Lead Platform Security Architect (Network Security)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 173,000 - 251,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

11 holidays

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) matching

Lifestyle spending account

Annual bonus incentive pay

Job summary

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is seeking an accomplished Security Architect to design and drive enterprise security across cloud and on‑prem environments. The role focuses on secure-by-design network architectures, zero trust, and modernization of cloud security programs.

You will provide strategic leadership and collaborate with IT, security, and executive teams to advance security initiatives.

Qualifications

• Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience Required: 10+ Years relevant technical and business experience in Security Architect/Solution Architecture roles.
• Experience leading enterprise security architecture initiatives across cloud, storage, VDI and other infrastructure domains.

Responsibilities

• Design, delivery, and integration of security monitors, defenses, and capabilities for information systems and cloud platforms.
• Partner with executives and IT stakeholders to translate vision into secure-by-design requirements.
• Design and implement security policies, architectures, and technical specifications using best practices.
• Serve as the voice of security architecture for strategic initiatives and adoption programs.
• Architect and deliver agile, secure-by-design solutions across product and program lifecycles.

Skills

Security architecture

Enterprise architecture

Cloud security

Zero Trust design

AWS security

Palo Alto

Threat modeling

Executive communication

Network security

Identity-based security

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Description Summary

Responsible for designing and implementing security solutions to protect an organization’s systems and data. Assess security risks, develop security strategies, and ensure that security measures are integrated into all aspects of the organization’s IT infrastructure. Additionally, provide guidance and leadership to security teams, conduct security audits, and stay up to date on the latest security threats and technologies. In this specific role, the ideal candidate will have deep AWS and Palo Alto expertise who can establish secure-by-design network architectures, drive cloud security modernization, implement Zero Trust principles, and provide strategic leadership for enterprise-wide network security programs.

Responsibilities

• Security Design and Integration: Lead the design, delivery, and integration of security monitors, defenses, and foundational capabilities to ensure robust and reliable security for both information systems and cloud platforms.
• Collaboration and Vision Translation: Partner with executive teams, IT, security, and other stakeholders to understand and translate the broader vision into secure-by-design technological and process requirements.
• Policy and Architecture Development: Design, develop, and implement security policies, architectures, and technical specifications, leveraging industry best practices to support technology applications and recommend future investments.
• Strategic Initiatives and Adoption: Serve as the voice of security architecture for strategic initiatives and adoption programs, ensuring secure and reliable product adoption.
• Agile Security Delivery: Work collaboratively to architect and deliver agile, secure-by-design solutions throughout the product aInd program lifecycle.

Salary

The posting range for this position is: 173,400.00 - 251,400.00

#LI_HYBRID

The posted salary range is the lowest to highest salary we, in good faith, believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the hiring range and this hiring range may also be modified in the future. A candidate’s position within the hiring range may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs.

Required Education and Experience

• Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience Required: 10+ Years relevant technical and business experience working in roles such as Security Architect, Enterprise Architect, Solution Architecture.
• Experience leading enterprise security architecture initiatives across cloud, storage, VDI and other infrastructure domains.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Interpersonal Relationships - Knowledge of the techniques and the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Problem Solving - Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.
• Leadership - Ability to work with a group to set its objectives and agenda, generate allegiance to those objectives, and guide and motivate their achievement.
• Industry Knowledge - Knowledge of the organization’s industry group, trends, directions, major issues, regulatory considerations, and trendsetters; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.
• IT Environment - Knowledge of organization’s total Information Technology (IT) environment with minimum knowledge of MS office and other software’s used by the organization.
• Effective communication skills - (written and verbal) to properly articulate complicated cloud reports to management and other IT development partners.
• Demonstrates AI literacy and an understanding of generative AI tools, including appropriate business applications and limitations.
• Knowledgeable in enterprise networking, AWS security architecture, Palo Alto security platforms, Zero Trust design, micro-segmentation, identity-based security, security monitoring, cloud networking, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Skilled in network security architecture, AWS cloud security design, Palo Alto engineering and architecture, firewall policy governance, threat modeling, security strategy development, architecture governance, and executive-level communication.
• Ability to define enterprise network security strategy, lead large-scale security transformation initiatives, architect secure hybrid-cloud environments, implement Zero Trust networking, reduce enterprise attack surface, and influence technology decisions across business and IT organizations.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, 11 holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, generous 401(k) matching, lifestyle spending account and many other benefits to eligible employees.
• This job is also eligible for annual bonus incentive pay.

Company culture

At Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), we are a national association of 33 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and we are driven by purpose. Join the team who supports the nation's largest healthcare network, providing coverage to nearly one in three Americans as we relentlessly pursue affordable healthcare and ensure peace of mind for the people we serve. Be part of our storied history of innovation as we advance well-being and health equity. Experience a culture that is built on our core values, connection, work-life flexibility, well-being, and a commitment to our community. If you thrive at a company that values inclusivity, accountability, courage, teamwork, and respect, we’re glad you found us!