Application Security Architect

Job Description This hybrid Application Security Architect role focuses on securing modern applications and APIs by designing, implementing, and optimizing identity and access management, API gateway protections, and runtime security controls. You will work closely with engineering teams to safeguard critical services against emerging threats, ensuring robust protection across the application lifecycle. Responsibilities Design and implement secure Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions using OAuth2, OpenID Connect (OIDC), JSON Web Tokens (JWT), and related standards. Define and manage scopes and claims to ensure least-privilege access and prevent overly broad token authorizations. Configure and optimize secure API gateways, including rate limiting, request validation, and other traffic control mechanisms. Establish and enforce API security policies to protect internal and external services from misuse and abuse. Identify and mitigate threats against APIs and applications, including OWASP Top 10 API vulnerabilities, injection attacks, and credential stuffing. Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate security controls into application and API design, development, and deployment processes. Tune and maintain Web Application Firewalls (WAF) to reduce false positives while improving detection of malicious activity. Leverage behavioral anomaly detection tools to identify suspicious patterns and potential attacks in real time. Continuously review and enhance runtime protection strategies to address evolving threats and improve overall security posture. Document security architectures, standards, and best practices, and provide guidance to development and operations teams on secure implementation. Essential Skills Hands-on experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM) technologies, including OAuth2 and OpenID Connect (OIDC). Proficiency in working with JSON Web Tokens (JWT), including secure token design, validation, and lifecycle management. Strong understanding of scopes, claims, and authorization models to enforce fine-grained access control. Practical experience configuring and managing API gateways with a focus on secure access, rate limiting, and request validation. Knowledge of protecting APIs and applications against OWASP Top 10 API vulnerabilities. Experience mitigating injection attacks and credential stuffing attacks. Background in runtime protection, including tuning Web Application Firewalls (WAF). Experience working with behavioral anomaly detection tools to identify and respond to suspicious activity. Strong application security knowledge, with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams. Additional Skills and Qualifications Broad understanding of application security principles and best practices across the software development lifecycle. Experience partnering with cross-functional teams, including developers and operations, to implement security controls. Ability to translate complex security requirements into practical, implementable solutions for engineering teams. Work Environment This is a hybrid role based in Charlotte, North Carolina, within the United States, combining on-site collaboration with remote work flexibility. You will work closely with engineering and security teams, leveraging modern IAM technologies, API gateways, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), and behavioral anomaly detection tools. The environment emphasizes secure design, continuous tuning of runtime protections, and hands-on involvement with contemporary security technologies across applications and APIs. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Charlotte, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $72.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Charlotte, NC. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026. Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Charlotte,NC. About TEKsystems We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services Were a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. Were a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. Were strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. Were building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. TEKsystems