Principal Cyber Architect (Top Secret)

Zachary Piper Solutions

  • San Diego, CA
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 day ago
Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Principal Cyber Architect to support a library modernization program for Geospatial Intelligence in Rancho Bernardo, CA. The team is seeking a skilled engineer to lead security teams with the specification, development, and application of computer systems for a rapidly developing environment.Clearance: Active Top Secret, TS/SCI highly preferredLocation: Rancho Bernardo, CA (100% on-site)This job opens for applications on 9/2/2025. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting dateResponsibilities of the Principal Cyber Architect:
  • Lead multidisciplinary systems engineering teams to deliver secure and resilient solutions across complex environments.
  • Oversee Assessment and Authorization (A&A) processes for DoD systems in alignment with the Risk Management Framework (RMF), ensuring compliance and operational readiness.
  • Support full-spectrum systems engineering activities, including concept of operations (CONOPS), requirements definition and allocation, cybersecurity architecture and implementation, verification and validation, and continuous monitoring throughout deployment and sustainment phases.
  • Contribute to the design and evaluation of offensive cybersecurity architectures, focusing on defense-in-depth strategies and threat mitigation.
  • Integrate Development Security Operations (DevSecOps) practices into system lifecycles, enabling secure CI/CD pipelines and containerized deployments.
  • Develop and assess comprehensive system security documentation, including security CONOPS, risk matrices, control traceability, test procedures, and POA&Ms.
  • Perform vulnerability assessments to validate system compliance with RMF controls and DISA STIGs, identifying and mitigating security gaps.
  • Analyze static and dynamic code scans to ensure application security and adherence to development-related STIG requirements.
  • Support customer engagements through travel, including technical meetings, product demonstrations, integration activities, and system testing.
Qualifications of the Principal Cyber Architect:
  • Active Top Secret clearance, TS/SCI highly preferred
  • 6-8+ years of related information security and network engineering experience
  • Certifications: IAT III/ISC2 CISSP (CISM, CASP+, GCIH, GSLC, CEH)
  • Experience with A&A tools: ACAS, Nessus, SCAP Scanner, STIG viewer, Tenable
  • Demonstrated experience in national cybersecurity policies; DoD A&A processes and procedures and industry best practices on complex systems
  • Expertise with offensive architecting, threat modeling and attack vector analysis
  • Experience leading and coordinating security test events to achieve accreditation milestones
  • Understanding of offensive security tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
  • Working knowledge of Earned Value Management System (EVMS) systems and Project management tools such as Cost Performance Index (CPI) and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)
  • Experience with Open Container Initiative (OCI) including Platform One, Iron Bank and Repo One
  • Experience with Cyber Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
Compensation of the Principal Cyber Architect:
  • Total compensation based on experience level - $160,000-$205,000+ **based on experience level**
  • Full Benefits: PTO, 11 Paid Holidays, Sick leave as required by state law, Cigna Medical, Dental, and Vision, 401k with ADP
  • Certification reimbursement
  • Long-term program (4+ years) supporting NERVE - National Geospatial Agency
  • Contract mobility and job stability through Zachary Piper Solutions
Keywords: systems engineering, secure solutions, resilient architecture, complex environments, Assessment and Authorization, A&A, Risk Management Framework, RMF, compliance, operational readiness, CONOPS, requirements allocation, architect, cyber, RMF, STIGs, iron bank, open container initiative, CISSP, top secret, ts/sci, geospatial, DoD, cybersecurity architecture, cyber implementation, verification and validation, continuous monitoring, deployment, sustainment, offensive cybersecurity, defense-in-depth, threat mitigation, DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, containerization, system security documentation, risk matrix, control traceability, POA&M, vulnerability assessments, DISA STIGs, static code analysis, dynamic code analysis, application security, technical meetings, product demonstrations, system integration, system testing, Top Secret clearance, TS/SCI, information security, network engineering, IAT III, CISSP, CISM, CASP+, GCIH, GSLC, CEH, ACAS, Nessus, SCAP Scanner, STIG viewer, Tenable, DoD cybersecurity policy, threat modeling, attack vector analysis, security test events, offensive security TTPs, EVMS, CPI, IMS, Open Container Initiative, Platform One, Iron Bank, Repo One, Cyber FMECA, attack surface, resilience, survivability.

Zachary Piper Solutions