Zero Trust Architect - IC Security & Strategy Lead

Synertex LLC; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Synertex LLC in Bethesda, MD seeks a highly experienced Zero Trust Architecture Specialist to support a mission-critical IC customer. The role requires deep expertise in zero trust principles and enterprise-wide transition planning.

You will document architectural rules, develop transition paths, and align work with IC directives. You will advise leadership and communicate complex concepts to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in systems engineering and architecture in IC/DoD environments.
• Extensive knowledge of zero trust architecture, NSS, and DoD reference architectures.
• Familiarity with IC directives and standards such as EO 14028, NSM-8, ICD 503, and NIST 800-53.
• Ability to integrate IT stacks across global enterprise cyber systems with secure implementations.
• Deep expertise in secure cloud architecture and multi-cloud/multi-fabric environments.
• Strong knowledge of identity, authentication, and authorization technologies.
• Proven ability to brief senior IC/DoD forums and provide strategic guidance.
• Experience collaborating with IC stakeholders across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Architectural Design and Strategy: Document architectural rules and develop clear criteria for system and service compliance with zero trust principles.
• Design Patterns and Standards Development: Create and maintain design patterns to guide enterprise and non-enterprise systems in achieving compliance with zero trust specifications.
• IT Roadmap and Implementation Planning: Develop roadmaps for IT implementation of zero trust across global enterprises, including classified and unclassified multi-cloud/multi-fabric landscapes.
• Zero Trust Expertise and Governance: Apply expert knowledge in identity, authentication, and authorization technologies to advance zero trust principles.
• Stakeholder Communication and Leadership: Engage with senior stakeholders across the IC and DoD to communicate architectural decisions, integration plans, and compliance mandates.
• Generalist vs. Specialist Considerations: The customer prefers a generalist with broad expertise across ZTA and related areas but is willing to recruit a specialist who can bring significant depth in one or more core areas.

Skills

Zero Trust

Systems Engineering

Architecture

Stakeholder Communication

DoD/IC Experience

Tools

CISSP

CCSP

AWS Certified Solutions Architect

NIST SP 800-53

Job description

Synertex LLC in Bethesda, MD seeks a highly experienced Zero Trust Architecture Specialist to support a mission-critical IC customer. The role requires deep expertise in zero trust principles and enterprise-wide transition planning.

You will document architectural rules, develop transition paths, and align work with IC directives. You will advise leadership and communicate complex concepts to senior stakeholders.