Principal Cybersecurity Architect

Join our team as a Principle Cybersecurity Architect for our San Diego, CA Office!

Job Title: Principle Cybersecurity Architect

Company: Zachary Piper Solutions

Clearance: Must have Top Secret

Location: San Diego, CA

Compensation: Up to $200,000 based on experience

ZPS is seeking a highly experienced Principal Cybersecurity Architect to lead and support advanced cybersecurity engineering efforts within a fast-paced development environment. This role is critical to the design, implementation, and accreditation of secure DoD systems, integrating cutting-edge security technologies and frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead multidisciplinary systems engineering teams focused on cybersecurity architecture and implementation

· Direct Assessment & Authorization (A&A) processes aligned with the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF)

· Contribute to systems engineering lifecycle activities including CONOPS development, requirements analysis, cyber design and implementation

· Architect and analyze offensive and defensive security postures, including defense-in-depth strategies

· Integrate DevSecOps principles into secure development pipelines

· Develop and evaluate system security documentation: CONOPS, risk matrices, control traceability, test procedures, POA&Ms

· Conduct vulnerability assessments and ensure compliance with RMF controls and DISA STIGs

· Analyze static and dynamic code scans to validate application security and STIG adherence

· Travel may be required to support customer engagements, demonstrations, integration, and testing

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Systems, Software, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field

· Minimum 6 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and certifications

· ISC2 CISSP or equivalent certification

· Proficiency with A&A tools: ACAS Nessus, SCAP Scanner, STIG Viewer

· Deep understanding of national cybersecurity policies, DoD processes, and industry best practices

· Expertise in vulnerability analysis, control allocation, and risk mitigation

· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

· Preferred Qualifications

· Additional certifications: CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, CCSP, CEH, OSCP

· Active Top Secret/SCI clearance

· Experience with offensive security TTPs and threat modeling

· Familiarity with Cyber FMECA and Open Container Initiative platforms (Platform One, Iron Bank, Repo One)

· Cloud and cross-domain solution accreditation experience

· Proposal writing and cost estimation expertise

· Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills

· Knowledge of EVMS, CPI, IMS, and project management tools

· Proven ability to lead security test events and validate vulnerability mitigations

· Excellent mentoring, planning, and communication abilities

Compensation:

· Pay Range: $160,000 - $200,000 (based on years of experience and education)

· Benefits: Cigna medical, dental, vision, 401k, 2+ weeks PTO and 11 Federal Holidays

Keywords : Cybersecurity, Vulnerability Assessment, STIG, RMF, A&A, Threat Modeling, Offensive Security, DevSecOps, CI/CD, Containerization, AWS, Kubernetes, MBSE, Attack Surface, Resilience, Survivability

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