Security Operations Architect

If you're seeking a sense of community and the ability for growth, look no further. Since 1982, we have been 100% dedicated to our people. Our approach permits greater ownership for individuals and welcomes input into decisions for a thriving workplace and happy employees. Our people are the core reason for AIS' success. As an employee owned company, we are looking for individuals that are passionate about finding innovative solutions, and excited about emerging technologies and capabilities.

As a Security Operations Architect, you will be responsible for the technical direction and growth of a Security Operations Solutions and Services delivery, focused on highly secure US Government clients. You will develop and maintain enterprise security architectures that integrate security into all aspects of the organization's IT infrastructure. You will design and implement security frameworks, oversee investigations of security incidents, and manage integration projects to ensure secure operations. This client-facing role will require strategic leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to innovate and adapt to emerging threats.

Responsibilities

* Fill the key role of reporting to senior leadership and build positive relationships with our Account Executives, and clients our SOC delivery teams,

* Be the thought leader on our SOC capabilities, offerings, automation and solutioning for new and existing clients.

* Ensure AIS' value is demonstrated through met SLAs, high-quality deliverables and value add recommendations.

Enterprise Security Architecture:

* Develop and maintain enterprise security architectures integrating security into IT infrastructure.

* Evaluate existing and design (as needed) new security solutions adaptable to future needs and emerging threats.

* Ensure the integrity and robustness of security architectures.

Security Frameworks and Standards:

* Develop and implement security frameworks and standards to guide organizational practices.

* Enforce security policies and standards to address all aspects of security needs.

Incident Investigation and Forensics:

* Use advanced forensic techniques to investigate security incidents and identify root causes.

* Recommend and implement solutions to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities.

Integration and Operations:

* Integrate security solutions with existing IT systems for seamless and secure operations.

* Manage complex integration projects to align security solutions with IT infrastructure.

* Continuously optimize security solutions for improved performance and efficiency.

Integration and Operations:

* Integrate security solutions with existing IT systems for seamless and secure operations.

* Manage complex integration projects to align security solutions with IT infrastructure.

* Continuously optimize security solutions for improved performance and efficiency.

Strategic Security Leadership:

* Lead strategic initiatives, such as zero-trust security models and advanced threat detection systems.

* Set strategic direction for security initiatives and collaborate with senior leadership.

* Align security strategies with business goals and objectives.

* Drive innovation and change management initiatives in security.

Team and Collaboration:

* Lead security operations teams, coordinating efforts across multiple projects.

* Build strategic partnerships with security vendors, Microsoft and other AIS teams and departments.

* Establish knowledge management practices to curate and share expertise and encourage innovation.

Business Transformation and Scalability:

* Drive business transformation through innovative security solutions.

* Ensure security scalability to meet future business needs and threats.

* Achieve cost efficiency through strategic security planning and management.

Communication and Reporting:

* Communicate security operations activity and architectural strategies and designs to stakeholders and team members.

* Produce executive-level reports providing insights, highlighting challenges to our security initiatives and outcomes.

* Disseminate knowledge and best practices across the organization.

Required Qualifications

Experience and Skills:

* 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, focusing on security architecture.

* Experience managing Security Operations Center projects, preferably on the Microsoft platform but also competing vendors

* Proficiency in developing and implementing security frameworks and standards by aligning the right technological solution to business problems

* Expertise in:

o Microsoft Cloud (Azure and M365)

* Microsoft Cloud Security native tools (e.g., Azure Sentinel, Microsoft Defenders, Purview, Intune, etc.)

o Security solution integration and operational alignment.

o Incident investigation using advanced forensic techniques.

o Tracking emerging threats and threat intelligence (e.g. feeds)

o Strategic planning and scalability of security systems.

* Strong background in security operations tools, threat hunting and forensic methodologies.

* Familiarity with managing IT security across diverse platforms and systems.

* Working with other IT professionals to resolve fast moving vulnerabilities such as spam, virus, spyware and malware.

Certifications:

* Required

o Security+ Certification (or equivalent).

* Possess or Obtain

o MSFT: SC-200, SC-900, AZ-900, AZ-500

Technical Expertise:

* Advanced knowledge of Azure security tools, frameworks, and methodologies.

* Experience with designing scalable security solutions.

* Involvement in addressing vulnerabilities and optimizing security operations.

* Monitoring security vulnerability information from vendors and third parties.

Soft Skills:

* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

* Experience navigating DOD and Intel organizations

* Effective communication of strategies to stakeholders and team members.

* Collaborative mindset for aligning security practices with organizational goals.

* Ensure smooth onboarding process(es) for new staff and managing relevant backlogs of bench projects and initiatives that add value to existing clients.

Additional Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships and Consulting:

* Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and third parties to improve security.

* Act as an architectural consultant to align security initiatives with business objectives.

* Thoroughly prepare for all client interactions with a focus on service and delivery excellence

* Provide management and guidance to ensure delivery teams meet all contractual obligations (scope, requirements, SLAs) and meet deadlines and budgets

* Maintain situational awareness of day-to-day activities on the ground, serving as the first escalation point for the client and identify opportunities for continuous improvement of delivery services.

* Approve timesheets and expenses, distribute and manage internal communications, deliver performance reviews, provide team mentorship, and help individual team members with career development goals

* Support bid and proposal activity and ensure all contract and performance documentation is current.

Innovation and Scalability:

* Design adaptable and innovative security solutions for future needs.

* Lead initiatives enabling business transformation and operational scalability.

Reporting and Knowledge Management:

* Develop executive-level reports on security initiatives and outcomes.

* Foster knowledge sharing and establish best practices across the organization.

Key Outcomes

* Secure and scalable enterprise architectures integrated with IT infrastructure.

* Effective alignment of security strategies with business goals.

* Enhanced SOC capabilities and streamlined security operations.

* Improved organizational resilience against emerging threats.

Location and Travel Details

This opportunity will require frequent onsite visits in Reston / Springfield / Chantilly /Mclean / Tysons Virginia with some flexibility for remote work.

Security Clearance and Citizenship Requirements

Must have and maintain a Top-Secret Clearance and be able to obtain and maintain a SCI/Poly. Current/Active TS/SCI with Polygraph is highly preferred.

Applied Information Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis covered by law. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business need.