Sr. Cybersecurity Architect

Apex Systems; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 156,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Systems is seeking a Cyber Policy SME in Washington, DC, offering a hybrid work arrangement with 3 on-site days per week. This 6-month contract-to-hire position requires extensive cybersecurity expertise to design and harden data-centric, zero-trust architectures aligned to identity models and ICAM.

The role involves MBSE-driven implementations, threat assessment, and risk mitigation, with leadership responsibilities including mentoring junior staff and delivering leadership briefs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in cybersecurity or related field.
• 12+ years of related experience in enterprise cybersecurity.
• Experience supporting MBSE/architecture teams and zero trust initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend cybersecurity controls across complex systems and reference architectures.
• Assess threats and vulnerabilities; produce mitigation strategies for identity-centric solutions and PKI-integrated ecosystems.
• Support policy, standards, and doctrine for zero trust, data, and identity architectures; contribute to models and test plans.
• Lead major tasks and mentor junior personnel; develop leadership briefs and updates.

Skills

Cyber policy & zero trust design

ICAM/identity models

Threat & risk mitigation

Education

Master’s degree in cybersecurity

Tools

MBSE Cameo

MBSE Innoslate

EDH reference model

UIAS reference model

ICAM

PKI

Job description

Job#: 3045103

Cyber Policy SME

Location(s): Hybrid on site 3x per week in Washington, DC

Duration: 6 months contract to hire

Pay rate on contract: $75 - $85 per hour contingent upon experience

Pay rate upon conversion: $150,000 - $165,000 annually contingent upon experience

Job Description

Apply enterprise cybersecurity expertise to design and harden data‑centric, zero trust architectures aligned to identity models and ICAM. Support MBSE‑driven implementations across cloud‑native environments and reference architectures; identify risks and define mitigations for emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and recommend cybersecurity controls across complex systems and reference architectures.
• Assess threats/vulnerabilities and produce mitigation strategies for identity‑centric solutions and PKI‑integrated ecosystems.
• Support policy, standards, and doctrine for zero trust, data, and identity architectures; contribute to models and test plans.
• Lead major tasks and mentor junior personnel; develop leadership briefs and updates.

You Have (Basic Qualifications)

• Master’s degree in a cybersecurity discipline and 12+ years of related experience.
• Enterprise expertise developing and implementing cybersecurity controls and standards for complex environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting MBSE/architecture teams and zero trust initiatives.

Nice to Have (Preferred Qualifications)

• Familiarity with MBSE tools (Cameo, Innoslate) and data/identity reference models (EDH, UIAS, ICAM).
• Experience with DoW PKI, cloud‑native architectures, and interoperability testing.

#Clearance

#Cleared

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [email protected] or 844-463-6178.

Candidates must be able to obtain and/or maintain a Department of Defense TS/SCI clearance as a condition and continuation of employment*

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.