Senior Data Security Engineer - DRM (TS/SCI)

About the role

Join Kentro, a dynamic community of experts dedicated to advancing customer missions, fostering professional growth, and making a positive impact on communities. We are seeking a highly technical Senior Data Security Engineer (DRM) to drive the massive data discovery, classification, and secure data rights management effort for the Zero Trust initiative at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Responsibilities

• Data Rights and Zero Trust: Architect, deploy, and manage Active Directory Rights Management (AD-RMS) and Azure RMS as the primary Data Rights Management (DRM) engine to enforce persistent protection of files and emails across hybrid networks.
• Defender and Access Policy: Design and configure security policies within the Microsoft Defender suite, focusing on Microsoft Purview (information protection, data loss prevention), Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps (cloud access security broker), Entra ID, and Microsoft Conditional Access to control resource access based on device compliance and risk.
• Catalog Integration: Drive data catalog integration and metadata synchronization with enterprise platforms including Palantir, Microsoft Unified Catalog, Purview Audit, and Activity Explorer solutions to track data movement and security state.
• Unstructured Data Crawling: Connect discovery and catalog tools to enterprise databases (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL) to scan schemas and columns for sensitive indicators without impacting database performance.
• Cloud Data Integration: Utilize Microsoft Purview Data Map and custom connectors to inventory and secure data residing in AWS S3 buckets, Azure Blobs, and Data Lakes.
• Classification Tuning: Collaborate with mission owners to train Machine Learning (ML) classifiers to recognize unique USSOCOM data types (e.g., mission names, operational codes) and reduce false positive rates in the data inventory.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (MA/MS) in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of relevant experience in enterprise systems engineering, data security, or cybersecurity operations
• Proven experience implementing and administering AD-RMS and Azure RMS in complex, multi-domain, or hybrid cloud environments
• Deep expertise in the Microsoft Defender suite, specifically: Microsoft Purview (Sensitivity Labeling, DLP, Information Barrier policies), Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps (MCAS policies and session controls), Microsoft Entra ID (Identity and Access Management), and Microsoft Conditional Access (Context-aware security policies)
• Proven experience integrating and managing metadata across enterprise catalogs such as Palantir, Microsoft Unified Catalog, and utilizing Purview Audit and Activity Explorer to monitor data lifecycle events
• Strong understanding of storage protocols (NFS, SMB/CIFS, S3) and database structures (SQL, NoSQL) to troubleshoot connectivity and security scanning access
• Proficiency with Kubernetes and Docker, as modern data collectors and agents are frequently deployed as containerized microservices
• Experience dealing with large-scale data environments (Petabyte scale) and a solid understanding of data lineage, provenance, and classification concepts

Preferred Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of Kusto Query Language (KQL) for writing sophisticated detection rules, hunting queries, and diagnostic analysis within Microsoft Sentinel/Purview
• Strong proficiency in Splunk Processing Language (SPL) for building advanced dashboards, alerts, and performing forensic analysis

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.

Contact

To apply to Kentro Positions- Please click on the job link and then click the blue “Apply” button at the top right of Job Description. Please upload your resume and complete all the application steps. You must fully submit the application for Kentro to consider you for a position.

Accommodations

If you need to discuss reasonable accommodations, please email careers@kentro.us .