IT - Cyber Security Architect/Engineer III

PlanIT Group, LLC; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

PlanIT Group, LLC is seeking a Senior Cloud Security Architect to define the security blueprint for a multi-cloud environment. You will lead Zero Trust architecture, IAM governance, and data encryption across AWS, Azure, or GCP, while embedding security into CI/CD via policy-as-code and automation.

You will drive CNAPP/CSPM integrations, threat modeling, and secure AI/ML pipelines, partnering with DevOps and executive leadership to align security with business speed and compliance.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in Cybersecurity with 6+ years architecting secure cloud environments at scale.
• Top-tier certifications related to security and cloud architecture.
• BS degree in a relevant field or four additional years of related experience if degree is outside the field.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of a global Zero Trust architecture with IAM governance and data protection across multi-clouds.
• Develop and enforce policy as code using Terraform and related guardrails.
• Define CNAPP and CSPM integrations for real-time cloud posture visibility.
• Perform threat modeling and resilience planning for complex cloud-native systems.
• Advise Cloud Architecture teams to balance DevOps speed with security and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Cloud security architecture

IAM/CIEM

Automation scripting

DevSecOps practices

Cloud networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Advanced degree in CS/Cybersecurity

Tools

Terraform

SOAR platforms

SAST/DAST/SCA tooling

Job description

Senior Cloud Security Architect

As a Senior Cloud Security Architect, you will lead the strategic vision for protecting our multi-cloud ecosystem. You are responsible for designing the security blueprints that govern our entire digital footprint—from identity perimeters to AI-driven threat detection. This role requires a "Security as Code" mindset, where you build automated guardrails that empower developers to move at speed without compromising the safety of our data or infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Security Architecture Vision: Lead the design of a global Zero Trust architecture, ensuring robust identity governance (IAM), network micro-segmentation, and data encryption across AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• AI-Native Security Strategy: Architect specialized security frameworks for AI/ML pipelines, focusing on data privacy for training sets, model integrity, and securing LLM-integrated applications against emerging attack vectors.
• Automated Guardrails (Policy as Code): Develop and enforce enterprise-wide security policies using Terraform, etc., ensuring that non-compliant infrastructure is automatically remediated or blocked from deployment.
• Cloud Posture Management: Design and oversee the integration of CNAPP and CSPM tools to provide real-time visibility into misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and excessive permissions.
• Threat Modeling & Resilience: Conduct deep-dive threat modeling for complex cloud-native systems, simulating advanced persistent threats (APTs) and "blast radius" scenarios to strengthen system resilience.
• Security Consultancy: Act as the lead security advisor for the Cloud Architecture team, bridging the gap between DevOps agility and rigorous regulatory compliance (SOC2).

Technical Qualifications

Category

Security Platforms

Requirements

Mastery of cloud-native security suites (e.g., AWS Security Hub, Azure Defender, GCP Security Command Center).

Category

Identity & Access

Requirements

Expert knowledge of Identity-First Security, including CIEM, Just-In-Time (JIT) access, and complex OIDC/SAML flows.

Category

Automation

Requirements

Proficiency in Python, Go, or Bash to build custom security automations and integrate with SOAR platforms.

Category

DevSecOps

Requirements

Deep experience embedding automated security testing (SAST/DAST/SCA) directly into CI/CD pipelines.

Category

Cloud Networking

Requirements

Advanced understanding of secure connectivity, including SD-WAN, Cloud WAF, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

Preferred Experience

• Experience: 12+ years in Cybersecurity, with at least 6 years focused on architecting secure cloud environments at scale.
• Certifications: Top-tier credentials.
• Education: Advanced degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related engineering field preferred. BS degree from an accredited College/University in the applicable field of services is required, or four additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a college degree. If the individual's degree is not in the applicable field then four additional years of related experience is required.
• Soft Skills: Strong ability to bridge the gap between "Speed of DevOps" and "Rigors of Security" while communicating clearly with executive leadership
• Leadership: Proven ability to influence technical roadmaps and present security risks clearly to C-suite stakeholders.

Core Objectives

• Zero Standing Privilege: Help Transition the organization to a "Zero Standing Privilege" model for all production environments.
• Automated Compliance: Help Achieve automated auditing for core compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, CIS Benchmarks).
• Mean Time to Detect (MTTD): Utilize AI-driven monitoring to reduce the detection time of anomalous cloud activity to minimum

Additional Provisions:

• Pass a client mandated clearance process to include drug screening, criminal history check and credit check.
• Once candidate's resume is approved and interview passed, the agency is responsible for providing drug screening. Failure to submit the drug screening results will delay the security clearance process.
• If a candidate is given an interim clearance, continuation of employment is then based on the candidate receiving a sensitive clearance.
• All candidates must be a US Citizen or permanent status Green Card holder.
• Cannot have more than 6 months travel outside the United States within the last five years. Military Service excluded. (Exception does not include military family members.)
• All overtime must be pre-approved in writing by the client manager or his/her designated representative.
• Agency will not be reimbursed for overtime charges without previous written authorization. Authorized overtime will be reimbursed at straight time.
• The enforced dress code is business casual, i.e., collared shirt with slacks for men, no skirts above the knee for women.