Cyber Security Architect

Herndon, VA

We are seeking a Cyber Security Architect to support a high-impact national security mission in the Herndon, VA area. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and evolving enterprise security architectures that protect mission-critical systems and data across complex cloud and on-premises environments.

This individual will work closely with engineering, infrastructure, and mission teams to develop security strategies, evaluate emerging technologies, and ensure compliance with Intelligence Community and DoD security standards while enabling operational success.

• Design and maintain enterprise cybersecurity architectures that align with organizational and mission objectives.

• Develop security strategies for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.

• Collaborate with software, infrastructure, and DevSecOps teams to integrate security throughout the system lifecycle.

• Perform architecture reviews and provide technical guidance on secure system design.

• Evaluate new technologies and recommend security controls and best practices.

• Support Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, security assessments, and authorization processes.

• Develop and maintain security documentation, diagrams, and technical standards.

• Analyze threats, vulnerabilities, and emerging attack vectors to improve overall security posture.

• Ensure compliance with NIST, DoD, Intelligence Community, and organizational security requirements.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams on cybersecurity principles and secure design.

• Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph (FSP).

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, or security architecture.

• Experience designing secure enterprise architectures across complex environments.

• Strong understanding of:

  • Zero Trust Architecture

  • Identity and Access Management (IAM)

  • Network Security

  • Cloud Security (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)

  • Security Monitoring and Incident Response

  • Encryption and Key Management

• Experience implementing NIST 800-53 security controls and supporting RMF processes.

• Knowledge of enterprise networking concepts, firewalls, segmentation, and secure communications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to brief technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Experience supporting Intelligence Community or DoD programs.

• Professional certifications such as:

  • CISSP

  • CCSP

  • CISM

  • CASP+

  • GIAC certifications

• Experience with Kubernetes, containers, and modern cloud-native architectures.

• Familiarity with DevSecOps pipelines and infrastructure-as-code security.

• Experience with SIEM, EDR, vulnerability management, and security automation tools.

• Strategic thinker with strong technical depth.

• Ability to balance mission requirements with security best practices.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.

• Experience leading cross-functional technical initiatives.

• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, mission-focused environments.

You'll work alongside highly skilled engineers and mission partners to design and secure systems supporting some of the nation's most critical intelligence and national security missions, while influencing the future architecture of enterprise cybersecurity solutions.