Senior Cybersecurity Architect/ISSO

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking Senior Cybersecurity Architect to support a federal partner responsible for enterprise cybersecurity governance and risk management. This position is fully remote (supporting Eastern Time hours).

The Senior Cybersecurity Architect will provide hands-on technical ISSO-level support focused on modernizing RMF, continuous authorization (cATO), and automated security monitoring capabilities. This role is highly technical and execution-focused, partnering closely with a prime contractor and federal stakeholders rather than leading a team.

Responsibilities of the Senior Cybersecurity Architect include:

·      Design and operationalize Continuous Authorization to Operate (cATO) models replacing point‑in‑time RMF assessments

·      Translate NIST SP 800‑53 security and privacy controls into machine‑testable technical assertions

·      Develop automated authorization score engines to evaluate real‑time system security posture

·      Implement continuous monitoring telemetry pipelines using DHS-aligned tools (e.g., Splunk, CDM Elastic, Tenable Nessus)

·      Architect automated compliance evidence collection frameworks replacing manual artifacts

·      Perform technical control validation and risk analysis across AWS and Azure environments

·      Collaborate closely with prime contractor, federal ISSOs, and technical SMEs to support ATO and ongoing authorization activities

Qualifications for the Senior Cybersecurity Architect include:

·      Bachelor’s degree plus 8+ years of cybersecurity or compliance-related experience

·      5+ years supporting RMF, FISMA, or federal cybersecurity reporting efforts

·      5+ years applying and testing NIST SP 800‑53 security controls

·      Experience designing or supporting Continuous ATO (cATO) processes and automation

·      Familiarity with DHS continuous monitoring tools (Splunk, CDM, Tenable or similar)

·      Hands-on experience with cloud environments (AWS and/or Azure) and API integrations

·      Active Secret clearance and current DHS Suitability / EOD (required)

Compensation for the Senior Cybersecurity Architect includes:

·      Salary Range: $125,000-$140,000 depending on experience

·      Full Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and more

Keywords

ISSO, Senior Cybersecurity Architect, Cybersecurity Governance, Risk Management Framework, RMF, NIST 800-53, Continuous ATO, cATO, DHS Cybersecurity, DHS Suitability, Secret Clearance, Federal Cybersecurity, FISMA, Continuous Monitoring, Authorization to Operate, ATO, Cloud Security, AWS Security, Azure Security, API Security, Security Automation, GRC, Governance Risk Compliance, Security Control Testing, Control Validation, Security Telemetry, Splunk, Tenable Nessus, CDM, Elastic Stack, Risk Quantification, Risk Assessment, Enterprise Risk Management, Security Architecture, Compliance Automation, Technical ISSO, System Security Engineering, Federal Information Security, Zero Trust, DevSecOps, Remote Cybersecurity

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