Principal Cloud Security Architect (Remote-First)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Home office allowance

Professional development opportunities

Equity options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Cloud Security Architect to define and drive security strategy for expansive cloud infrastructure across AWS, Azure, and GCP. This remote-first role demands leadership, deep cloud security expertise, and hands-on guidance to engineering teams.

You will architect secure cloud environments, implement controls, and lead security programs, with a focus on secure-by-design systems and long-term security posture across a distributed organization.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive information security experience with a focus on cloud security architecture
• Deep expertise in designing and securing AWS, Azure, and GCP architectures
• Hands-on with cloud-native security services and IaC security
• Experience with cloud security frameworks and standards (SOC 2, ISO 27001)
• Scripting and automation skills (Python, Go)
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain secure cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP
• Develop and enforce cloud security policies, standards, and best practices
• Lead IAM, data protection, network security, and threat detection controls in the cloud
• Guide security assessments and regulatory compliance for cloud environments
• Collaborate with DevOps, SRE, and engineering to embed security in CI/CD
• Mentor junior engineers and architects in cloud security principles

Skills

Cloud security architecture

Leadership

Threat modeling

IAM

Network security

Cryptography

Python

Go

Regulatory compliance

CI/CD security

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field

Tools

Terraform

Kubernetes

Python

Go

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in cloud-native solutions, is searching for a visionary and highly experienced Principal Cloud Security Architect to join their fully remote workforce. This is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and driving the security strategy for our extensive cloud infrastructure across major providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP. You will architect robust, scalable, and secure cloud environments, implement cutting-edge security controls, and guide engineering teams on best practices. This position is ideal for a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise in cloud security, who thrives in a remote-first, collaborative setting and is passionate about building secure-by-design systems from the ground up. You will have significant impact on our global security posture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain secure cloud architectures across multiple cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Develop and enforce cloud security policies, standards, and best practices.
• Architect and implement robust security controls for identity and access management (IAM), data protection, network security, and threat detection in the cloud.
• Lead the security assessment and compliance efforts for cloud environments.
• Collaborate with DevOps, SRE, and engineering teams to embed security throughout the CI/CD pipeline.
• Evaluate and recommend new cloud security technologies and tools.
• Provide expert guidance on cloud security matters to engineering and business stakeholders.
• Develop and execute incident response plans for cloud-based security events.
• Mentor and guide junior security engineers and architects in cloud security principles.
• Stay abreast of evolving cloud security threats, vulnerabilities, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in information security, with a strong focus on cloud security architecture.
• Deep expertise in designing and securing architectures on AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Proven experience with cloud security frameworks, compliance standards (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001), and regulations.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud-native security services, infrastructure as code (IaC) security, and container security.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Go) and automation tools.
• Strong understanding of network security, cryptography, IAM, and threat modeling in cloud environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and lead complex projects in a remote setting.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Azure Security Engineer Associate.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry‑leading compensation package, including a top‑tier salary, significant bonus potential, and equity options. As a fully remote employee, you will enjoy ultimate flexibility in your work schedule, a generous home office setup allowance, and ample opportunities for professional development through industry‑leading training and conferences. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a superior retirement savings plan, are provided. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the cloud security strategy of a leading tech company from anywhere in the world, working with a talented and globally distributed team.