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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