Lead Architect, Identity and Access Management

Circle; New York (NY); On-site; USD 145,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Architect for Identity and Access Management to enhance their innovative solutions. In this pivotal role, you will coach teams on best practices, design strategic IAM architecture, and collaborate with security teams to bolster enterprise security. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in IAM protocols and technologies, a passion for scalable security management, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a company that is shaping the future of finance and technology.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as an identity architect with experience in IAM systems.
• Proven ability to lead end-to-end IAM initiatives with accountability.

Responsibilities

• Coach teams on implementing identity and access solutions.
• Collaborate on designing IAM architecture to address risks.

Skills

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

SAML

OIDC

OAuth

PAM

AWS

Python

Golang

Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Cybersecurity or related field

Tools

Okta

Ping

Sailpoint

Job description

Lead Architect, Identity and Access Management

Join to apply for the Lead Architect, Identity and Access Management role at Circle.

Circle is a financial technology company at the forefront of the emerging internet of money, enabling value transfer like digital data—globally, instantly, and cost-effectively. Our infrastructure, including USDC, a blockchain-based dollar, helps businesses and developers harness these innovations to transform payments, commerce, and markets, fostering global prosperity and inclusion.

What You’ll Be Part Of

Circle values transparency, stability, and diversity. We are expanding into key jurisdictions, emphasizing speed, efficiency, and our core values: High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. Our environment encourages innovation and stakeholder engagement.

What You'll Work On

• Share best practices and coach teams on implementing customer, corporate, and non-human identity and access solutions.
• Support and review developer use of IAM across Circle’s solutions, identifying risks, influencing roadmaps, and resolving issues proactively.
• Collaborate on designing an IAM architecture that defines a strategic vision, addresses risks like insider abuse, privileges management, and shared accounts, and guides measurable risk reduction.
• Partner with Security to implement broader controls to enhance enterprise security.

What You'll Bring To Circle

• 5+ years as an identity architect and 7+ years implementing identity/access systems across various coding languages.
• Experience leading end-to-end IAM initiatives with stakeholder engagement and accountability.
• Proven ability to deliver results through outcome-driven planning aligned with risk reduction goals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, communicating proactively and adapting quickly.
• Passion for scalable security management, independent problem-solving, and collaborative teamwork under pressure.
• Strong knowledge of IAM protocols (SAML, OIDC, OAuth, PAM) and technologies (Okta, Ping, Sailpoint, etc.).
• Familiarity with standards like ISO 27001/NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a plus.
• Experience in financial services/fintech preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS, cybersecurity, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in AWS and software development in Python, Golang, or similar languages.

Circle is committed to creating an inclusive financial future. Compensation is based on experience and qualifications, with ranges from $145,000 - $192,500. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics. For accommodations, contact [e-mail].

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology