1

Security Architect Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cloud Security Architect (Secret Clearance) Who We Are: ThinkTek LLC is a fast-growing Certified SBA 8(a) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) company. We specialize in ...

Cloud Security Architect

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$75 - $83/hr

Cloud Security Architect-W2 Location: Sterling, VA/Silver Spring, MD/Atlanta, GA (Only Locals) Only USC/GC with 15+years with Media or Entertainment Domain Job Responsibilities / Typical Day in the ...

Cloud Security Architect

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

Cloud Security Architect The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to leverage your Cloud Security expertise in a high-impact role? Booz Allen has an opportunity for you to showcase your ...

Cloud Security Architect

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

Cloud Security Architect The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to leverage your Cloud Security expertise in a high-impact role? Booz Allen has an opportunity for you to showcase your ...

Cloud Security Architect

Fort Belvoir, VA ยท On-site

$74 - $98.50/hr

ETalentNetwork is a company focused on providing recruitment solutions, and they are seeking a Cloud Security Architect to guide the design and implementation of secure cloud solutions. The role ...

Showing results 41-60

Security Architect information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$71

$102

How much do security architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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.

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 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.

How much do security architects get paid?

Security architects typically earn a median annual salary between $100,000 and $150,000, 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 annually.

Is it hard to become a security architect?

Becoming a security architect typically requires extensive experience in cybersecurity, knowledge of network and system security, and relevant certifications such as CISSP or CISA. The role often demands strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of security frameworks, making it a challenging but attainable career path for experienced IT professionals.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,068 per year, or $71.2 per hour.

Senior Cloud Security Architect

Thinktekllc

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$150 - $185/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior Cloud Security Architect (Secret Clearance) Who We Are:

ThinkTek LLC is a fast-growing Certified SBA 8(a) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) company. We specialize in providing management and technology consulting services to support the business and technology modernization efforts of the Federal Government. ThinkTek was formed with the specific purpose of providing its clients a tailored solution around Program & Project Management, Strategic Planning, and IT Operations.

Position Overview

The Senior Cloud Security Architect will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for designing, engineering, and implementing secure cloud and enterprise security solutions within complex federal environments. This role combines systems engineering, cybersecurity, cloud architecture, and security automation expertise to translate regulatory and security requirements into practical, automated, and operational solutions.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience architecting and implementing security solutions across enterprise and cloud environments, with a strong understanding of federal cybersecurity frameworks and the ability to turn complex security requirements into functional code and automated capabilities.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as a lead technical authority for enterprise-level cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and security architecture initiatives.
  • Design, architect, and implement secure cloud and enterprise infrastructure solutions supporting mission-critical federal environments.
  • Develop and implement security solutions rather than solely assessing or documenting existing environments.
  • Lead security automation initiatives across cloud and enterprise systems to improve security, compliance, monitoring, and operational efficiency.
  • Translate regulatory and security requirements into functional, automated, and operational solutions.
  • Interpret and apply Risk Management Framework (RMF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), and Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) requirements.
  • Translate complex regulatory requirements and architectural diagrams into executable technical solutions and automated code.
  • Develop, integrate, and maintain security automation capabilities across cloud and enterprise environments.
  • Provide technical leadership for cloud security engineering, architecture, and infrastructure modernization efforts.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers, developers, cybersecurity professionals, cloud architects, and government stakeholders to design secure and scalable solutions.
  • Evaluate existing architectures and identify opportunities to improve security, automation, resiliency, and operational effectiveness.
  • Ensure cloud and enterprise solutions align with federal security requirements, architecture standards, and organizational objectives.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering and cybersecurity personnel.
  • Support technical documentation, architecture development, design reviews, and implementation activities as required.
Required Qualifications
  • Active SECRET clearance
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 12 years of demonstrated experience in systems engineering and cybersecurity, with at least 7 years focused on security automation, cloud engineering, and architecture.
  • 5 years of demonstrated experience serving as a lead technical authority on enterprise-level projects, responsible for designing and implementing security solutions.
  • 5 years of demonstrated experience translating complex regulatory requirements and architectural diagrams into functional automated and operational code.
  • Experience with federal cybersecurity and security compliance requirements, including:
    • Risk Management Framework (RMF)
    • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
    • Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
    • Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)
Required Certifications

Candidates shall possess the applicable certifications required for the role, including:

  • AWS Certified DevOps Engineer โ€“ Professional or AWS Certified Solutions Architect โ€“ Professional
  • AWS Certified Security โ€“ Specialty
  • ISC2 CISSP, preferably with an engineering or architecture concentration; ISSEP or ISSAP preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing and implementing security architectures within large-scale federal or DoD environments.
  • Strong experience with cloud security automation and infrastructure-as-code.
  • Experience converting security controls, compliance requirements, and architectural designs into automated technical implementations.
  • Experience with secure cloud architecture, DevSecOps, and continuous security automation.
  • Strong understanding of enterprise security architecture principles and federal cybersecurity frameworks.
  • Experience working with highly regulated environments requiring rigorous security compliance and continuous authorization processes.
Security Clearance

Active SECRET clearance required.

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Pay Range

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $150,030 โ€“ $185,020. This range is a good-faith estimate and not a guarantee of compensation. Final compensation will be based on factors including experience, education, skills, geographic location, internal equity, market data, and applicable contract requirements, and may fall outside the posted range.

**THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD**

ThinkTek LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. ThinkTek offers medical, dental, and vision insurance to all full-time employees; PTO and a variety of other paid leave options are also available. You can read more about ThinkTek benefits at https://www.thinktekllc.com/careers/.

#J-18808-Ljbffr