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Security Architect Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SECURITY ARCHITECT

Arlington, VA

$74.75 - $96.75/hr

Security Architecture: Develop and Recommend Security Architecture and Standards including Cloud Security for government approval. * Cybersecurity Operations: Improve Cloud monitoring, detection, and ...

Security Architect - Aviation

Vienna, VA · On-site

$65.25 - $84.25/hr

The architect will work directly with solutions architects, security and cloud engineers, data teams, and stakeholders to translate DoD security requirements into enforceable, well-architected ...

Security Architect - Aviation

Vienna, VA · Hybrid

$65.25 - $84.25/hr

The architect will work directly with solutions architects, security and cloud engineers, data teams, and stakeholders to translate DoD security requirements into enforceable, well-architected ...

Security Architect - Aviation

Vienna, VA · Hybrid

$170K - $180K/yr

The architect will work directly with solutions architects, security and cloud engineers, data teams, and stakeholders to translate DoD security requirements into enforceable, well-architected ...

Security Architect

Vienna, VA · On-site

$170K - $180K/yr

The Security Architect will lead security design, compliance alignment, and risk mitigation efforts across cloud and hybrid environments. This role requires deep expertise in both commercial security ...

Security Architect

Vienna, VA · Hybrid

$170K - $180K/yr

The Security Architect will lead security design, compliance alignment, and risk mitigation efforts across cloud and hybrid environments. This role requires deep expertise in both commercial security ...

Security Architect

Vienna, VA · Hybrid

$170K - $180K/yr

The Security Architect will lead security design, compliance alignment, and risk mitigation efforts across cloud and hybrid environments. This role requires deep expertise in both commercial security ...

AWS Information Security Architect

Reston, VA · On-site

$67.50 - $87.50/hr

AWS Information Security Architect Location: Reston VA Hiring for a Senior Information Security Architect position primarily focusing on AWS. This position requires deep expertise in Information ...

AWS Information Security Architect

Reston, VA · On-site

$67.50 - $87.50/hr

AWS Information Security Architect Location: Reston VA Hiring for a Senior Information Security Architect position primarily focusing on AWS. This position requires deep expertise in Information ...

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 · 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 ...

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Security Architect to design, implement, and maintain robust security solutions for Swift's critical financial messaging infrastructure. This role is ...

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Security Architect information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$71

$102

How much do security architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for security architect in Virginia is $71.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61.97 and $80.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 or those with specialized skills in cloud security or risk management can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000. The role often requires knowledge of security frameworks, network architecture, and security tools.

What is a Security Architect?

A Security Architect is an IT professional responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the security infrastructure of an organization. They develop security policies, recommend security solutions, and ensure that all systems and networks are protected against threats and vulnerabilities. Security Architects work closely with other IT staff to integrate security measures into new and existing technologies, and often play a key role in responding to security incidents. Their goal is to create robust security frameworks that protect sensitive data and support business operations.

What Is a Security Architect?

A security architect helps to build, implement, oversee, and maintain cyber- and network security systems for a business or another organization such as a government or university. As a security architect, your duties and responsibilities are to plan and test technical measures to maintain the IT security, such as designing firewalls and other security measures for a business enterprise network or database. You work with other security experts and continuity managers to prepare for contingencies related to security breaches or network interruptions.

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

To thrive as a Security Architect, you need deep expertise in information security principles, network architecture, and risk management, usually supported by a relevant degree and credentials like CISSP or CISM. Familiarity with security frameworks (such as NIST or ISO 27001), cloud security platforms, and tools like firewalls, IDS/IPS, and SIEM systems is vital. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex security concepts to diverse stakeholders help set top performers apart. These skills are crucial to designing robust security infrastructures that protect organizations from evolving cyber threats and ensure regulatory compliance.

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

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 leadership roles. Achieving this level often requires a combination of technical expertise, strategic responsibilities, and leadership positions within organizations.

How much does a security architect get paid?

A security architect's average salary typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in cybersecurity tools and frameworks can earn higher compensation, often exceeding $180,000 per year.

What does a security architect do?

A security architect designs and implements security systems and policies to protect an organization’s information technology infrastructure. They analyze security risks, develop security frameworks, and select appropriate tools such as firewalls and encryption methods, often holding certifications like CISSP or CISA. Their role involves collaborating with IT teams to ensure security measures align with business goals and compliance requirements.

