Senior Solutions Architect

Title: Senior Solutions Architect - Security

Location: Washington, DC area

Description

The Ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and recommending security solutions that meet the stringent guidelines required when working within the Federal Space. This person needs to understand complex Network Architectures and be comfortable with speaking about crossing security boundaries. The role requires in-depth understanding of complex security architectures, leveraging technologies from Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Juniper, Fortinet, Zscaler, and cloud platforms such as AWS Gov Cloud and Azure Government.

Responsibilities

• Design Zero Trust Security Architectures with a focus on securing hybrid and multi-cloud environments, ensuring compliance with federal standards such as NIST 800-207 and CISA guidelines.
• Understand authentications solutions used by Federal agencies and DoD including ADFS (Active Directory Federation Services), Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), and SAML-based authentication frameworks, with an emphasis on securing cloud applications and services.
• Design network segmentation strategies across on-premises and cloud environments to enhance security and operational efficiency.
• Develop scalable, secure architectures using technologies such as Cisco SecureX, Palo Alto Prisma Cloud, Juniper SRX Series, Fortinet Security Fabric, and Zscaler Cloud Security.
• Implement and manage cloud-native security controls, such as IAM policies, security groups, and encryption mechanisms across cloud platforms.
• Conduct cloud security risk assessments, threat modeling, and vulnerability management to ensure compliance with FedRAMP, NIST, and FISMA standards.
• Collaborate with Federal clients, engineers, and stakeholders to assess security environments and recommend cloud-based enhancements.
• Stay current with emerging cybersecurity and cloud trends, technologies, and regulations to guide proactive decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Solutions Architect with a focus on Security in the Federal Government with 8+ years of experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with Federal security compliance requirements, including FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, and FISMA.
• Expertise in Zero Trust Architecture, including principles, frameworks, and implementation strategies tailored for cloud and on-premise environments.
• Hands-on experience with authentication technologies: ADFS, Entra ID, SAML, and related protocols, with a focus on cloud integration.
• Demonstrated ability to design complex, secure architectures using technologies from Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Juniper, Fortinet, and Zscaler.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities, especially in cloud-first security strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CCIE Security, AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Azure Security Engineer Associate, Palo Alto PCNSE, Fortinet NSE, or Zscaler Certified Cloud Professional (ZCCP).
• Deep understanding of cloud security frameworks like CIS Benchmarks, CSA CCM, or ISO 27017.
• Experience with federal contracting or government security projects.

Work Conditions

• This role may require eligibility for a U.S. Federal Government security clearance (up to Top Secret).
• Location: Remote. Washington D.C area a plus (National Capital Region).
• Travel as needed.