Cloud Security Architect
$174,200 - $293,702 per year
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Posted 2 days ago
SENIORITY
Lead
SALARY
$174,200 - $293,702 per year
About the role
- Design and implement secure cloud architecture patterns across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments· Define and enforce cloud security standards, reference architectures, and guardrails (landing zones, network segmentation, identity boundaries)· Lead security reviews of new cloud initiatives, providing architecture guidance from design through deployment· Architect and oversee Identity and Access Management (IAM) strategies, including least-privilege access, federation, and role-based access control· Partner with other teams in Cyber like VM to evaluate and implement cloud-native and third-party security tools (CSPM, CWPP, CIEM, SIEM/SOAR integrations)· Partner with DevOps/Platform teams to embed security into CI/CD pipelines (DevSecOps, Infrastructure as Code security scanning)· Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for cloud workloads and services· Ensure compliance with relevant frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST, CIS Benchmarks as applicable)· Develop and maintain documentation, runbooks, and architecture diagrams for cloud security controls· Mentor engineering teams on secure cloud design principles and serve as a security subject-matter expert· Stay current on emerging cloud threats, vulnerabilities, and vendor security capabilities Required Qualifications
- 5 years of experience in cloud security, security architecture, or related infrastructure security roles· Mandatory - Demonstrated hands-on experience securing workloads in AWS, Azure, and/or GCP· Strong understanding of IAM, network security, encryption, and key management in cloud environments· Experience with cloud security tooling (e.g., AWS Security Hub, Azure Defender, Prisma Cloud, Wiz, Orca Security, or similar CSPM/CWPP platforms)· Demonstrable experience with container and Kubernetes security· Working knowledge of compliance frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, CIS Benchmarks)· Experience with Infrastructure as Code and integrating security into CI/CD pipelines· Relevant certifications preferred: CCSP, AWS Certified Security - Specialty, Azure Security Engineer, or Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer Core Competencies ·Technical Depth: Strong hands-on experience with at least one major cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or GCP); working knowledge of multi-cloud concepts is a plus·Security Architecture: Ability to design defense-in-depth architectures balancing security, cost, and performance·Automation Mindset: Comfort with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, ARM/Bicep) and scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell)·Communication: Ability to explain complex security concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders·Collaboration: Track record of working cross-functionally with engineering and IT teams·Analytical Thinking: Strong risk assessment and threat modeling capabilities·Adaptability: Comfortable operating in fast-changing environments with evolving cloud services and threat landscapes· Attack path analysis and exposure validation: Prioritizing risk by analyzing how misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and identity permissions combine into exploitable paths rather than treating each finding in isolation·Leadership: Ability to influence without direct authority and drive security best practices across teams Roadmap for Success First 90 Days - Foundation & Assessment· Complete onboarding and gain access to cloud environments, tooling, and key documentation· Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current cloud security posture (identify gaps, quick wins, and high-risk areas)· Build relationships with key stakeholders: engineering leads, DevOps, and IT· Deliver an initial findings report with prioritized recommendations· Begin remediation of any critical/high-severity findings identified during assessment· Understand existing architecture, IAM structures, and network topology across cloud accounts/subscriptions First 6 Months - Execution & Standardization· Design and publish core cloud security reference architectures and standards (landing zones, network segmentation, IAM baseline)· Optimize security review processes for new cloud projects· Reduce identified critical/high-risk findings from the initial assessment by a target percentage (e.g., 80%)· Partner with DevOps to integrate security checks into CI/CD pipeline· Deliver security architecture training/enablement session(s) to engineering teams· Demonstrate measurable improvement in cloud security posture metrics (e.g., CSPM score, open findings trend) First 12 Months - Maturity & Strategic Impact· Achieve target compliance posture for relevant frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, etc.) as applicable to cloud environments· Optimize a repeatable, scalable cloud security architecture review process adopted across engineering teams· Demonstrate a mature DevSecOps integration with automated security gates in CI/CD· Serve as the recognized go-to expert for cloud security architecture decisions across the organization· Contribute to or lead the organization's cloud security roadmap for the following year· Show quantifiable risk reduction (e.g., reduction in mean time to remediate findings, reduction in exposed critical assets)· Mentor at least one other team member or contribute to building broader security architecture capability within the team
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