What is the difference between Security Architect vs Security Engineer?

AspectSecurity ArchitectSecurity Engineer
CertificationsCISSP, CISA, CCSKCISSP, CEH, Security+
Work EnvironmentDesigns security frameworks, policies, and architectureImplements security measures, monitors systems, and responds to incidents
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in organizations to develop security strategiesUsed to maintain and enforce security protocols

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Security Architects primarily design security systems and policies, whereas Security Engineers implement and maintain these security measures. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the typical challenges Security Architects face when balancing security requirements with business needs?

Security Architects often must navigate the delicate balance between implementing robust security measures and supporting business agility. They are frequently challenged to design solutions that protect sensitive data and systems without hindering user experience or operational efficiency. This involves collaborating closely with IT, development, and business teams to understand priorities, advocate for security best practices, and find innovative compromises. The role requires strong communication skills and a proactive approach to risk management, ensuring security is integrated into business processes rather than seen as a barrier.
What are the most commonly searched types of Security Architect jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Security Architect jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Security Architect jobs in Virginia? For Security Architect jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Architect jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Security Architect jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Security Architect jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Security Architect job openings:
Infographic showing various Security Architect job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,068 per year, or $71.2 per hour.

$74.75 - $96.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Cybersecurity Architecture

Summary

Zermount Inc. is seeking a Cybersecurity Architect who can create government solutions that will withstand even the most complex of IT and Cyber threats. As a Lead in our project, you will lead the architecture and design of innovative solutions and services to secure federal networks. You will coordinate with a dynamic team of thought leaders and experts to determine the right tools and methods to translate your client's IT needs and future goals into a plan that delivers secure and efficient solutions. We need to find the best solution for you to explore new methods, break free from the outdated model and go where the industry is heading. You will guide the team through a critical approach to network design, suggesting alternatives and tweaking solutions to maintain a balance between security and mission needs. Your technical expertise will be vital as you help clients overcome their toughest challenges with cutting-edge technologies and cybersecurity domains. Join our team as we address cybersecurity challenges and build capabilities to deliver solutions and service offerings using investments and proven capabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Roadmap and Strategy

  • Provide input to the Cybersecurity roadmap and strategy for key organization strategic initiatives for the following and related areas:
    • Security Architecture: Develop and Recommend Security Architecture and Standards including Cloud Security for government approval.
    • Cybersecurity Operations: Improve Cloud monitoring, detection, and response; Improve Security Operations (SOC) operations.
    • Privacy & Continuous Monitoring: Improve Vulnerability Assessment program; Integrate security scanning in Cloud Pipeline; Improve Cloud vulnerability coverage and scanning.
    • Cybersecurity Authorizations and Compliance: Reduce time to ATO through continuous ATO; Improve Cloud Compliance.
    • Executive Order (EO) 14028 "Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity" in terms of: Implementing Zero Trust; Enhancing Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM); Addressing critical software; and Developing secure Cloud adoption.

Security Architecture Reviews

  • Develop, and integrate with other Cybersecurity workflow to include: ATO Intake, assessment, and Vulnerability Scanning process.
  • Integrate with Enterprise Architecture (EA) review process.
  • Perform security reviews based on RMF controls compliance, clients, and security best practices.
  • Develop security architectural patterns to enable faster ATO or assessment process by creating architectural designs that already meet compliance controls.
  • Develop Security Architecture Standards in Cybersecurity SharePoint site and cross-link with Cloud Operations (SSB) and Enterprise Architecture (EA) sites.
  • Provide security input on Cloud Center of Excellence (CCOE) and Cloud Advisory Council (CAC) agenda items by participating in technical working groups, providing security analysis, and providing recommendations.
  • Provide security architecture input for DevSecOps security strategy and roadmap including application and infrastructure vulnerability scanning, automated assessments, and security controls.
  • Research, document, and publish a Cloud Security Codex to include security best practices based on security architecture patterns or Cloud services guidance's such as security configuration or use-cases and design.
  • Recommends security requirements, architectural direction, and assists in pilot testing of key enterprise-wide initiatives to include:
    • Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA),
    • Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) including Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB),
    • Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA),
    • Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
    • Trusted Internet Connection (TIC) 3.0
    • Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) - OKTA
    • Configuration Management Database (CMDB).
  • Evaluate a subset of the agency's High Value Asset (HVA) security posture to determine whether the agency has properly architected its cybersecurity solutions and provides agency leadership the risks inherent in the implemented cybersecurity solution.
  • Performs architecture design reviews including configuration and log reviews and perform network traffic analyses.
  • Produces a SAR Report to include HVAs architecture strengths and findings.

