Chief Cybersecurity Architect

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior advisor and technical authority on secure system architectures, RMF compliance, ATO/ATC processes, and cybersecurity integration for Next Generation Missile Defense and other advanced DoD initiatives.
• Define and guide the security architecture strategy for classified networks and digital ecosystems, ensuring optimal resilience, interoperability, and mission assurance.
• Leverage RMF (NIST SP 800-53), DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), and other frameworks to authorize, maintain, and enhance compliance across DoD systems.
• Architect secure digital ecosystems within classified environments, integrating systems across DoD networks while ensuring interoperability and operational security.
• Collaborate with technical teams and stakeholders to optimize system design, build, test, and Assessment & Authorization (A&A) efforts that align with mission objectives.
• Partner with senior leaders, Program Managers (PMs), and Authorization Officials (AO) to align strategic cybersecurity objectives with operational mission needs.
• Provide risk-informed analysis, policy application, and technical recommendations across acquisition, intelligence, and mission teams.
• Lead audits, risk assessments, and vulnerability management efforts to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks across classified systems and facilities.
• Leverage tools like eMASS, ACAS, and Nessus to streamline compliance and vulnerability reporting processes.
• Create, review, and approve high-level authorization packages, architecture documentation, and compliance reports to ensure adherence to DoD cybersecurity standards.
• Mentor and develop cybersecurity staff, fostering technical excellence and mission-driven collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, such as Cloud Systems Architects and cybersecurity leads, to ensure robust designs and implementation strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 15+ years supporting DoD cybersecurity initiatives, RMF implementation, classified systems/networks, and secure system design within high-security environments.
• Proven experience managing ATO/ATC processes and designing secure system architectures, particularly for government systems supporting missile defense or similar critical capabilities.
• Active certifications such as CISSP (strongly desired), CISSP-ISSAP (preferred), CAP, or equivalent credentials.
• DoD 8570 IAM Level III certifications highly desired.
• In-depth understanding of RMF (NIST SP 800-53), DISA STIGs, digital ecosystem integration, and vulnerability management platforms (eMASS, ACAS, Nessus).
• Strong ability to influence decisions at the senior leadership level and lead cross-functional teams in achieving secure system authorizations.
• Security Clearance: Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; willingness to work from secure facilities (SCIF).
• U.S. citizenship required due to clearance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity policies, including SAPCO requirements under 5205.07, and mission-critical policy-informed threat analysis.
• Experience integrating cybersecurity, acquisition, intelligence, and counterintelligence frameworks to optimize classified operations.
• Expertise in weapons systems, platform security, or similar high-priority defense missions.

Locations

Flexible locations available within the U.S., with priority postings in Ohio (OH), Virginia (VA), and Alabama (AL).