Zero Trust Architect (TS/SCI+Poly) - IC/DoD Security Expert

Cornerstone Defense; Chevy Chase (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone Defense is seeking a Zero Trust Architecture Specialist to lead design, strategy, and governance for zero trust across global IC/DoD ecosystems. The role focuses on architectural transition, secure cloud integration, and cross‑agency collaboration.

The candidate should bring 15+ years in systems engineering/architecture within IC/DoD contexts, with TS/SCI poly and deep knowledge of NIST 800-53, ICD 503, and related directives. Bethesda-based, on-site role with top-tier mission impact.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Poly is REQUIRED.
• 15+ years of experience in systems engineering and architecture in IC/DoD environments.
• Extensive knowledge of zero trust architecture and related standards (NIST 800-53, CNSSI 1253, ICD 503).

Responsibilities

• Architectural design and strategy: define rules and criteria for zero trust adoption across current and future architectures.
• Develop patterns to guide enterprise and non-enterprise systems toward zero trust compliance.
• Create IT roadmaps and implementation plans for zero trust across global landscapes.
• Apply expertise in identity, authentication, and authorization to advance zero trust.
• Brief senior IC/DoD stakeholders on decisions, plans, and risk assessments.

Skills

Zero Trust Architecture

Security Architecture

IC/DoD environments

Cloud security

Architectural governance

Job description

Cornerstone Defense is seeking a Zero Trust Architecture Specialist to lead design, strategy, and governance for zero trust across global IC/DoD ecosystems. The role focuses on architectural transition, secure cloud integration, and cross‑agency collaboration.

The candidate should bring 15+ years in systems engineering/architecture within IC/DoD contexts, with TS/SCI poly and deep knowledge of NIST 800-53, ICD 503, and related directives. Bethesda-based, on-site role with top-tier mission impact.