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Lead Security Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Security Architect | Enterprise, Cloud & Application Security Location: Phoenix, AZ (Day 1 Onsite) Duration: Long-Term Contract Interview : Inperson We are seeking a highly experienced Lead ...

Lead Security Architect | Enterprise, Cloud & Application Security Location: Phoenix, AZ (Day 1 Onsite) Duration: Long-Term Contract Interview : Inperson We are seeking a highly experienced Lead ...

Lead Security Architect

Randolph, TX · On-site

$74.50 - $96.25/hr

The Lead Security Architect leads the security architecture and implementation across the MCE, ensuring compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards and enabling automated, scalable security controls.

Lead Security Architect

Herndon, VA · Remote

$66.50 - $86/hr

We are seeking a Lead Security Architect who possesses deep technical mastery in designing resilient, enterprise-grade security frameworks. You will serve as the strategic visionary and technical ...

Lead Security Architect

Herndon, VA

$66.75 - $86.50/hr

We are seeking a Lead Security Architect who possesses deep technical mastery in designing resilient, enterprise-grade security frameworks. You will serve as the strategic visionary and technical ...

Lead Security Architect

Herndon, VA · On-site

$66.75 - $86.50/hr

We are seeking a Lead Security Architect who possesses deep technical mastery in designing resilient, enterprise-grade security frameworks. You will serve as the strategic visionary and technical ...

Lead Security Architect

Herndon, VA · Remote

$66.50 - $86/hr

We are seeking a Lead Security Architect who possesses deep technical mastery in designing resilient, enterprise-grade security frameworks. You will serve as the strategic visionary and technical ...

Lead Security Architect - GCP

Miami, FL · On-site

$62.25 - $80.25/hr

Lead Security Architect - GCP Location: On-Site (Miami and/or Juno Beach) Term: 12 Months Role Overview: We are seeking a Lead Security Architect to serve as the technical authority for our Google ...

Lead Security Architect

Plano, TX

$53 - $72.50/hr

Lead architecture design reviews and provide binding security decisions for critical initiatives * Ensure solutions align to Zero Trust principles, least privilege access, and data protection ...

Lead Security Architect - GCP

Miami, FL · On-site

$62 - $80.25/hr

Five Rivers IT Inc. is seeking a Lead Security Architect to serve as the technical authority for their Google Cloud Platform (GCP) ecosystem. This role involves leading the secure build-out of the ...

Security Architect

Vienna, VA · On-site

$65.25 - $84.25/hr

The architect will work directly with solutions architects, security and cloud engineers, data ... Lead security alignment with DoDI 8510, CNSSI 1253, STIGs, DoD CC SRG, and ATO and authorization ...

Security Architect

Vienna, VA · Hybrid

$65.25 - $84.25/hr

The architect will work directly with solutions architects, security and cloud engineers, data ... Lead security alignment with DoDI 8510, CNSSI 1253, STIGs, DoD CC SRG, and ATO and authorization ...

Security Architect - Aviation

Vienna, VA · Hybrid

$170K - $180K/yr

The architect will work directly with solutions architects, security and cloud engineers, data ... Lead security alignment with DoDI 8510, CNSSI 1253, STIGs, DoD CC SRG, and ATO and authorization ...

Lead security architecture for domain, forest, and tenant consolidation initiatives, ensuring hardened trust models, secure hybrid identity boundaries, and resilient authentication infrastructure.

Lead security architecture for domain, forest, and tenant consolidation initiatives, ensuring hardened trust models, secure hybrid identity boundaries, and resilient authentication infrastructure.

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Lead Security Architect information

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How much do lead security architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead security architect in the United States is $62.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.12 and $72.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Lead Security Architects and senior cybersecurity professionals with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in areas like cloud security or threat management can earn $200,000 or more annually. Salary levels depend on factors such as location, industry, company size, and individual skills, with high-demand roles often offering higher compensation.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Lead Security Architects and senior cybersecurity professionals with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior executive roles. Achieving this level often requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic responsibilities, along with a strong professional network and ongoing education.

What is the difference between Lead Security Architect vs Security Engineer?

AspectLead Security ArchitectSecurity Engineer
CredentialsCertifications like CISSP, CISA, CISMCertifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, architecture design, policy developmentImplementation, monitoring, vulnerability assessment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, consulting firms, government agenciesCommon in IT departments, cybersecurity teams

The Lead Security Architect focuses on designing and overseeing security infrastructure and policies, while the Security Engineer implements and maintains security measures. Both roles require relevant certifications and work within cybersecurity teams, but the architect has a more strategic, high-level role compared to the technical, hands-on focus of the engineer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Security Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Security Architect, you need deep expertise in cybersecurity principles, risk management, and systems architecture, typically supported by a degree in computer science and professional certifications like CISSP or CISM. Familiarity with security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001), cloud security tools, and advanced threat detection systems is essential. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These abilities are vital for designing robust security solutions, guiding teams, and protecting organizational assets against evolving threats.

