Solution Architect, Cyber Security

Plains Marketing LP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Plains is seeking a Solution Architect, Cyber Security to lead our cybersecurity strategy and protect digital assets across on‑prem and cloud environments. The role guides investments and prioritizes security initiatives within regulatory requirements.

The candidate will craft robust security architecture, perform risk assessments, and collaborate across teams to ensure defenses align with business goals and technology strategies.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of IT/OT cybersecurity architecture experience in large or complex organizations.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, ISO, FERC, IEC, TOGAF) and regulatory requirements in midstream energy.
• Preferred credentials: TOGAF, ISSAP, GDSA, GIAC GRID, SAFe Architect.

Responsibilities

• Develop an IT/OT cybersecurity architecture to protect on‑premise and cloud infrastructure and data.
• Lead evaluation and selection of security tools, systems, controls, and practices.
• Perform technical risk and vendor risk assessments with qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Skills

IT/OT cybersecurity architecture

Risk management

Security architecture

Security frameworks

Cloud security

Communication skills

SSO/SAML/MFA

Vendor risk assessment

Regulatory compliance

Security governance

Education

TOGAF

ISSAP

GDSA

GIAC GRID

SAFe Architect

Tools

Security tools evaluation

Job description

Job Type: Regular Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas. We’re on the lookout for passionate self‑starters who thrive in fast‑moving, collaborative, and innovative environments. The Solution Architect, Cyber Security leads our cybersecurity strategy and ensures the protection of our digital assets and brand. This senior‑level role focuses on building a robust cybersecurity framework using a risk‑based approach. The role will guide decisions on investments, technology implementation, and prioritize security efforts to safeguard the company’s operations, while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT/OT cybersecurity architecture that is defensible to protect critical on premise or cloud‑based infrastructure and data.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of security tools, systems, controls, and practices based on risk assessments.
• Lead Technical Risk Assessments and Vendor Risk Assessment in providing qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Provide expert guidance on cyber security risk management, categorizing areas of vulnerabilities into programmatic delivery verticals.
• Interpret and stay up‑to‑date on regulations impacting the midstream energy sector (e.g., FERC, NERC‑CIP) and translate these into actionable activities to ensure compliance and security.
• Collaborate with other Solution Architect functions to ensure cybersecurity designs are pragmatic, efficient, and aligned with the company’s overall business core strategy.
• Drive strategic investments in security technologies and initiatives by evaluating the return on security investment through a risk‑focused lens.
• Prioritize cybersecurity projects and initiatives based on risk levels, impact, and resources available.
• Expert understanding of architectural technology hardening and emerging threats.
• Proven experience in M&A and architectural integration(s).

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required

• + 10 years proven experience in IT/OT cybersecurity architecture, risk management, and defense architecture strategy development within large or complex organization(s).
• Expert understanding of cybersecurity and architecture frameworks (NIST, ISO, FERC, IEC, TOGAF, etc.), risk management methodologies, including regulatory requirements in the midstream energy sector.
• Relevant industry certifications such as TOGAF, ISSAP, GDSA, GIAC GRID, and SAFe Architect are preferred Credentials.
• Deep knowledge of cloud security products as part of a cloud strategy.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex security concepts to both technical and business stakeholders.
• Expert knowledge of on‑prem and cloud Directory Services, SSO, SAML, and MFA.
• Ability to effectively collaborate across teams and ensure cybersecurity initiatives align with overall business and technology goals.
• Perform security architecture design stage gate reviews and document the architectural topology for risk evaluation.
• Strong ability to navigate complexity under adverse situations and promote a unified approach to defensible architecture that meets business requirements.
• Government intelligence clearance or previous experience working in a secure, classified environment(s).

Compliance with the Company’s drug and alcohol policy including pre‑employment D&A testing.

This position is not eligible for employment‑based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of their employment.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

By submitting your resume, you consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of the personal information provided during the application and selection process.

At Plains, our employees are our most valuable asset. Hard work is rewarded with competitive compensation and a top‑tier benefits program designed to keep our employees safe, healthy and happy. We work hard to deliver the best results to our stakeholders, and we also respect our employees' need for personal and family time, which is reflected in our benefits program. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants with disabilities can request accessible formats, communication supports, or other accessibility assistance by contacting [e-mail].

At Plains, our vision is to become the premier crude oil and marketing company in the United States and Canada by providing the utmost in value‑added services to our customers, and in doing so, delivering superior returns to our stakeholders. Our people are analytical, connected, creative, entrepreneurial and passionate about everything they do. We rely on our Core Values and beliefs to inspire and guide our team. These values include: Safety and Environmental Stewardship: We conduct our business in a manner that is safe for our employees, business partners, communities and the environment. Ownership and Accountability: We take ownership of our actions and are accountable to each other and our stakeholders, including the communities where we live and work. Respect, Fairness, and Inclusion: We treat each other with respect and fairness, and are committed to an inclusive workplace. Ethics and Integrity: We do the right thing, obey the law and act with the highest levels of honesty, ethics and integrity. Teamwork: We foster a collaborative environment and work together to achieve our goals. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: We are a nimble team that develops and implements creative solutions that deliver value for our stakeholders and drive continuous improvement.