.
• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 6+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat analysis or modeling, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, and/or anomaly detection.
• 5+ years of experience in red teaming, offensive security, or adversary emulation.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements.

• Lead the design and execution of complex, multi-stage adversary simulations across endpoint, identity, cloud, and SaaS environments.
• Architect and develop advanced offensive tooling, including scalable C2 frameworks, custom implants, and malware tradecraft.
• Conduct deep research into modern attacker techniques, including novel evasion strategies, cloud abuse patterns, and identity-based attacks.
• Drive threat modeling and adversary emulation strategy, aligning simulations with real-world campaigns and emerging threats.
• Leverage and contribute to threat intelligence by producing new insights from simulation results, tradecraft research, and adversary behavior analysis.
• Design and implement AI-enabled and agentic systems to automate offensive operations, generate adaptive attack paths, and scale simulation complexity.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of defensive systems, including AI-driven detections, and provide strategic recommendations for improvement.
• Partner with engineering, detection, and intelligence teams to influence product direction and improve security outcomes.
• Deliver executive-level briefings, technical reports, and strategic recommendations.
• Act as a technical leader, shaping offensive research methodology, mentoring team members, and driving long-term innovation.

• Employees at Microsoft are often offered comprehensive, “world-class” benefits—including health and mental-wellness programs, competitive pay with bonuses and stock awards, and retirement/savings options. Time-off and flexibility are common, with generous vacation and holidays, parental and caregiver leave, and flexible work schedules, alongside learning support, employee resource groups, product discounts, and matching-gifts/volunteering programs. Specific benefits can vary by region.