Sr. Architect, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Job summary

This role is for a Sr Architect specializing in M365 security responsible for designing secure collaboration solutions that protect enterprise information while enabling efficient productivity in a hybrid work environment. The architect will translate security requirements into scalable configurations guide implementation teams and ensure consistent compliance with organizational policies and industry standards.

Responsibilities

Design end to end M365 security architectures that align with enterprise security policies and enable secure collaboration for global business teams

Define security baselines and configuration standards for services such as Exchange Online SharePoint Online OneDrive Teams and related M365 security components

Drive implementation of conditional access data loss prevention and identity protection controls that reduce risk while maintaining user productivity

Coordinate with infrastructure and application teams to integrate M365 security features with identity access management and endpoint security platforms

Review and optimize security configurations periodically to enhance resilience against evolving threats and improve operational efficiency

Develop detailed technical documentation runbooks and design diagrams that clearly describe M365 security solutions and support ongoing operations

Provide expert guidance to operations and support teams on incident response processes related to M365 security alerts and service disruptions

Conduct security assessments and gap analyses of existing M365 environments to recommend prioritized remediation actions and improvements

Collaborate with compliance and risk stakeholders to map M365 security controls to regulatory and organizational requirements

Mentor junior engineers and architects by sharing best practices for M365 security design implementation and troubleshooting activities

Participate in change planning reviews to evaluate security impacts of new features configurations and integrations across the M365 ecosystem

Engage with business stakeholders to capture security requirements and translate them into practical secure configurations within M365 services

Monitor security analytics and reports generated from tools such as Microsoft Defender and related platforms to detect anomalies and propose corrective actions

Qualifications

possess a bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience in information technology computer science or a related discipline with a strong focus on security concepts

bring between six and ten years of overall experience with substantial hands on exposure to designing and implementing M365 security solutions

demonstrate deep understanding of core M365 security capabilities including identity governance conditional access data protection and threat management

exhibit practical experience working in hybrid work models and coordinating securely with distributed teams across multiple time zones and locations

show proficiency in configuring integrating and troubleshooting security features within services such as Exchange Online SharePoint Online OneDrive and Teams

apply knowledge of security frameworks and regulatory expectations to ensure that M365 configurations align with organizational and industry standards

display strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex security issues and propose clear actionable resolutions

communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders to explain security risks design decisions and operational procedures in a concise manner

value continuous learning by staying current with emerging M365 capabilities security trends and cloud security best practices

appreciate structured project execution by following defined processes documentation standards and quality checks for all security architecture deliverables

prefer candidates holding relevant cloud or security certifications as this demonstrates validated expertise and commitment to professional development

show readiness to work in a day shift hybrid model without regular travel while collaborating closely with distributed teams through digital channels

Certifications Required

Microsoft Certified Cybersecurity Architect Expert or Microsoft 365 Certified Security Administrator Associate or equivalent cloud security certification

What we offer

The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.

About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

Other employment-related information
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.

Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.