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Lead Security Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Security Architect

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$64 - $82.75/hr

Lead security architecture reviews for new projects, systems and major technology changes. * Establish and maintain a Security by Design program integrated into project and procurement lifecycles.

Security Architect

Milwaukee, WI · On-site +1

$64 - $82.75/hr

Lead security architecture reviews for new projects, systems and major technology changes. * Establish and maintain a Security by Design program integrated into project and procurement lifecycles.

Security Architect

Vienna, VA

$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 · 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 ...

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Security Architect

Vienna, VA · On-site

$170K - $180K/yr

The architect will work directly with solutions architects, security and cloud engineers, data ... Lead security alignment with RMF, NIST 800-53, STIGs, and ATO and authorization processes * Define ...

$58 - $75/hr

Promote structured architectural reasoning supported by both human and GenAI-assisted analysis - Architecture Review & Advisory Lead security reviews of solution and domain architectures, ADRs, and ...

Lead security architecture direction for solutions as well as influence peers, cross functional partners, and IT leadership * Consult and lead the design of security best practices and implementation ...

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 3, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,112 per year, or $62.6 per hour.
Lead Security Architect with Security Clearance

Lead Security Architect with Security Clearance

ShorePoint, Inc

Herndon, VA • On-site

$66.75 - $86.25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Who we are: ShorePoint is a fast-growing, industry recognized and award-winning cybersecurity services firm with a focus on high-profile, high-threat, private and public-sector customers who demand experience and proven security models to protect their data. ShorePoint subscribes to a "work hard, play hard" mentality and celebrates individual and company successes. We are passionate about our mission and going above and beyond to deliver for our customers.

We are equally passionate about an environment that supports creativity, accountability, diversity, inclusion and a focus on giving back to our community. The Perks: As recognized members of the Cyber Elite, we work together in partnership to defend our nation's critical infrastructure while building meaningful and exciting career development opportunities in a culture tailored to the individuals technical and professional growth. We are committed to the belief that our team members do their best work when they are happy and well cared for.

In support of this philosophy, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including major carriers for health care providers. Highlighted benefits offered: 144 hours of PTO, 11 holidays, 85% of insurance premium covered, 401k, continued education, certifications maintenance and reimbursement and more. Who we're looking for: 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 anchor, ensuring our mission-critical systems are inherently secure by design and aligned with evolving federal defense standards. In this role, the Lead Security Architect will bridge the gap between complex engineering requirements and executive risk management orchestrating the transition to a robust Zero Trust environment. This is a unique opportunity to shape the growth, development and culture of an exciting and fast-growing company in the cybersecurity market.

What you'll be doing: * Lead the design and evaluation of enterprise security architectures, ensuring all systems align with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles and organizational cybersecurity guidelines. * Serve as the primary technical liaison between enterprise architects and systems security engineers to ensure security controls are correctly allocated and implemented. * Convert complex operational needs and stakeholder security interests into detailed technical requirements and functional specifications.

* Provide critical input to the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process, including the development of system life-cycle support plans and operational procedures. * Manage security requirements throughout the acquisition life cycle, from drafting statements of work to evaluating vendor-proposed security designs for adequacy. * Perform regular security reviews and design modeling to identify architecture gaps, developing comprehensive risk management plans to address vulnerabilities.

* Categorize systems and define clear security boundaries, documenting the protection needs for information systems and networks. * Advise senior leadership and authorized officials on design concepts, project costs and the potential adverse effects of identified vulnerabilities. What you need to know: * Deep proficiency in describing and documenting IT architectures using frameworks such as TOGAF, DoDAF or FEAF, with a focus on integrating security into the full system development life cycle.

* Mastery of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles, including identity management (PKI, Oauth, SAML), micro-segmentation and secure cloud/hybrid IT delivery models like DevOps and Agile. * Comprehensive knowledge of NIST 800-series, FedRAMP and the Risk Management Framework (RMF) to ensure systems meet stringent federal and defense cybersecurity standards. * Technical expertise in network security (TCP/IP, VPNs, firewalls), encryption algorithms and the ability to design countermeasures against complex cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

* Ability to translate operational requirements into technical protection needs and effectively communicate risk and design concepts to both technical experts and executive stakeholders. Must have's: * 10+ years of professional experience in cybersecurity, including 5+ years in security architecture or a senior technical role * One or more of the following certifications: (ISC)2 Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP), GIAC Security Enterprise Architect (GSEA) or GIAC Defensible Security Architecture (GDSA). * Proven ability to analyze complex requirements and translate them into clear, actionable tasks and processes through critical thinking.

* Demonstrated experience architecting secure enterprise systems using Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles. * Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance, in compliance with federal contract requirements.

Beneficial to have: * Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or a related field. Where it's done: * Remote (Herndon, VA).