Senior Cybersecurity Architect

Fairygodboss; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 131,300 - 237,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health and wellness programs

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Fairygodboss is seeking a Senior Cybersecurity Architect to lead cybersecurity architecture for a critical Air Force program. This role involves developing enterprise-level cybersecurity strategies and ensuring the security and integrity of IT infrastructure.

You will collaborate closely with different teams to enhance security measures while ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in cybersecurity engineering, hold advanced DoD certifications, and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• US Citizen with an active Top Secret clearance.
• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity frameworks.
• DoD 8140 advanced certifications (CISM, CISSP, ISSAP).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement enterprise-level cybersecurity strategies.
• Architect and implement secure cloud infrastructure.
• Monitor network and system security to identify vulnerabilities.

Skills

Proven experience in cybersecurity engineering or related roles

Hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools

Strong knowledge of network security

Excellent problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree with 12+ years of experience or Master’s Degree with 10+ years of experience

Tools

Splunk

Trellix ePO

Tenable/Nessus

SolarWinds Observability

Job description

Senior Cybersecurity Architect

The Defense Sector at Leidos is looking for a Senior Cybersecurity Architect to support a fast‑paced program with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. The role requires comprehensive subject‑matter expertise and execution of cybersecurity engineering and architecture functions to protect the security and integrity of program IT infrastructure and mitigate cyber threats. As an integral member of the program’s leadership team, you will collaborate on strategic initiatives to ensure alignment with overall program goals.

In this role you will lead the design, implementation, and governance of security solutions across enterprise environments, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of both on‑premises and cloud‑hosted assets while enabling secure innovation at scale.

Why This Role Matters

Security and compliance in defense‑sector classified networks often slow mission software because the processes that protect it also create bottlenecks. This position builds a better architecture—policy‑as‑code, zero‑trust design, continuous evidence, and inheritable Authorization to Operate—providing a stronger, stricter, and more consistent security posture.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement enterprise‑level cybersecurity strategies aligned with DoD and federal guidelines.
• Ensure selected technologies and architecture designs are resilient to modern cyber threats.
• Architect and implement secure cloud infrastructure across platforms.
• Define and enforce cloud security policies, standards, and automation frameworks.
• Support timely completion of Authorization to Operate (ATO) activities across multiple environments at various classification levels.
• Integrate security into CI/CD pipelines and DevOps workflows.
• Support cloud identity and access management (ICAM), encryption, and key management systems.
• Configure, tune, and monitor enterprise security tools.
• Monitor network and system security to identify and respond to vulnerabilities and incidents.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate identified risks.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure the integration of security measures into all infrastructure projects.
• Develop and implement security policies, standards, and procedures to protect sensitive information.
• Provide technical support and guidance on cybersecurity tools and technologies.
• Stay updated on emerging cybersecurity threats and industry trends to enhance the organization’s security posture.
• Develop and refine documentation to gain and maintain DoD accreditation for the systems on the program.
• Participate in the Change Control Board (CCB) process for supporting all major engineering milestones and decisions for the program.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 12+ years of experience or Master’s Degree with 10+ years of experience (equivalent industry experience may be considered).
• US Citizen with an active Top Secret clearance and the ability to obtain and maintain SCI before start date.
• Proven experience in cybersecurity engineering or related roles.
• Hands‑on experience with configuring cybersecurity tools for enterprise use, including Splunk (Enterprise Security, SOAR, UBA), HBSS/ESS (Trellix ePO), ACAS (Tenable/Nessus), and SolarWinds Observability.
• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity frameworks such as the Risk Management Framework (RMF).
• Strong knowledge of network security, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption technologies.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• DoD 8140 advanced certifications (CISM, CISSP, ISSAP).

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Certifications (PMP, ISSMP, etc.).
• Microsoft Azure Certifications (AZ‑500, AZ‑305, etc.).
• Experience securing cloud‑based infrastructure and cloud security.
• Experience with Azure Stack Hub/Azure Local family of products.
• Experience securing classified DoD networks such as SIPR or JWICS.
• Familiarity with incident response processes and tools.
• Experience with scripting or automation tools for security tasks.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Experience with Agile framework and DevSecOps.

Pay Range

$131,300.00 – $237,350.00

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. This role offers competitive compensation, health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave, and retirement benefits.

Commitment to Non‑Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.