Cloud Solutions Architect
Hybrid position - required to report on-site at least once bi-weekly and as needed depending on project needs.
Location: Washington, DC
Pay: $100-$180 hourly
Role Overview:
We are seeking a highly experienced Cybersecurity Architect / Strategic Consultant to lead and guide the development, implementation, and evolution of customer cybersecurity strategy. This role demands a deep understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, emerging technologies, and technical security controls and architecture. The ideal candidate will be a trusted advisor to senior leadership, aligning cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives to safeguard organizational assets and reputation.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Advisory:
o Develop and refine the organization’s cybersecurity strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.
o Provide expert guidance on implementing industry-standard security program frameworks such as NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls.
o Identify emerging threats and recommend proactive technical measures to mitigate risks.
o Design and enablement of cyber controls functions and processes based on CMMC / NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53
Risk Management:
o Familiarity with risk management frameworks like NIST RMF, ISO 27005, and FAIR.
o Conduct comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending remediation strategies.
o Develop and maintain a robust risk management program to address both IT and operational risks.
o Implement technical solutions to manage and monitor risk effectively, including vulnerability management tools.
Technical Oversight
o Design and validate secure network architectures, focusing on principles such as Zero Trust and least privilege.
o Evaluate and implement advanced security technologies, including EDR, SIEM, DLP, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
o Provide hands-on technical assessments of infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments to ensure security compliance.
o Oversee penetration testing activities and ensure identified vulnerabilities are remediated.
Policy and Governance
o Lead the development and enforcement of cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures.
o Establish metrics and reporting mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of cybersecurity initiatives.
o Support incident response planning and governance, ensuring technical readiness for potential breaches.
Cloud and Emerging Technologies
o Provide technical guidance on securing multi-cloud environments, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
o Evaluate and implement cloud-native security tools, such as CSPM, CIEM, and workload protection platforms.
o Advise on emerging technologies like AI and ML, focusing on their application in threat detection and response.
Incident Response and Threat Intelligence
o Develop and oversee technical aspects of the incident response plan, ensuring readiness for real-world threats.
o Leverage threat intelligence platforms to proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
o Coordinate with SOC teams to fine-tune detection rules and improve response times.
Qualifications:
Education:
o Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
Experience:
o Minimum of 15 years of experience in information security.
o Proven experience with NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, and NIST 800-171 frameworks.
o Proven track record of developing and executing cybersecurity strategies for organizations of varying sizes and industries.
o Hands-on experience with risk assessments, compliance audits, and incident response planning.
o Prior role as a Sr. Security Consultant, Security Architect, or similar position is highly desirable.
Certifications:
o Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, OSCP, CEH, or GSEC).
Skills:
o Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, regulatory requirements, and risk management methodologies.
o Proficiency with technical tools such as vulnerability scanners (e.g., Nessus, Qualys), SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk, QRadar), and EDR solutions (e.g., CrowdStrike, Cisco Secure Endpoint, Cisco Secure Workload).
o Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex cybersecurity concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
o Leadership and influence capabilities to drive organizational change.
o Analytical mindset with the ability to anticipate and solve complex challenges.
o Expertise in cloud security, Zero Trust architecture, and emerging technologies.
