Security Architect

SteerBridge Strategies is a modern technology company delivering innovative, mission-focused solutions to the U.S. Government and private sector. Leveraging deep expertise in federal acquisition, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, we deliver agile, commercial-grade capabilities that accelerate operational effectiveness and drive measurable mission success.

At the core of SteerBridge is our people-especially the veterans whose leadership, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to excellence elevate every project we support. We don't simply hire exceptional talent; we cultivate it , creating meaningful career pathways for veterans, military spouses, and professionals who share our passion for advancing technology and strengthening the missions we serve.

POSITION OVERVIEW

SteerBridge is seeking a Security Architect to define the security architecture and compliance strategy for a mission-critical Defense Aviation platform running in AWS GovCloud for federal customers. This role owns the security blueprint-controls, identity, zero-trust access, monitoring, and authorization strategy-for environments supporting federal aviation operations.

The architect will work directly with solutions architects, security and cloud engineers, data teams, and stakeholders to translate DoD security requirements into enforceable, well-architected designs and to guide the platform toward and through authorization (ATO).

This role stays close to implementation. The ideal candidate sets security standards, designs control frameworks, reviews architectures, and guides engineers in implementing defense-in-depth and zero-trust access.

This is a hybrid position based in Vienna, VA.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with matching
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Federal Holidays

Key Responsibilities

Security Architecture and Strategy

• Define the security architecture for AWS GovCloud workloads spanning identity, zero-trust access, network segmentation, encryption, monitoring, and data protection
• Design and own the zero-trust access architecture, leveraging Zscaler (ZTNA/SASE) to broker secure access to applications and infrastructure
• Design defense-in-depth control frameworks aligned to DoD and DISA requirements
• Produce security architecture documentation, control mappings, and decision records
• Establish security standards and reference patterns for engineering teams

Compliance and Authorization

• Lead security alignment with RMF, NIST 800-53, STIGs, and ATO and authorization processes
• Define control implementation and evidence strategies for audits and assessments
• Assess and communicate security risk to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Guide POA&M development and remediation prioritization

Design Governance and Guidance

• Review architectures and designs to ensure security is embedded from the outset
• Set standards for least-privilege IAM, zero-trust secure access (Zscaler/ZTNA), and hardened baselines
• Guide engineers implementing security controls, detection, and response capabilities
• Lead security and threat-model reviews

Collaboration and Leadership

• Partner with cloud and solutions architects to ensure secure-by-design platforms
• Advise leadership on security strategy, posture, and risk trade-offs
• Mentor engineers and promote a strong security culture

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required (for clearance purposes)
• 6+ years of security experience, including 3+ years in a security architecture or lead role
• Experience designing zero-trust architectures, ideally with Zscaler or a comparable ZTNA or SASE platform
• Deep expertise in cloud security architecture (AWS), identity, and network segmentation
• Strong command of security frameworks including NIST 800-53, RMF, and DISA STIGs
• Experience guiding systems through ATO and authorization in federal or DoD environments
• Strong understanding of defense-in-depth, zero-trust principles, and least-privilege design
• Ability to produce clear security architecture documentation and risk assessments
• Experience leading security across multidisciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in AWS GovCloud or other federal or regulated environments
• Deep experience architecting Zscaler or comparable ZTNA/SASE solutions and integrating them with identity and conditional access
• Experience with continuous monitoring, SIEM strategy, and incident response programs
• Experience with data security and protection of analytics and Medallion platforms
• Senior certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, or AWS Security Specialty
• Experience supporting aviation, defense, logistics, or fleet management systems

$170,000 - $180,000 a year

A salary commensurate with background and experience will be offered.

SteerBridge Strategies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants and employees are treated with respect and dignity-regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require assistance during the application process, we encourage you to reach out so we can support your needs.

If you would like information about how your application is processed, please contact us.