Microsoft Defender Systems Analyst

The Microsoft Defender Systems Analyst oversees and supports the enterprise migration to Microsoft Defender Antivirus (MDAV) across a large, distributed environment. The Systems Analyst will be responsible for coordinating technical planning, execution, testing, and reporting activities across multiple teams to ensure a smooth and secure migration. This role requires strong leadership, technical understanding of Microsoft security solutions, and the ability to manage and communicate effectively with both technical and program stakeholders.

As a federal contractor, CNI is a drug-free workplace and adheres to the Federal Controlled Substance Act.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The ability to obtain, maintain and access classified information at the Public Trust level.
• 5+ years of experience in IT systems analysis, engineering, or cybersecurity in an enterprise environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading task orders, technical workstreams, or migration initiatives in large environments.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender Antivirus and/or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
• Strong understanding of Windows endpoint management tools (e.g., Intune, SCCM, Group Policy).
• Familiarity with scripting (e.g., PowerShell) for endpoint configuration tasks.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

• Prior experience leading enterprise migrations to Microsoft Defender Antivirus or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is preferred.

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center and security baselines is preferred.
• Experience supporting federal IT environments (e.g., NIH, HHS, NASA) is preferred.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Leads the development of the overall migration strategy and implementation roadmap for transitioning to Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
• Coordinates across cybersecurity, endpoint management, and infrastructure teams to align migration timelines, dependencies, and communication plans.
• Establishes workstreams, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress to ensure on-time delivery of milestones.
• Provides guidance on the configuration of Microsoft Defender Antivirus policies, baselines, and exclusions through Intune, Group Policy, or other enterprise tools.
• Oversees scripting and automation efforts (e.g., PowerShell) to enable and configure MDAV across enterprise endpoints.

• Ensures policy configurations align with organizational security baselines and operational requirements.

• Directs the development and execution of pilot and testing plans, ensuring functional protection, proper policy application, and minimal disruption to users.

• Oversees telemetry and reporting analysis from Microsoft Security Console, Defender portal, and Intune to validate successful migrations and identify exceptions.
• Manages issue triage and resolution in coordination with Tier 2/3 support teams.
• Develops and maintains migration runbooks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and rollback processes.
• Tracks and reports migration progress, success rates, failure rates, and endpoint protection status to program leadership.
• Documents pre- and post-migration security posture, lessons learned, and recommendations for ongoing operations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field OR equivalent work experience. Five plus (5+) years of experience in IT systems analysis, engineering, or cybersecurity in an enterprise environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Regularly required to sit. Regularly required use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms to handle objects and operate tools, computer, and/or controls. Required to speak and hear. Occasionally required to stand, walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Exposed to general office noise with computers printers and light traffic.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

EOE including Disability/Vet

The estimated pay range for this role is $83K to $105K, with the final offer contingent on location, skillset, and experience.

CNI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Family Planning/Fertility Assistance
• STD/LTD/Basic Life/AD&D
• Legal-Aid Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – (11) Federal Holidays
• Training and Development Opportunities

Your application submission will be considered for all potential employment opportunities with Chickasaw Nation Industries (CNI).