Today
Secret
Unspecified
Unspecified
IT - Security
Arlington, VA (On-Site/Office)
Title: Information Security Architect (Head of IT, U.S.)
Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid/Onsite)
Clearance: Active Secret preferred; TS a plus
Citizenship: U.S. Citizens only
Compensation: $140K-$180K (based on experience)
District Partners has been exclusively retained by a global defense technology company to lead the search for their first U.S.-based Information Security Architect (Head of IT)-a foundational hire to build secure infrastructure from the ground up and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership.
This is not a maintenance role:
This is about standing up secure, compliant IT architecture from scratch-in a high-trust, zero-fail environment. You'll architect frameworks, lead compliance, and play a key advisory role as U.S. operations scale. There's no playbook-you'll be creating it.
Why this role stands out:
What you'll bring:
Military, federal contracting, or dual-use tech backgrounds are highly relevant. CISSP or similar certifications are helpful but not required if you bring strong execution and advisory capability.
Travel: 2-3 international trips/year expected (primarily to Europe)
If you've built secure systems from the ground up-and know how to lead, influence, and execute without room for error-this role puts you at the center of a mission that matters.
#CJ
Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid/Onsite)
Clearance: Active Secret preferred; TS a plus
Citizenship: U.S. Citizens only
Compensation: $140K-$180K (based on experience)
District Partners has been exclusively retained by a global defense technology company to lead the search for their first U.S.-based Information Security Architect (Head of IT)-a foundational hire to build secure infrastructure from the ground up and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership.
This is not a maintenance role:
This is about standing up secure, compliant IT architecture from scratch-in a high-trust, zero-fail environment. You'll architect frameworks, lead compliance, and play a key advisory role as U.S. operations scale. There's no playbook-you'll be creating it.
Why this role stands out:
- Greenfield environment: You'll establish the full IT/security foundation for U.S. operations, supporting both classified and unclassified environments.
- Executive-facing, high-trust: You'll advise U.S. leadership directly, helping shape priorities, infrastructure decisions, and compliance roadmaps.
- Cross-cultural collaboration: You'll partner closely with European counterparts, navigating differences in pace, process, and communication style. Executive presence and cultural fluency are essential.
What you'll bring:
- Demonstrated experience building secure IT environments from scratch in cleared or highly regulated settings
- Deep understanding of NIST 800-171, CMMC 2.0, ITAR, and CUI compliance
- Ability to lead both strategy and execution-architecting infrastructure while handling day-to-day operational needs
- Experience working across global teams or within multinational organizations
- Strong communication, judgment, and leadership presence
Military, federal contracting, or dual-use tech backgrounds are highly relevant. CISSP or similar certifications are helpful but not required if you bring strong execution and advisory capability.
Travel: 2-3 international trips/year expected (primarily to Europe)
If you've built secure systems from the ground up-and know how to lead, influence, and execute without room for error-this role puts you at the center of a mission that matters.
#CJ
group id: 91164139
