Principal Cyber Architect (Top Secret/SCI)

Zachary Piper Solutions; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits including PTO and Health Insurance

Certification reimbursement

Long-term program supporting NERVE

Job summary

A leading IT services provider is seeking a Principal Cyber Architect in Rancho Bernardo, CA. This role requires an active TS/SCI clearance and 6-8+ years of experience in information security and network engineering. Responsibilities include leading security teams, overseeing Assessment and Authorization processes, and integrating security practices. Competitive compensation of $160,000-$210,000+, with full benefits including PTO and health insurance, is offered for this on-site position.

Qualifications

• 6-8+ years of related experience in information security.
• Certifications: IAT III/ISC2 CISSP, CISM, CASP+, GCIH, GSLC, CEH required.
• Understanding of DoD A&A processes and industry best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary systems engineering teams.
• Oversee Assessment and Authorization processes for DoD systems.
• Develop system security documentation and assessments.

Skills

Information security and network engineering experience

Active TS/SCI clearance

Experience with A&A tools

Offensive architecting and threat modeling

Knowledge of EVMS systems and project management tools

Tools

ACAS

Nessus

SCAP Scanner

STIG viewer

Tenable

Job description

Overview

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Principal Cyber Architect to support a library modernization program for Geospatial Intelligence in Rancho Bernardo, CA. The team is seeking a skilled engineer to lead security teams with the specification, development, and application of computer systems for a rapidly developing environment. Clearance: TS/SCI required. Location: Rancho Bernardo, CA (100% on-site). This job opens for applications on 9/19/2025. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary systems engineering teams to deliver secure and resilient solutions across complex environments.
• Oversee Assessment and Authorization (A&A) processes for DoD systems in alignment with the Risk Management Framework (RMF), ensuring compliance and operational readiness.
• Support full-spectrum systems engineering activities, including CONOPS, requirements definition and allocation, cybersecurity architecture and implementation, verification and validation, and continuous monitoring throughout deployment and sustainment phases.
• Contribute to the design and evaluation of offensive cybersecurity architectures, focusing on defense-in-depth strategies and threat mitigation.
• Integrate Development Security Operations (DevSecOps) practices into system lifecycles, enabling secure CI/CD pipelines and containerized deployments.
• Develop and assess comprehensive system security documentation, including security CONOPS, risk matrices, control traceability, test procedures, and POA&Ms.
• Perform vulnerability assessments to validate system compliance with RMF controls and DISA STIGs, identifying and mitigating security gaps.
• Analyze static and dynamic code scans to ensure application security and adherence to development-related STIG requirements.
• Support customer engagements through travel, including technical meetings, product demonstrations, integration activities, and system testing.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• 6-8+ years of related information security and network engineering experience
• Certifications: IAT III/ISC2 CISSP (CISM, CASP+, GCIH, GSLC, CEH)
• Experience with A&A tools: ACAS, Nessus, SCAP Scanner, STIG viewer, Tenable
• Demonstrated experience in national cybersecurity policies; DoD A&A processes and procedures and industry best practices on complex systems
• Expertise with offensive architecting, threat modeling and attack vector analysis
• Experience leading and coordinating security test events to achieve accreditation milestones
• Understanding of offensive security tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
• Working knowledge of EVMS systems and project management tools such as CPI and IMS
• Experience with Open Container Initiative (OCI) including Platform One, Iron Bank and Repo One
• Experience with Cyber Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)

Compensation

• Total compensation based on experience level - $160,000-$210,000+ (based on experience level)
• Full Benefits: PTO, 11 Paid Holidays, Sick leave as required by state law, Cigna Medical, Dental, and Vision, 401k with ADP
• Certification reimbursement
• Long-term program (4+ years) supporting NERVE - National Geospatial Agency
• Contract mobility and job stability through Zachary Piper Solutions

Location & Clearance

Location: Rancho Bernardo, CA (on-site). Clearance: TS/SCI required.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• IT Services and IT Consulting