Lead Platform Security Architect (Network Security)

001_BCBSA Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association; Washington, Chicago (District of Columbia, IL); Hybrid; USD 173,000 - 251,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus incentive pay

Paid time off

11 holidays

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) matching

Lifestyle spending account

Job summary

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is seeking a senior security architect to design and implement security solutions protecting systems and data across cloud and on‑prem environments. The role leads security strategy, drives modernization, and codifies Zero Trust, micro-segmentation, and identity-based security across enterprise networks.

The posted salary range is 173,400.00 - 251,400.00, with an anticipated annual bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• 10+ years of relevant security architecture experience.
• Experience leading enterprise security architecture across cloud, storage, VDI, and other infra domains.

Responsibilities

• Design, deliver, and integrate security monitors and defenses for on-prem and cloud platforms.
• Collaborate with executives and IT teams to translate vision into secure-by-design requirements.
• Develop security policies, architectures, and specifications using industry best practices.
• Lead strategic security initiatives and secure adoption programs across products and programs.
• Architect and deliver agile, secure-by-design solutions across the lifecycle.

Skills

AWS security architecture

Palo Alto platforms

Zero Trust design

micro-segmentation

identity-based security

security monitoring

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Palo Alto firewalls

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 include but are not limited to : 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.

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

Required Education, Certifications 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.

#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. This job is also eligible for annual bonus incentive pay. 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. Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

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!