Windows/Active Directory Security Lead

I have a long term contract for a Windows / Active Directory Lead to support and modernize a large-scale, mission-critical Microsoft infrastructure environment for one of our top tier financial services firms.

This role is part of a managed systems engineering team responsible for maintaining highly available compute infrastructure that supports global business operations 24/7.

This role is onsite 4 days a week.

$100-$110/hr

The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience with Active Directory architecture, security, administration, automation, and infrastructure hardening in a large enterprise environment. This position will play a key role in strengthening identity services, improving reliability, enhancing security posture, and supporting the continued evolution of Windows services across a complex distributed environment.

Responsibiliti es:

• Design, administer, secure, and support large-scale Active Directory environments, including forests, domains, trusts, replication strategies, and privileged access models.
• Manage and enhance core Microsoft infrastructure services including Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and Windows Server platforms.
• Support modernization efforts for enterprise identity and authentication services across development and production environments.
• Implement and maintain Active Directory security controls, hardening initiatives, and vulnerability remediation efforts.
• Deploy and manage Windows Local Administrator Password Solution and other privileged access security tools.
• Support MFA implementation for critical systems and privileged access workflows.
• Deploy and manage Windows security features such as Credential Guard and other credential theft mitigation technologies.
• Assess Active Directory environments for security risks, misconfigurations, and privilege escalation paths.
• Apply least-privilege principles, administrative tiering models, privileged access management practices, and secure workstation strategies.
• Automate administrative tasks, reporting, and operational processes using PowerShe
• ll.Partner with security, compliance, and infrastructure teams to support auditing, governance, and regulatory requirements.
• Create and maintain clear technical documentation, operational procedures, and infrastructure standards.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience architecting, administering, and securing Active Directory in large enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise in Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and Windows Server administration.
• Experience in CyberArk PAM
• Hands-on experience implementing Active Directory security controls and hardening initiatives.
• Experience deploying and managing Windows Local Administrator Password Solution.
• Experience implementing and supporting MFA for key systems.
• Experience with Windows security technologies such as Credential Guard and other credential theft mitigation solutions.
• Strong understanding of identity lifecycle management, authentication protocols including Kerberos and NTLM, and access control models.
• Proven experience designing and implementing AD forests, domains, trusts, replication, and privileged access models.
• Knowledge of Active Directory tiering, privileged access management, administrative workstation strategies, and least-privilege practices.
• Experience identifying and remediating Active Directory vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
• Strong PowerShell scripting and automation skills.
• Experience working in regulated environments with a focus on compliance, auditing, and security governance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Active Directory security assessment tools, attack path analysis, and privilege escalation remediation.
• Experience integrating Active Directory with Linux systems, SaaS applications, or other enterprise platforms.
• Strong understanding of EDR, endpoint security, and security monitoring solutions within Windows environments.
• Strong documentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Microsoft certifications such as Identity and Access Administrator Associate, Security Operations Analyst Associate, Azure Solutions Architect, or similar credentials.