# Senior Cybersecurity Architect

**Company:** [LiquidKinetics](null/companies/wDkxVDiRJBnthtH7mZRcSx.md)
**Location:** Reston, United States
**Workplace:** on site
**Employment type:** Full-time

[Apply for this job](null/view/540a6eca-af27-48cf-9385-562f413e751b)

## Description

LiquidKinetics is seeking a Senior Cybersecurity Architect to lead the design, development, and implementation of resilient security solutions across mission-critical federal networks. In this role, you will apply the Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC) to translate strategic cyber goals into actionable engineering outcomes. You will act as a primary technical authority—baking security directly into system architectures, hardening attack surfaces, and implementing Zero Trust frameworks. Working autonomously, you will mentor technical staff, guide product selection, and partner directly with C-suite executives (CISO, CIO, CTO) to mature defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

-   Lead architectural design for enterprise cyber solutions across federal networks, integrating Cloud Security, Automation & Orchestration (A&O), IAM, and AI/ML technology.
-   Apply advanced consulting and systems engineering expertise to balance strict security controls with client mission requirements.
-   Drive vendor evaluation and tool selection for perimeter defense, DevSecOps, Network Access Control (NAC), and analytics platforms.
-   Collaborate with proposal and execution teams to author implementation roadmaps, technical whitepapers, and operational documentation.

## Requirements

**Basic Qualifications**

-   Experience: 8+ years in cybersecurity, including 5+ years leading technical project delivery for complex environments and 5+ years in network architecture and design.
-   Zero Trust Standards: Direct experience designing Zero Trust capabilities aligned with NIST 800-207 and the DoD Zero Trust Reference Architecture.
-   Leadership: Proven ability to consult with C-level executives to ideate and execute long-term cybersecurity roadmaps.
-   Education & Experience Tiers:

-   Master’s degree + 6 years of IT experience
-   Bachelor’s degree + 8 years of IT experience
-   Associate’s degree + 10 years of IT experience
-   High School Diploma / GED + 12 years of IT experience

-   Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance; polygraph required.

**Preferred Qualifications**

-   Experience architecting native security controls in AWS, Azure, or GCP.
-   Previous leadership roles in cybersecurity operations, compliance, or engineering.
-   Hands-on experience with Next-Gen Firewalls (NGFW), Big Data threat analytics, and AI-driven orchestration.
-   Excellent written communication skills with a track record of authoring whitepapers and industry thought leadership.

## Benefits

-   Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
-   Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
-   Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
-   Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
-   Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
-   Short Term & Long Term Disability
-   Training & Development