What does a lead security architect do?

A lead security architect designs and oversees an organization’s security infrastructure, including developing security policies, conducting risk assessments, and implementing security solutions. They often coordinate with IT teams, ensure compliance with security standards, and may hold certifications like CISSP or CISM. Their role involves strategic planning to protect systems and data from cyber threats.

How does a Lead Security Architect typically collaborate with other teams during the design and implementation of security solutions?

A Lead Security Architect regularly works cross-functionally, partnering with software engineers, IT operations, compliance, and business stakeholders to ensure security is integrated into every stage of a project. This often involves leading security design reviews, consulting on risk assessments, and communicating technical requirements in an accessible way to non-security teams. Effective collaboration is key to balancing business needs with robust security controls, and Lead Security Architects are expected to both guide and educate other teams on best practices. Establishing strong relationships and clear communication channels can be one of the most rewarding—and sometimes challenging—aspects of the role.

How much does a security architect make?

A security architect typically earns between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles with advanced skills in cybersecurity frameworks and tools can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000. Salary ranges may vary based on industry and company size.
More about Lead Security Architect jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Security Architect job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 72% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,112 per year, or $62.6 per hour.
Lead Security Architect

Lead Security Architect

Select Minds LLC

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Long Term Opportunity
  • Competitive salary
  • Opportunity for advancement

Job Title: Lead Security Architect | Enterprise, Cloud & Application Security
Location: Phoenix, AZ (Day 1 Onsite)
Duration: Long-Term Contract
Interview : Inperson

We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Security Architect with strong hands-on expertise in designing, implementing, and reviewing enterprise security solutions across cloud, application, SaaS, and network environments.
This is not a Security Auditor or GRC-focused role. The ideal candidate must have recent experience driving security architecture decisions, conducting enterprise security reviews, performing threat assessments, and partnering with engineering teams to implement scalable security controls.
The Security Architect will play a critical role in evaluating existing architectures, identifying security risks, defining remediation strategies, and establishing secure design patterns across enterprise platforms.
Required Experience
* 12+ years of overall IT experience
* 5+ years of Security Architecture experience
* Strong hands-on experience designing and implementing enterprise security solutions
* Experience conducting enterprise security reviews and Tiger Team assessments
* Proven expertise reviewing and approving application, infrastructure, and cloud architectures
* Experience creating and maintaining Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)
* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Core Responsibilities
* Lead enterprise-wide security architecture reviews and assessments
* Evaluate application, cloud, SaaS, and infrastructure architectures for security risks
* Conduct threat modeling and security design reviews
* Define security standards, patterns, and architectural best practices
* Review and document Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)
* Partner with engineering teams to integrate security throughout the software development lifecycle
* Provide guidance on secure cloud adoption, API security, data protection, and cryptographic controls
* Identify security gaps and develop practical remediation strategies
* Support enterprise initiatives involving AI, Machine Learning, and cloud-native technologies
Required Technical Skills
Enterprise Security Architecture
* Enterprise Security Reviews * Security Architecture Assessments * Security Design Reviews
* Tiger Team Engagements * Risk Analysis * Threat Modeling * Architecture Governance
Application Security (AppSec)
* Secure SDLC * OWASP Top 10 * Threat Modeling * SAST * DAST * Secure Code Review * API Security * Application Security Architecture
Cloud Security
* AWS Security Architecture * Azure Security * Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Security
* Cloud Security Assessments * Cloud Architecture Reviews * Cloud Governance and Security Controls
Network Security
* Network Security Architecture * Palo Alto Firewalls * Network Segmentation * IDS/IPS
* Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) * Secure Network Design
SaaS Security
* SaaS Platform Security Reviews * Identity & Access Controls * Third-Party Risk Evaluation
* SaaS Security Architecture
Data & Infrastructure Security
* Cryptography * Data Protection * Database Security Architecture
* PostgreSQL * Big Data Security * Secure Data Architecture
AI & Emerging Technologies
* AI Security * Generative AI Security * Machine Learning Security
* Model Risk Management * AI Governance and Security Controls
Security Frameworks
Experience with one or more of the following:
* NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) * NIST 800-53
* CIS Controls * Zero Trust Architecture
* OWASP * MITRE ATT&CK
Tools & Technologies
* AWS * Azure * GCP * Palo Alto * ServiceNow * GitHub * GitLab * Bitbucket * SVN * PostgreSQL
Preferred Certifications
* CISSP * CCSP * AWS Certified Security Specialty
* TOGAF * SABSA * GIAC Security Certifications
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is a hands-on Security Architect who has successfully designed and implemented security solutions across enterprise environments. Candidates with primarily auditing, compliance, governance, risk, or GRC backgrounds without architecture and implementation experience will not be a fit for this role.