Defense Aviation Security Architect – AWS GovCloud

SteerBridge, Inc.; Vienna (VA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SteerBridge, Inc. is seeking a Security Architect to define the security architecture and compliance strategy for a mission-critical Defense Aviation platform running in AWS GovCloud for federal customers.

This role owns the security blueprint—from identity and zero-trust access to monitoring and authorization strategy—for environments supporting DoD operations. The ideal candidate will translate DoD requirements into enforceable designs, guide engineers, and lead DoD authorization processes

Qualifications

• US Citizenship required for clearance.
• 10+ years security experience with 3+ years in architecture/lead role.
• Experience designing zero-trust architectures with Zscaler or similar.
• Deep AWS security expertise; DoD frameworks (DoDI 8510, CNSSI 1253, STIGs).
• Experience achieving ATO in DoD environments.
• Ability to produce architecture docs and risk assessments.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Define the security architecture for AWS GovCloud workloads spanning identity, zero‑trust access, network segmentation, encryption, monitoring, and data protection.
• Design and own the zero‑trust access architecture, leveraging Zscaler (ZTNA/SASE) to broker secure access to applications and infrastructure.
• Design defense‑in‑depth control frameworks aligned to DoD and DISA requirements.
• Produce security architecture documentation, control mappings, and decision records.
• Establish security standards and reference patterns for engineering teams.
• Lead security alignment with DoDI 8510, CNSSI 1253, STIGs, DoD CC SRG, and ATO and authorization processes.
• Define control implementation and evidence strategies for audits and assessments.
• Assess and communicate security risk to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Guide POA&M development and remediation prioritization.
• Review architectures to embed security from the outset.
• Set standards for least‑privilege IAM, zero‑trust secure access, and hardened baselines.
• Guide engineers implementing security controls, detection, and response capabilities.
• Lead security and threat‑model reviews.
• Partner with cloud and solutions architects to ensure secure‑by‑design platforms.
• Advise leadership on security strategy, posture, and risk trade‑offs.
• Mentor engineers and promote a strong security culture.

Skills

Zero-trust architecture

AWS GovCloud

Security architecture

DoD security requirements

IAM least-privilege design

Threat modeling

ATO process

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Cybersecurity/CS

CISM

CISSP

CCNP Enterprise

GCIA

GDSA

GICSP

ISSAP

ISSEP

Master’s in IT/Cybersecurity

Tools

Zscaler

ZTNA

SASE

Cloud security tooling

Job description

SteerBridge, Inc. is seeking a Security Architect to define the security architecture and compliance strategy for a mission-critical Defense Aviation platform running in AWS GovCloud for federal customers.

This role owns the security blueprint—from identity and zero-trust access to monitoring and authorization strategy—for environments supporting DoD operations. The ideal candidate will translate DoD requirements into enforceable designs, guide engineers, and lead DoD authorization processes