Sr Lead, Cloud Security Engineering

001 The Northern Trust Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 117,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking a Sr Lead Cloud Security Engineer to safeguard cloud environments with a focus on PaC and IaC practices. You will mentor junior engineers, enforce security policies, and collaborate with security champions across business units.

The role emphasizes Terraform-based IaC, CSPM tooling, and a strong foundation in CIS/NIST controls, with hands-on experience in AWS/Azure and Python-based automation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years working in public cloud as an engineer or developer.
• 5+ years as an Engineer, Developer, or Architect in IT, preferably Cybersecurity.
• Strong Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) expertise using Terraform.
• Proficiency in Python or familiarity with Python-based DevOps tooling.
• Experience with Git-based CI/CD processes (GitHub Actions, GitHub Package Repository).
• Deep understanding of cloud security principles and the integration of security into development workflows.
• Hands-on knowledge of cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Experience with privileged access management and identity systems (Azure Entra, Okta, Ping) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and support security measures for cloud platforms (Azure, AWS).
• Develop PaC and IaC through Terraform, maintaining security policies aligned with CIS/NIST 800-53.
• Utilize CSPM tools such as Wiz and Microsoft Defender for Cloud to continuously assess and enforce security controls.
• Work with security champions across units, providing guidance for security needs.
• Contribute to the cloud security roadmap to enhance practices.
• Conduct regular security assessments, audits, and reviews of cloud configurations.
• Investigate and respond to security incidents, performing root cause analysis.
• Mentor junior team members.

Skills

Public cloud engineering

Terraform

Python scripting

Cloud security principles

GitHub Actions

PAM & IAM

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Info Mgmt

Tools

Wiz

Microsoft Defender for Cloud

GitHub

Job description

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions. Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide. With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Role description

The Sr Lead Cloud Security Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring the security, compliance, and resilience of cloud environments, with a focus on supporting Policy as Code (PaC) and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices. This role involves implementing security controls, utilizing security tooling for Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), and collaborating with application developers' security champions. As a technical leader you will also mentor junior Engineers.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and support security measures for cloud platforms (3rd Party, Open Source, native), with a specific emphasis on Azure and AWS


• Develop PaC and IaC through Terraform, maintaining security policies and procedures aligned with industry-standard frameworks such as CIS and NIST 800-53


• Utilize and Implement CSPM tools such as Wiz and Microsoft Defender for Cloud to continuously assess, monitor, and enforce security controls


• Work closely with security champions in various business units, providing guidance and support for their specific security needs


• Contribute to cloud security roadmap to further enhance cloud security practices


• Conduct regular security assessments, audits, and reviews of cloud configurations


• Investigate and respond to security incidents, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions


• Mentor junior team members

Skills

• Minimum of 3 years working in public cloud as an engineer or developer role


• Minimum of 5 years working as an Engineer, Developer, or Architect in Information Technology preferably Cybersecurity, at least 8-12 years of total experience in IT.


• Strong Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) expertise using Terraform


• Proficiency in Python or familiarity with Python-based DevOps tooling and automation frameworks


• Expertise with Git-based version control CI/CD processes and technologies (e.g., GitHub Actions, GitHub Package Repository)


• Deep understanding of cloud security principles and the integration of security into development workflows


• Practiced knowledge of cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and cloud-native architectures


• Experience with privileged access management and identity systems (e.g., Azure Entra, Okta, Ping) is a plus


• Hands-on proficiency with integrated testing tools


• Effective written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams


• Desired certifications such as Azure Security Engineer Associate certification, and AWS-certified security – Specialty, CISSP and CCSP


• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Management, or related field preferred

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)

Salary Range

Salary Range: $114,500 - 194,700 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay.

Benefits

• retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well‑being benefits


• Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Work Authorization Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust's history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [e-mail], or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.

Looking for greater?

You found it. A global financial leader with more than 22,000 employees in 23 locations worldwide, Northern Trust empowers our employees to achieve more than just business goals.

Our focus on work-life balance, career mobility and unique opportunities are just a few of the reasons we've been named one of the world’s most admired companies.

Terms and Conditions

Candidate Privacy Notice California Applicant Privacy Notice Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (U.S) Transparency in Coverage Disclosure - North America Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center or call 1-800-807-0302 (North America), [phone] (Asia Pacific), 1800-425-0333 (India), [phone] (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

APAC/INDIA EEO STATEMENT

It is the policy and practice of Northern Trust to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Northern Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or age. All employment decisions will be made in a non-discriminatory manner in accordance with our obligations under the law and codes of practice. This includes human resources' decisions relating to recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, transfers, promotions and access to learning and development.

Canada EEO STATEMENT

Northern Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring and other employment decisions at Northern Trust are made without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, ethnic origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, record of offences, marital status, family status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.

EMEA EEO STATEMENT

It is the policy and practice of Northern Trust to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Northern Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or age. All employment decisions will be made in a non-discriminatory manner in accordance with our obligations under the law and codes of practice. This includes human resources' decisions relating to recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, transfers, promotions and access to learning and development.

USA EEO STATEMENT

It is the policy of The Northern Trust Company to afford equal opportunity in all phases of employment without regard to an individual's age, race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic tests and information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

EEO Know Your Rights (U.S.)