Cloud Security Engineering

  • Drive the pilot and adoption of Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM).
  • Design and deploy native Cloud security services in AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
  • Perform proof of value of Cloud-native, COTS, 3rd party, or opensource security capabilities by hands-on deploying and evaluating against security requirements.
  • Lead the development of scripts or code to perform Cloud Security assessments through Cloud native API or SDK.
  • Lead the development of enterprise cloud security blueprints to include security in Infrastructure as Code (IaC templates).
  • Research new and emerging security practices and capabilities such as AI/ML to address compliance and mitigate security risk.

System Security Engineering (SSE)

  • Collaborate with the CyberOps Branch to improve Cloud Security monitoring to include ingestion of logs such as: API, application/database, and flow logs into SIEM; and improve Cloud SME on Cloud log analysis to analyze, create, and tune Cloud events to increase coverage and alerting in the Cloud.
  • Collaborate with the Privacy and Continuous Monitoring Branch to increase Cloud vulnerability coverage in the areas of Operating System (OS), application code, and Infrastructure level; and develop architecture for integrating findings into a centralized dashboard that allows product owners direct access to team's specific systems or cloud account findings.
  • Collaborate with the Cybersecurity Authorizations and Compliance Branch to provide input on designing compliance systems that perform continuous ATO process to decrease the processing lead times of current ATO process; provide responses on data calls; and participate in working groups in order to collaborate and share technical knowledge.
  • Identify security vulnerabilities and minimizes or contains risks associated with these vulnerabilities spanning the Systems Development Life Cycle.
  • Ensure the team provides system engineering and architectural design support services to include Studies and analysis of proposed operations modifications; End-to-end architecture tradeoff assessment; Development of strategic and tactical plans; Evaluation of new program requirements; and Investigation and development of new technologies for possible operations modifications.

Requirements

  • High level of attention to detail, needs minimal guidance, effective verbal, and written communications.
  • Equally adept at strategic planning and operational/technical level.
  • Able to adapt to new and changing requirements or priorities and manage work and resources accordingly.
  • At least 5 years (preferred 10 years) of network, systems, applications:
    • LAN/WAN, WAF/CDN/DDOS, Network Firewalls, IDS/IPS.
    • Virtualization, hypervisor security, container security.
    • Application development, serverless security, microservices, CICD.
  • At least 5 years of designing and/or implementing security in Cloud (AWS required, Azure or GCP optional):
    • Multi-Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, shared responsibility model.
    • AWS IAM, KMS, S3, RDS, SNS/SQS, Organization, Guard Duty, Security Hub, Detective, Config, CloudTrail, CloudWatch, Lambda.
    • Azure E3/E5, Active Directory, Blob, Azure Security Center, Key Vault, SSE, Monitor, Log Analytics, Policy.
  • Experience with DevSecOps strategy and implementation and designing architecture in accordance to RMF, CSF, FISMA, and Fedramp.
  • Familiarity with: ZTNA and SASE Framework, ICAM (OKTA), CWPP, SOC Operations, Vulnerability Threat Management, and Compliance.
  • At least 2 years working in or managing Agile Devops, Scrum, Kanban.

Education

Candidate must have a Bachelor of Science (or higher) in one of the following:

  • Computer engineering
  • Computer science
  • Information Technology (IT), or
  • Cybersecurity

The resume may reference another major, so long as the resume is clear that the degree addressed at a minimum one of the following: cyber security engineering, systems administration, information systems security, software development security, systems engineering, information systems or IT.

Certifications

The candidate must have a:

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and

At least one of the following, or equivalent:

  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP),
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate,
  • AWS Certified Security Specialist,
  • Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect,
  • Google Professional Cloud Architect.

Clearance

  • Public Trust

LOCATION & Hours

  • Hybrid - primarly Remote, however, there maybe occasional times that the team could be asked to report to the office.locations are as follows:
    • USPTO HQ:

600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

  • Zermount HQ:

2111 Wilson Blvd, Ste 200, Arlington, VA 22201

  • Hours of Operation
    • 8:00 am EDT - 4:30 pm EDT