Security Architecture Engineer

As a Security Architecture Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining the security architecture for the organization. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that all systems, applications, and network infrastructures are securely designed, configured, and maintained. This position requires a deep understanding of security frameworks, threat landscapes, and the ability to apply secure engineering principles to new and existing systems.

You will work closely with various teams, including IT, development, and compliance, to ensure that security best practices are incorporated at every stage of the project lifecycle. The role requires both hands-on technical skills and the ability to create comprehensive security architecture documentation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Security Architecture Design & Development

• Develop, maintain, and review secure architecture frameworks and blueprints for on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Design and implement security controls that align with industry standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, CIS) and company policies.
• Ensure the architecture meets regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS).

2. Risk Assessment & Threat Modeling

• Perform threat modeling and risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in new and existing systems.
• Recommend security solutions to mitigate identified risks.
• Collaborate with development and operations teams to integrate security into DevOps pipelines (DevSecOps).

3. Security Tools & Technologies

• Evaluate and recommend security tools and technologies such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, DLP, endpoint security, and identity management solutions.
• Oversee the integration of security technologies into the existing IT infrastructure.
• Manage and optimize security configurations for various platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP, and traditional datacenter environments).

4. Collaboration & Teamwork

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, networking, software engineering, and cloud operations, to incorporate security into system designs and workflows.
• Work closely with compliance teams to ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and industry standards.

5. Security Documentation & Reporting

• Develop detailed technical documentation, including system architecture diagrams, security architecture blueprints, and best practice guidelines.
• Prepare reports and communicate complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders, including executive leadership.

6. Incident Response & Security Audits

• This role may be requested to provide security expertise during incident response and forensic investigations.
• Participate in internal and external audits by preparing necessary documentation and implementing required improvements.

7. Continuous Improvement & Research

• Stay up to date with the latest trends in cybersecurity, new threat vectors, and the evolving security landscape.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing activities such as team training, mentoring junior engineers, and conducting security workshops.

Technical Requirements

1. Hands-On Experience with Security Technologies

• Network Security: Deep knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPNs, and advanced network segmentation.
• Identity & Access Management (IAM): Experience with IAM solutions such as Okta, Azure AD, Sailpoint, and LDAP.
• Cloud Security: Strong experience securing cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Endpoint & Data Security: Familiarity with DLP, endpoint security solutions (e.g., SentinelOne, Tanium), and encryption standards.
• SIEM/Log Management: Hands-on experience with SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk) for security monitoring, log correlation, and threat detection.
• Vulnerability Management: Experience with tools like Tenable.io, Nessus, or Qualys for continuous vulnerability assessments.

2. Knowledge of Security Frameworks

• Proficiency in implementing and adhering to security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, CIS, TOGAF, and SABSA.
• Experience in aligning security architecture with regulatory compliance standards (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOX).

3. Security Certifications (Preferred)

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

4. Programming & Automation

• Proficiency in one or more programming/scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, Bash) for automating security tasks.
• Experience with DevSecOps practices and tools such as Terraform, Chef, and code vulnerability scanners for SasT, DasT, IasT, and SCA for integrating security into development pipelines.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Security, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 5+ years of experience in a security architecture or engineering role.
• Expertise in network security, cloud security, IAM, and SIEM platforms.
• Strong understanding of the OWASP Top Ten, SANS Top 25, and other common attack vectors.
• Experience in security risk management, including conducting risk assessments and implementing mitigations.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.

Teamwork & Collaboration Expectations

• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (IT, software development, DevOps, compliance) to ensure security best practices are embedded in daily operations.
• Provide technical leadership on security architecture-related projects and participate in security design reviews.
• Mentor and guide junior security engineers, encouraging knowledge sharing and growth across the team.
• Maintain a positive, solution-oriented attitude while working with other teams to balance security needs with business objectives.

Ability to Work Independently

• The Security Architecture Engineer must demonstrate the ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision, managing their time effectively across multiple projects.
• Expected to identify security gaps in systems or processes proactively and take initiative in proposing and implementing solutions.
• Capable of making sound decisions when under pressure, especially in the context of security incidents or time-sensitive projects.

Training & Development

Ongoing Training:

• Stay current on emerging threats, security technologies, and best practices through self-paced learning and professional development.
• Engage in regular technical training and certification courses to maintain knowledge in rapidly evolving areas such as cloud security, machine learning in security, and zero-trust architecture.
• Attend cybersecurity conferences, webinars, and training events to stay informed on the latest security trends.

Internal Training:

• Participate in internal security awareness and skills training programs.
• Provide training to other technical teams, promoting secure development practices and operational security.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Success in security projects (implementation of new architecture frameworks, deployment of security tools).
• Effectiveness in threat identification and mitigation efforts.
• Compliance with security frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Positive feedback from team collaboration and cross-departmental partnerships.
• Continuous improvement and contribution to company-wide security posture.