Cybersecurity Architect / Policy Lead

Overview

TISTA is seeking a Cyber Security Architect / Policy Lead to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supply Chain Management DevSecOps program. This Key Personnel role will lead cybersecurity architecture, Zero Trust alignment, security policy, and Authority to Operate (ATO) strategy across a portfolio of legacy, cloud, SaaS, and modernized applications.

The Cyber Security Architect / Policy Lead will partner with VA security stakeholders and Agile delivery teams to establish security requirements, integrate security into DevSecOps delivery, manage ATO readiness, and support secure modernization across the product line.

At TISTA, you’ll do meaningful, mission-driven work that improves lives alongside teammates you trust and leaders who are transparent and supportive. We invest in your learning and internal mobility so you can build a career that keeps advancing. We’re proud to serve and hire Veterans, and we put people first in everything we do.

TISTA associates enjoy above Industry Healthcare Benefits, Remote Working Options, Paid Time Off, Training/Certification opportunities, Healthcare Savings Account & Flexible Savings Account, Paid Life Insurance, Short-term & Long-term Disability, 401K Match, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Holidays, Military Leave, and much more!

Responsibilities

• Lead cybersecurity architecture, policy interpretation, Zero Trust alignment, and ATO strategy across the product line.
• Define security requirements and architecture for legacy applications, SaaS platforms, cloud environments, containers, APIs, and system integrations.
• Lead ATO and Risk Management Framework activities and ensure required security and privacy controls are incorporated throughout delivery.
• Establish security standards and automated security controls within Agile and DevSecOps pipelines.
• Partner with VA security stakeholders, Product Owners, architects, engineers, and program leadership to identify and resolve security risks and delivery blockers.
• Lead vulnerability management, security risk, incident response, and remediation governance.
• Develop and maintain reusable security architecture, Zero Trust, ATO, and security-by-design standards and practices.
• Provide cybersecurity leadership, technical guidance, and mentorship across delivery teams.
• Contribute to TISTA’s cybersecurity practice, business growth, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of information security experience, including 5+ years as a security architect or security policy lead supporting federal IT programs.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with the NIST Risk Management Framework and ATO lifecycle, including authoring and defending A&A packages.
• Demonstrated expertise with VA Zero Trust Architecture, TIC 3.0, VA Handbook 6500, VA Critical Security Controls, NIST security frameworks, and VA ICAM/PIV requirements.
• Experience securing hybrid environments spanning legacy applications, SaaS, cloud platforms, and containerized workloads.
• Experience integrating security into Agile and DevSecOps delivery, including CI/CD security controls, SAST/DAST, SBOM, and vulnerability management.
• Experience with security and privacy requirements involving PHI/PII and federal healthcare environments.
• VA OIT, VHA, or other federal health cybersecurity experience strongly preferred.

Certifications:

• CISSP-ISSEP required or must be obtained within 12 months of hire.
• CISSP-ISSAP required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Clearance:

• Tier 2 / Moderate Risk Background Investigation; ability to obtain a VA PIV credential.

Location:

• Rockville, MD / Remote (CONUS).

Pay Range:

• The suggested pay for this position ranges from $182,546 to $198,875.
• The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
• Also, certain positions are eligible for additional forms of compensation, such as bonuses.
• TISTA associates are eligible to participate in our comprehensive benefits plan! More information can be found here: