Senior Security Engineer (Azure)

About Nava
Nava is a consultancy and public benefit corporation working to make government services simple and effective. Since 2015, federal, state, and local agencies have trusted Nava to help solve highly scrutinized technology modernization challenges.
As a client services company, we guide agencies constrained by legacy systems to a future with sharp user experiences built on secure, reliable, fault-tolerant cloud infrastructure. We bill for our time, offering our expertise and problem-solving approach to help our government partners enhance their digital products and services. People are at the heart of our work, from members of the public who rely on benefit programs to government agency staff. Through human-centered design and modern engineering best practices, we help our government partners understand user needs and deliver on their missions more effectively. This focus gives everyone at Nava the opportunity to do work that is meaningful, impactful, and deeply connected to public good.
This role is open for multiple levels and titles. Final title/compensation will be determined by how your interview weighs against our core competencies during your interview cycle
Position summary
We are seeking a Security Engineer to support the design and implementation of a secure Azure cloud environment for a large-scale government modernization effort. This role will focus on establishing strong security and compliance foundations, including identity and access management, monitoring, and policy enforcement across the tenant. The Security Engineer will partner closely with cloud architects, engineers, and client stakeholders to define and implement security best practices aligned with federal and state requirements.
What you'll do
Design and implement identity and access management (IAM) models, including RBAC and privileged access controls
Configure and advise on security tools such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Define and enforce security policies and governance guardrails using Azure Policy
Set up and guide centralized logging, monitoring, and threat detection capabilities
Design key management and secrets handling solutions (e.g., Azure Key Vault)
Support compliance efforts, including HIPAA alignment and ATO preparation activities
Collaborate with teams to identify security risks and define remediation approaches
Contribute to secure cloud architecture decisions, including networking and access patterns
Support Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and CI/CD practices to ensure secure deployments
Create security documentation, runbooks, and provide guidance to enable client teams to operate securely
Required skills
Experience with Azure cloud security, including Microsoft Entra ID and Defender for Cloud
Strong knowledge of Identity and Access Management (IAM), including RBAC and privileged access controls
Familiarity with security and compliance frameworks (e.g., HIPAA, state security standards, ATO processes)
Experience implementing cloud security monitoring, logging, and incident detection
Knowledge of Azure Policy and governance guardrails for enforcing security standards
Experience with key management and secrets handling (e.g., Azure Key Vault)
Understanding of secure network architecture and connectivity (including hybrid/on-prem integrations)
Experience supporting Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and secure CI/CD pipeline practices
Ability to define and document security architecture, standards, and operational runbooks
Strong collaboration skills to work with engineers, architects, and stakeholders on security design and remediation
Compensation
$135,900—$153,000 USD
Other requirements
All roles at Nava require the following:
Legal authorization to work in the United States
Ability to meet any other requirements for government contracts for which candidates are hired
Work authorization that doesn’t require visa sponsorship, now or in the future
May be subject to a government background check or security clearance, depending on the contract
Perks working with Nava
Health coverage — comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans to support your overall health needs
Insurance coverage — Nava provides disability, life, and accidental death insurance at no cost
Time off — vacation, holidays (including Juneteenth), and floating holidays to rest and recharge
Company holidays — enjoy 12 paid federal holidays each year on top of your regular PTO
Annual bonus — when Nava meets its goals, eligible employees receive a performance-based annual bonus
Parental leave — paid time off for new parents, plus weekly meals delivered to your home
Wellness program — full platform offering physical, mental, & emotional health resources & support tools
Virtual care — see doctors online with no copay through a virtual visit program (depending on available providers)
Sabbatical leave — earn extended unpaid leave after continuous service for personal growth or rest