Security Architect

Location: US - VA - Remote

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Job Description

The Security Architect leads secure design efforts for enterprise initiatives through a structured Security Architecture-as-a-Service (SAaaS) model. This role provides architecture support during project intake—guiding secure implementations across applications, cloud, infrastructure, identity, and emerging technologies like AI.

The architect collaborates with cross-functional business units—including Engineering, DevOps, Legal, Product, HR, and Data teams—to ensure security is embedded from the start and aligned with enterprise standards, Zero Trust principles, and compliance requirements.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Act as the security lead for incoming projects, delivering design reviews, risk assessments, and secure architecture guidance.
• Develop and maintain reference architectures and reusable patterns for cloud, application, identity, and data security.
• Provide strategic and hands-on guidance on:
    - Cloud-native security (AWS, Azure)
    - Application and API security
    - IAM/PAM and Zero Trust
    - Infrastructure-as-code and DevSecOps
    - Secure AI/ML architecture, including model governance, data protection, and compliance with AI regulations (e.g., Colorado AI Act).
• Support AI-related initiatives, ensuring secure model integration, use of third-party AI tools, and controls to prevent data leakage, bias, and unauthorized access.
• Work with business units to align security with operational and compliance goals.
• Document risks and recommendations in intake platforms (e.g., Jira, ServiceNow).
• Contribute to governance processes (e.g., ARB) and help evolve security policies and standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Eight (8)years in cybersecurity with 3+ years in architecture or consulting roles.
• Ability to clear required background check

OTHER REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong experience in cloud security, secure SDLC, data protection, and identity architecture.
• Understanding of AI/ML systems and associated risks (e.g., model manipulation, data poisoning, hallucination, algorithmic bias).
• Familiarity with NIST CSF, CIS Controls, Zero Trust, and compliance standards (SOX, HIPAA, FERPA, CCPA).
• Proven experience working with diverse business units and delivering security guidance at scale.

Certificates and Licenses: CISSP, CCSP, AWS Security, Azure Security, TOGAF, or relevant AI Governance certifications preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is virtual and open to residents of the 50 states, D.C.

Compensation & Benefits: Stride, Inc. considers a person’s education, experience, and qualifications, as well as the position’s work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value when determining a new employee’s salary level.  Salaries will differ based on these factors, the position’s level and expected contribution, and the employee’s benefits elections.  Offers will typically be in the bottom half of the range.

• We anticipate the salary range to be $81,045.75- $160,000.00. The upper end of this range is not likely to be offered, as an individual’s compensation can vary based on several factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, geographic location, experience, training, education, and local market conditions. Eligible employees may receive a bonus. Stride offers a robust benefits package for eligible employees that can include health benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off.

The above job is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.  All employment is “at-will” as governed by the law of the state where the employee works.  It is further understood that the “at-will” nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot be changed except in writing and signed by an authorized officer. 

Job Type

Regular

The above job is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. All employment is “at-will” as governed by the law of the state where the employee works.  It is further understood that the “at-will” nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot be changed except in writing and signed by an authorized officer.

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you can request the appropriate accommodation by contacting [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Stride, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants receive consideration for employment based on merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Stride, Inc. complies with all legally required affirmative action obligations. Applicants will not be discriminated against because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.