SME Architect

ZipRecruiter; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing cybersecurity services firm is seeking a SME Architect to lead and implement cryptographic strategies aligned with Zero Trust Architecture. The role involves identifying security gaps and working with stakeholders to enhance federal cybersecurity solutions. Candidates should have strong expertise in cryptography and relevant certifications. This position offers a hybrid work model in Washington, DC.

Benefits

18 days of PTO

11 holidays

80% of insurance premium covered

401k

Continued education reimbursement

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in cybersecurity architecture with a focus on cryptographic design.
• CISSP certification plus one or more relevant certifications.
• Hands-on experience implementing cryptographic solutions in federal environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME in designing enterprise cryptographic solutions.
• Identify security gaps and define security controls.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on cryptographic services strategies.

Skills

Cryptographic architecture expertise

Knowledge of ZTA models

Policy creation skills

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

FedRAMP-authorized security products

Job description

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary:

Who we are:

ShorePoint is a fast-growing, industry recognized and award-winning cybersecurity services firm with a focus on high-profile, high-threat, private and public-sector customers who demand experience and proven security models to protect their data. ShorePoint subscribes to a work hard, play hard mentality and celebrates individual and company successes. We are passionate about our mission and going above and beyond to deliver for our customers. We are equally passionate about an environment that supports creativity, accountability, , and a focus on giving back to our community.

The Perks:

As recognized members of the Cyber Elite, we work together in partnership to defend our nations critical infrastructure while building meaningful and exciting career development opportunities in a culture tailored to the individuals technical and professional growth. We are committed to the belief that our team members do their best work when they are happy and well cared for. In support of this philosophy, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including major carriers for health care providers. Highlighted benefits offered: 18 days of PTO, 11 holidays, 80% of insurance premium covered, 401k, continued education, certifications maintenance and reimbursement and more.

Who were looking for:

We are seeking a SME Architect with deep subject matter expert (SME) in modern cryptography, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). The ideal candidate will play a key role in shaping enterprise cryptographic strategy by designing, implementing and validating solutions that strengthen security across the enterprise. The SME Architect role requires anticipating security needs, aligning with federal cybersecurity standards and guiding stakeholders on strategies that ensure secure adoption of PQC and ZTA capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to shape the growth, development and culture of an exciting and fast-growing company in the cybersecurity market.

What youll be doing:

• Serve as a SME in designing and implementing enterprise cryptographic solutions.
• Identify security gaps, define requirements and establish appropriate security controls for applications, systems and processes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop roadmaps and strategies that integrate cryptographic services and enterprise security capabilities.
• Baseline configurations, validate implementation success and ensure ongoing compliance with ZTA and cryptographic standards.
• Develop cybersecurity policies that align with the CISA ZTA Maturity Model and NIST guidance.

What you need to know:

• Strong expertise in cryptographic architecture, design and deployment.
• Knowledge of ZTA models, NIST cryptographic standards and federal cybersecurity frameworks.
• Familiarity with FedRAMP-authorized security products.
• Ability to translate enterprise security requirements into scalable architecture solutions.
• Skilled in policy creation, requirements development and stakeholder communication.

Must haves:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or 4+ additional years of enterprise cybersecurity and architecture experience in lieu of degree.
• CISSP certification plus one or more of the following: ECES (EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist), Forrester Zero Trust certification, CISSP-ISSAP (Information Systems Security Architecture Professional) or firewall OEM certification (e.g., CCNP Security, Palo Alto PCNSE).
• 4+ years of experience in cybersecurity architecture with 1+ year focused to cryptographic design and implementation.
• Proven ability to analyze complex requirements and translate them into clear, actionable tasks and processes through critical thinking.
• Experience designing and implementing cryptographic solutions for federal environments.
• Ability to define and deliver cryptographic modernization requirements aligned with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles, NIST standards and CISA ZTA Maturity Model.
• Hands-on experience implementing and validating ZTA-aligned and FedRAMP-approved cryptographic solutions.
• Must be a U.S. in compliance with federal contract requirements.

Where its done:

• Hybrid (Washington, DC).