Zero Trust Architecture Control Systems Cybersecurity Consultant

Introduction

A Security Consultant within Cyber Strategy & Risk specializes in implementing security solutions for clients and stakeholders, while addressing security, regulatory, risk, and compliance issues. They maintain a current understanding of industry trends and hold multiple certifications in key cyber security areas. As a trusted advisor, they lead in identifying risks and developing mitigation plans, and define business-driven security strategies and roadmaps. This role requires a professional who can effectively communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of security initiatives and the achievement of business objectives.

Your role and responsibilities

The Zero Trust Architecture Control Systems Cybersecurity Consultant will leverage 3-5 years of hands-on experience to develop, refine, and implement Zero Trust strategies and network enclaves within the Department of the Air Force Civil Engineer's cybersecurity programs. This mid-tier consultant will design enclave topologies, configure security controls, and support operational oversight to ensure robust, policy-aligned cybersecurity architectures. The role requires applying industry best practices and Departmental standards to enhance enclave security, streamline certification processes, and integrate Zero Trust principles into both new and existing environments.

• Zero Trust Architecture Design (25%)
  Develop and document Zero Trust enclave topologies, control-plane configurations, and microsegmentation strategies aligned to mission requirements.
• Enclave Configuration & Deployment (20%)
  Configure ZTNA gateways, firewalls, NAC, and segmentation policies; coordinate deployments with network and OT teams.
• Compliance & Certification Support (20%)
  Assist in ATO and continuous monitoring activities, prepare security-control artifacts for eMASS, and validate alignment with DoD/Air Force directives.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Briefings (20%)
  Work with engineers, operators, and leadership to integrate Zero Trust principles; present design reviews, risk assessments, and roadmap updates.

• Continuous Improvement & Analysis (15%)
  Monitor enclave performance, identify security gaps or blind spots, and recommend mitigation reprioritization based on evolving threats and mission impact.

Required education

Bachelor's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

• Zero Trust Frameworks - Implementing NIST SP 800-207 and other Zero Trust models to segment and secure enterprise and OT/ICS networks
• Network Enclave Design - Designing and deploying isolated enclaves using microsegmentation, VLANs, VXLANs, or software-defined segmentation
• Cybersecurity Architecture - Configuring firewalls, ZTNA gateways, network access control (NAC), and related tools in complex environments
• DoD/Air Force Policy Compliance - Applying Department of Defense and Air Force cybersecurity directives (e.g., DoDI 8500.01, CNSSI 1253) to architecture designs
• Certification Support - Assisting ATO/ATO-M processes, System Security Engineering Framework (SSEF), and continuous monitoring requirements
• Network Protocols & Security - Hands-on with TCP/IP, routing services, VPNs, and securing Modbus/DNP3/OPC when interfacing with OT networks
• Collaboration & Communication - Presenting technical designs and risks to stakeholders, drafting architecture diagrams and solution briefs

• Analytical Troubleshooting - Diagnosing network and enclave security issues, performing root-cause analysis, and recommending improvements
• Must have Secret Clearance

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) & SSE - Familiarity with cloud-delivered security services and their integration into Zero Trust enclaves
• Automation & Scripting - Using Python, PowerShell, or Ansible to automate configuration, compliance checks, and reporting
• Cloud & Edge Integration - Deploying Zero Trust controls in AWS, Azure, or edge-computing environments
• Data Fusion & Analytics - Leveraging tools like A3 Mission Assurance or Dagger for "digital twin" simulations and cross-domain data analysis
• MRT-C Mission Mapping - Aligning enclave designs with mission-critical workflows and quantifying "what supports what"
• eMASS / GRC Tools - Managing control implementation and evidence in eMASS or similar governance-risk-compliance platforms
• Supply Chain Risk Insights - Incorporating vendor and component risk assessments into enclave security planning

• Professional Certification Pursuit - Progress toward CISSP, CCSP, or vendor-specific architecture certifications (e.g., TOGAF, AWS/Azure Security)

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Consulting is IBM's consulting and global professional services business, with market leading capabilities in business and technology transformation. With deep expertise in many industries, we offer strategy, experience, technology, and operations services to many of the most innovative and valuable companies in the world. Our people are focused on accelerating our clients' businesses through the power of collaboration. We believe in the power of technology responsibly used to help people, partners and the planet.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 50 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:

• Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
• Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
• Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
• Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
• Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

This position is eligible for participation in an IBM Sales Incentive plan. Actual incentive opportunity will be based on performance and the eligible Target Incentive, as addressed in the applicable plan, all of which is subject to change. The compensation range listed for this position is the IBM Reference Salary that is used when you are not actively participating in a sales plan. Your actual base pay plus incentive opportunity will be determined by the Incentive Plan assigned to you.

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.

US Citizenship Required.