Senior Data Protection Engineer (USSOCOM-Zero Trust, Azure Secur with Security Clearance

About the role

Kentro is hiring a Senior Data Protection Engineer to support the USSOCOM EDAT Zero Trust initiative. The Senior Data Protection Engineer will serve as a key member of the USSOCOM Enterprise Zero Trust Data Team, responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining data-centric security capabilities across classified and unclassified environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Microsoft Azure security expert, spearheading the design, deployment, and tuning of Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Defender XDR across hybrid enterprise environments.
• Leverage deep expertise in Microsoft Purview, Defender for Cloud Apps, Entra ID, and Microsoft Conditional Access to control resource access based on identity and risk.
• Design, engineer, and rigorously enforce Trellix Full Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies across the enterprise to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of controlled and classified information.
• Deploy and manage Trellix Network Prevent and Monitor services to oversee data flows, inspect traffic, and actively block unauthorized exfiltration attempts in real-time.
• Engineer, implement, and monitor robust network security controls and encryption protocols governing all data traffic moving to and from on-premises datacenters and hybrid cloud environments.
• Design and implement data-centric security architectures aligned with DoD and USSOCOM Zero Trust initiatives (NIST SP 800-207).
• Integrate data security controls with Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) systems and support the implementation of Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) and policy-driven access models.
• Support Continuous Authorization to Operate (cATO) initiatives through automated security validation, compliance monitoring, and risk assessments of enterprise data repositories.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field. Additional years of relevant experience may be substituted for formal education requirements when permitted by contract guidelines.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, or data security engineering. 5+ years supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, or Federal Government cybersecurity initiatives.
• Technical Skills: Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Data Discovery and Classification, Encryption and Key Management, Cloud Security Architecture, Security Automation and Orchestration, Scripting and automation using PowerShell, Python, or similar technologies, Security Framework Knowledge: DoD Zero Trust Reference Architecture, NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture, NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), NIST 800-53 Security Controls, DoD Cybersecurity Policies and Directives, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Requirements.
• Required Certifications: Must possess one of the following DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level III certifications: CISSP, CASP+, CCSP, CISM.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Query Languages: Advanced knowledge and proficiency in Kusto Query Language (KQL) and Splunk Processing Language (SPL) for sophisticated threat hunting, alerting, and dashboard creation.
• Experience supporting USSOCOM, SOF, or Joint Service environments.
• Experience with Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) and classified data handling requirements.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps, Platform One, and cATO methodologies.
• Experience supporting enterprise cloud migrations and data modernization initiatives.
• Knowledge of AI/ML governance and the protection of sensitive training datasets.

Benefits

The Company We believe in generating success collaboratively, enabling long-term mission success, and building trust for the next challenge. With you as our partner, let's solve challenges, think innovatively, and maximize impact. As a valued member of our team, you have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse range of technology and business career paths, all while supporting our nation and delivering innovative technology solutions. We are a close community of experts that pride ourselves on creating an environment defined by teamwork, dedication, and excellence. We hold three ISO certifications (27001:2013, 20000-1:2011, 9001:2015), two CMMI ML 3 ratings (DEV and SVC) and CMMC Level 2 Certification. Industry Recognition Growth | Inc 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies, DC Metro List Fastest Growing; Washington Business Journal: Fastest Growing Companies, Top Performing Small Technology Companies in Greater D.C. Culture | Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 Honoree; Virginia Best Place to Work; Washington Business Journal: Best Places to Work, Corporate Diversity Index Winner - Mid-Size Companies, Companies Owned by People of Color; Department of Labor's HireVets for our work helping veterans transition; SECAF Award of Excellence finalist; Victory Military Friendly Brand; Virginia Values Veterans (V3); Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Corporate Breath Award Benefits We offer competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401k including an employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more. We invest in our employees - Every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development. Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations. We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development. We work hard; we play hard. Kentro is committed to incorporating fun into every day. We dedicate funds for activities - virtual and in-person - e.g., we host happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations. In alignment with our commitment to our communities, we also host and attend charity galas/events. We believe in appreciating your commitment and building a positive workspace for you to be creative, innovative, and happy.