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

Thank you for considering IT Concepts dba Kentro, where innovation drives opportunity and collaboration leads to success. Our dynamic community of experts is fully committed to advancing our customers' missions, fostering professional growth, and making a positive impact on our communities.

By joining our supportive community, you will find that Kentro is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Together, we can drive meaningful change, spark innovation, and achieve extraordinary milestones.

Kentro is hiring a Senior Data Protection Engineer to support the USSOCOM EDAT Zero Trust initiative. The Senior Data Protection Engineer serves 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.

This role supports the Department of Defense (DoD) Zero Trust strategy by ensuring data is protected throughout its lifecycle through advanced security controls, data governance, policy enforcement, and continuous monitoring. The engineer will collaborate with cybersecurity, cloud, identity, network, and application teams to implement Zero Trust principles focused on data discovery, classification, protection, access control, and monitoring.

Location: Hybrid in Tampa, Florida

Responsibilities

• As a Senior Data Protection Engineer, you will act as a premier subject matter expert in Microsoft Azure Security, Network Data Security, and Trellix DLP enforcement.
• Azure Security & XDR: Serve as a Microsoft Azure security expert, spearheading the design, deployment, and tuning of Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Defender XDR across hybrid enterprise environments.
• Defender Suite & Access: Architect and enforce continuous compliance using the Microsoft Defender suite. 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.
• Trellix DLP Enforcement: 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.
• Network Data Security: Act as a specialized Network Data Security Engineer. Deploy and manage Trellix Network Prevent and Monitor services to oversee data flows, inspect traffic, and actively block unauthorized exfiltration attempts in real-time.
• Datacenter Security: 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.
• Zero Trust Architecture: Design and implement data-centric security architectures aligned with DoD and USSOCOM Zero Trust initiatives (NIST SP 800-207).
• Identity & ABAC Integration: 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.
• Compliance & cATO: 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.

Clearance Requirement:

• TS/SCI
• Must be a US Citizen

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.

Commitment Equal Opportunity Employment & VEVRAA

Kentro is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Kentro is strongly committed to compliance with VEVRAA and other applicable federal, state, and local laws governing equal employment opportunity. We have developed comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure our hiring practices align with these requirements.

As part of our VEVRAA compliance efforts, Kentro has established an equal opportunity plan outlining our commitment to recruiting, hiring, and advancing protected veterans. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness.

We encourage protected veterans to self-identify during the application process. This information is strictly confidential and will only be used for reporting and compliance purposes as required by law. Providing this information is voluntary and will not impact your employment eligibility.

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity extends beyond legal compliance. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees, including protected veterans, are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

How to Apply

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. If you need alternative application methods, please email careers@kentro.us and request assistance.

Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need to discuss reasonable accommodations, please email careers@kentro.us .

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