Threat Context Analyst - Mandarin

Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) is part of Microsoft Global Affairs (MGA) within Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA). MTAC detects, assesses, and disrupts digital threats to Microsoft, its customers, and democracies worldwide. The team leverages language skills and geopolitical knowledge to research and report on malicious nation-state influence, cyber-enabled, and AI-enabled operations from China.

About the role

The Threat Context Analyst will use Mandarin proficiency and regional expertise to investigate influence and AI threats from China. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing Mandarin-language social media, websites, and press content, synthesizing cross-company intelligence, and producing executive-level reports and briefings. The role is based in Microsoft’s NYC office with occasional domestic and international travel (under 10%), primarily to Washington, DC and Redmond, WA.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and assess Chinese malign influence threats at tactical and strategic levels using China-linked social media, open-source reporting, and Microsoft threat signals.
• Write concise, executive-ready reports on findings under tight deadlines.
• Develop and deliver engaging presentations for stakeholders.
• Follow lawful, non-intrusive methods to detect and deter advanced information-environment threats.
• Collaborate with Microsoft Threat Intelligence on cyber operations investigations, incorporating technical cybersecurity findings into analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Finance, Mathematics, Analytics, Engineering, Computer Science, Marketing, Business, Economics, Political Science, or related field OR equivalent experience.
• Spoken and written proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.
• 2+ years of experience tracking Chinese threat capabilities, infrastructure, operational techniques, and East Asia geopolitical issues.
• 2+ years producing actionable threat intelligence or strategic analysis through written reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for executive presentations.
• U.S. citizenship (required for citizenship verification due to legal restrictions).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in related field OR Bachelor’s Degree with 2+ years in data analysis, business intelligence, or financial analysis.
• Active security clearance.
• Additional Asian language skills (e.g., Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, Cantonese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Malay, Indonesian).
• Experience with AI platforms and applications.
• Familiarity with database query languages (e.g., SQL, KQL) and Python.

Pay

Base pay range: USD $70,500 – $139,700 per year (higher in San Francisco Bay Area and NYC metropolitan area: USD $95,000 – $153,200). Eligible for benefits and other compensation.