Cyber Security Architect

Introduction The Sponsors organization provides strategic leadership on key issues and initiatives. The group promotes initiatives and de-conflicts issues with stakeholders on cross-cutting integration and transformation efforts, information technology investments and issues, strategies and policies, and also provides strategic leadership and advocacy for Sponsor programs and equities within Sponsor governance forums and working groups. The Sponsor is seeking support in applying network engineering techniques in furthering these initiatives. The Contractor will interface directly with the Sponsor organization's leadership. Required Skills and Demonstrated Experience Demonstrated experience evaluating and advising on zero trust architecture maturity models and road mapping phased adoption. Demonstrated experience within the IT and Cybersecurity policies, standards and guidance domains, organizing and shaping IT direction given to an organization's workforce. Demonstrated experience applying critical thinking to identify strengths and weakness of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems related to zero trust architecture. Demonstrated experience with a working knowledge of zero trust architecture frameworks (e.g., NIST SP 800-207), including micro-segmentation, least-privilege access, and continuous verification. Demonstrated experience in network security architectures, such as software‑defined networking (SDN), secure access service edge (SASE), or API gateways. Demonstrated experience with a working knowledge of identity and access management (IAM) and multi‑factor authentication (MFA) systems. Demonstrated experience with cloud‑native security (e.g., AWS IAM, Azure AD, or Google Cloud IAM) and hybrid/multi‑cloud environments. Demonstrated experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams (e.g., security, DevOps, compliance) to help align zero trust architecture goals and outcomes, with business objectives. Demonstrated experience engaging with stakeholders to coordinate activities across organization boundaries. Demonstrated experience preparing schedules, roadmaps, and management plans. Demonstrated experience working with executive technical writing or editing to create cohesive products, narrative, or program artifacts for various audiences, including senior leadership. Demonstrated experience translating technical information into clear, readable documents and presentations to be used by technical and non‑technical personnel. Demonstrated experience with tracking project or program dependencies including but not limited to process improvements and changes, and technical integration challenges. Demonstrated experience assessing, documenting, and tracking program and project requirements and follow‑on technical exchange meetings (TEMs). Demonstrated experience tracking and monitoring on‑going projects and initiatives. Demonstrated experience coordinating program and project management process activities such as program and project reviews and creating documentation. Highly Desired Skills and Demonstrated Experience Demonstrated experience understanding threat landscapes, including lateral movement prevention and behavioral analytics using SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk) or UEBA platforms. Demonstrated experience architecting scalable, resilient zero trust architecture solutions that incorporate automation (e.g., via Infrastructure as Code with Terraform or similar) and monitoring for real‑time anomaly detection. Demonstrated experience in assisting in identification and definition of process efficiencies. Demonstrated experience with Sponsor mission and familiarity with other Sponsor community policies, core services and common concerns. Demonstrated experience collaborating with the Sponsor to improve the information technology capabilities, services, and support to Sponsor directorates. Demonstrated experience with both internal and external Sponsor stakeholders' processes, policies, procedures, and capabilities. Demonstrated experience creating, drafting, and reviewing Cybersecurity policies and program documentation. Demonstrated experience as a Network Architect or Security Architect. Degree or equivalent experience in a business, computer science or technology discipline. US Citizenship This position requires US Citizenship. Verification of US Citizenship to meet federal government security requirements will be confirmed. Security Clearance The successful candidate must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance with a Full Scope Polygraph. Clearance Verification: This position requires successful verification of the stated security clearance to meet federal government customer requirements. You will be asked to provide clearance verification information prior to an offer of employment. Travel This position is expected to be onsite. The position will be located within the Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA). Local travel/POV will be on an as needed basis, within the local place of performance. Join J5 Consulting and Grow Your Cybersecurity Career At J5, we’re a team of innovators protecting organizations from evolving cyber threats. With 18+ years of success in government and commercial sectors, we offer meaningful opportunities to grow your career. Enjoy comprehensive benefits, including: 100% employer‑paid health coverage a 6% 401(k) match PTO tuition reimbursement bonuses professional development, and more. Ready to make an impact? Explore our open positions and apply today. #J-18808-Ljbffr