Principal Cloud Security Architect

Alignerr; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 165,000 - 289,000; Full time

Job summary

Alignerr Corp. is seeking a Principal Cloud Security Architect to evaluate complex cloud environments across AWS, Azure, and GCP, identifying security risks before incidents.

This fully remote, hourly contract role requires deep architectural thinking and clear communication to deliver actionable mitigation guidance and structured reports. Ideal candidates will demonstrate hands-on expertise in cloud security, deep IAM and network design knowledge, and the ability to document complex

Qualifications

• Deep, hands-on experience in cloud security architecture across one or more major cloud platforms.
• Strong command of IAM models, network design principles, and cloud service security models.
• Ability to analyse and document complex multi-service architectures clearly and concisely.
• Effective written communicator who can translate technical findings into structured, actionable reports.

Responsibilities

• Assess cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP for security gaps and structural weaknesses.
• Review IAM configurations, permission models, network segmentation, and resource policies.
• Identify misconfigurations, privilege escalation risks, and insecure design patterns.
• Document architectural flaws in clear, structured formats and provide actionable mitigation guidance.
• Validate cloud environments against established security frameworks and industry best practices.
• Support recurring security assessments across evolving cloud environments and deployment patterns.

Job description

About The Role

What if your deep knowledge of cloud security architecture could directly protect large-scale systems from the misconfigurations and design flaws that lead to real-world breaches? We're looking for a Principal Cloud Security Architect to evaluate complex cloud environments across AWS, Azure, and GCP — identifying architectural risks before they become incidents.

About The Role

What if your deep knowledge of cloud security architecture could directly protect large-scale systems from the misconfigurations and design flaws that lead to real-world breaches? We're looking for a Principal Cloud Security Architect to evaluate complex cloud environments across AWS, Azure, and GCP — identifying architectural risks before they become incidents.

This is a fully remote, flexible contract role built for seasoned cloud security professionals who can think at the architectural level and communicate findings with clarity and precision.

• Type: Hourly Contract
• Location: Remote
• Level: Principal / Senior

What You'll Do

• Assess cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP for security gaps and structural weaknesses
• Review IAM configurations, permission models, network segmentation, and resource policies
• Identify misconfigurations, privilege escalation risks, and insecure design patterns
• Document architectural flaws in clear, structured formats and provide actionable mitigation guidance
• Validate cloud environments against established security frameworks and industry best practices
• Support recurring security assessments across evolving cloud environments and deployment patterns

Who You Are

• Deep, hands-on experience in cloud security architecture across one or more major cloud platforms
• Strong command of IAM models, network design principles, and cloud service security models
• Ability to analyse and document complex multi-service architectures clearly and concisely
• Sharp eye for risk — you spot misconfigurations and design flaws others miss
• Effective written communicator who can translate technical findings into structured, actionable reports

Nice To Have

• Experience securing multi-cloud or hybrid environments
• Familiarity with zero-trust architecture principles and implementation
• Background in high-compliance environments such as FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or SOC 2
• Relevant certifications — AWS Security Specialty, CCSP, CISSP, or similar

Why Join Us

• Fully remote and flexible — work when and where it suits you
• Freelance autonomy with the structure of substantive, senior-level work
• Engage with challenging, real-world cloud security problems across large-scale environments
• Potential for ongoing work and contract extension as new assessments launch
• Contribute to meaningful security outcomes that protect real systems and real data