Security Architect

State Teachers' Retirement System

West Sacramento (CA)

Hybrid

USD 95,000 - 130,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Alternative work schedules

Flexible work hours

Remote work options

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays

Job summary

California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) seeks an Information Technology Specialist II in the Information Security Office to lead security architecture and risk management for the BenefitConnect system. The role emphasizes security controls, monitoring, and guidance to project teams and vendors, with a focus on compliance and enterprise architecture.

The ideal candidate has enterprise security design experience, SIEM proficiency, and strong communication skills to articulate complex

Qualifications

Experience designing security architecture for enterprise systems.
Experience using SIEM tools for threat detection and monitoring.
Experience creating dashboards, reports, or automated alerts for security ops.
Experience developing or maintaining security documentation and roadmaps.
Experience providing security guidance to project teams, architects, or vendors.
Experience conducting security-based technical or architectural reviews.
Experience with governance, compliance, or risk-management processes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of logging/monitoring across servers, endpoints, and cloud envs.
Knowledge of NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, CIS Controls.
Knowledge of network segmentation and identity/access controls.
Knowledge of encryption standards; penetration testing; vulnerability remediation.

Responsibilities

Lead security architecture design and blueprinting for enterprise systems.
Provide leadership on security monitoring, threat management, and risk strategies.
Communicate security direction for compliance, auditing, and risk management.
Advise project teams, architects, and vendors on security requirements.
Support security governance and risk-management activities.

Skills

Security architecture

SIEM & threat detection

Security dashboards

Security documentation

Security guidance

Security governance

Risk management

Written & verbal comms

Logging & monitoring

Networking & access control

Encryption & PKI

Penetration testing

Vulnerability management

Tools

SIEM

EDR / IDS/IPS

Cloud security tools

Security architecture tools

Job description

Job Description and Duties

This position is being re-advertised. Those who have previously applied are still being considered and do not need to reapply.

The CalSTRS Office of the General Counsel is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Information Technology Specialist II in the Information Security Office. Under the direction of the Teachers' Retirement Board and the administrative direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Office of the General Counsel provides advice on legal issues as they affect the overall programs and policies of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), manages CalSTRS legal program, and represents the System in litigation, appeals, and other legal matters. The Office of the General Counsel is comprised of multiple highly visible and complex business areas: Office of Legal Ethics & Accountability, Enterprise Information Management & Legal Operations, Information Security Office, Legal Services, Investment Counsel, and Litigation Services. The Information Security Office (ISO) is CalSTRS' authority on information security and cybersecurity matters. The Information Security Office protects CalSTRS data assets from unauthorized access, use, misuse, disclosure, destruction, modification, or disruption. Read about the programs in ISO below. Under the general direction of the Security Services Manager, the incumbent serves as a Security Architect for the CalSTRS’ BenefitConnect pension administration system. The incumbent will provide leadership and technical expertise in the design and blueprinting of security controls; security monitoring and threat management; and communicate the security direction for compliance, auditing, and risk management strategies. This position is in the Information Security Engineering, IT Project Management, System Engineering, and Software Engineering domains. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

Experience designing or supporting security architecture for enterprise level systems.
Experience using SIEM tools to perform searches, threat detection, or security monitoring.
Experience creating dashboards, reports, or automated alerts for security operations.
Experience developing or maintaining technical documentation such as architectural diagrams, strategic plans, and roadmaps for information security and enterprise architecture initiatives.
Experience providing security guidance to project teams, architects, or vendors.
Experience conducting or supporting security based technical or architectural reviews.
Experience working with security governance, compliance, or risk-management processes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
Knowledge of:
- Logging and monitoring of both system and security logs across servers, endpoints, and cloud environments
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO/IEC 27001 and Center for Internet Security Critical Security Controls
- Network segmentation
- Identity and access controls
- Encryption standards and methods
- Penetration testing
- Vulnerability assessment and remediation

Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position. In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts. Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

CalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.

All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment with CalSTRS.

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications

Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to an interview. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly. Your SOQ should not exceed two pages, single-spaced, 12-point font, and address the following questions:

Describe your experience working with a third-party vendor hired to implement a large technology project. Include how you evaluated and managed security risks and the approach you used to ensure the vendor met security requirements.
Describe your experience defining security controls for a complex application. Explain which framework you used, how you selected the controls, and what the review and approval process was for your recommendations.
Describe your skills, experiences and education or training credentials in the following areas: (1) Security assessments (e.g., penetration testing, vulnerability management, threat hunting) (2) Enterprise security tools and technologies (SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS, firewalls, cloud security tools, etc.) (3) Secure system hardening in a Windows or AWS environment.

Exam

This position requires a current Information Technology Specialist II examination.

CalSTRS Personal Trading Program

Investment Branch employees are required to participate in the CalSTRS Personal Trading Program which allows CalSTRS to monitor employees’ personal trading transactions in order to reduce risks associated with insider trading, front running, and misusing material non-public information. Upon accepting a position within the Investment Branch, you will be required to disclose your personal broker account information and be required to utilize a personal broker from a designated list as provided by CalSTRS.

Background Investigation

Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records.

CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements

This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act , which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) .

Incompatible Activities

This position is subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 19990 . Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations.

Benefits

CalSTRS offers a competitive pay schedule and a work-life-balance for all its employees. The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit and conditions of employment. Some benefits include: