Application Security Architect & Engineer

Client is seeking an Application Security Engineer (ASE) with 5 years of experience to join the Office of Technology under Joint Security Operations. In this role, the ASE serves as a dedicated security partner to application teams, providing guidance on secure design, vulnerability management, and secure development practices. The ASE works collaboratively across the SDLC to ensure security is embedded into application design, development, testing, and deployment. This includes supporting compliance requirements, delivering training and education, and assisting teams with vulnerability remediation efforts.

• The successful candidate will identify and recommend improvements to improve the security of all Client applications, promote secure coding and development practices, and contribute to ongoing initiatives that reduce risk and strengthen the agency’s overall security posture.

Employment Terms

6 mo Contract-to-Hire. No sponsorship available.

Responsibilities

• Provide security guidance, training, and best practices for development and operations teams.
• Support secure software development by applying knowledge of SDLC, Agile, and Scrum methodologies.
• Evaluate software architecture and design for security risks and alignment with DevSecOps principles.
• Promote and enforce secure coding standards and guidelines.
• Review source code to identify vulnerabilities and recommend remediation strategies.
• Assess security risks across multiple programming languages (e.g., JavaScript, C#, Java, Ruby, SQL).
• Analyze and secure modern web application architectures, including cloud, APIs, microservices, and client–server models.
• Identify and address common vulnerabilities, including those outlined in the OWASP Top 10.
• Support vulnerability remediation, patch management, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Utilize application security testing tools such as SAST, DAST, IAST, and platforms like Accunetix, Veracode, Jenkins, Splunk, Rapid7, and Tenable.
• Interpret and act on findings from SIEM systems, including Splunk.
• Apply knowledge of common security controls and frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant security regulations and standards (e.g., NIST 800‐53, IRS Pub 1075, PCI‐DSS).
• Implement and evaluate AWS cloud security controls and best practices.
• Create, maintain, and review System Security Plans (SSPs).
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical and security-related issues.
• Stay current with evolving threats, technologies, and industry trends.
• Develop detailed plans and communicate risks, impacts, and recommendations effectively.
• Collaborate with application teams, QA engineers, and operations teams to integrate security into workflows.
• Provide constructive, actionable feedback to application teams.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‐technical audiences.
• Work closely with other security analysts and technology teams to support agency and enterprise security initiatives.
• Manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Apply critical thinking to evaluate and mitigate security risks and vulnerabilities.

Required Skills/Experience

• Five or more years’ experience in application security.
• Two or more years’ network or firewall/AWS Security Groups.
• Experience with log collection, vulnerability scans and remediation, or privileged access management.
• Strong understanding of security concepts, network protocols, and threat vectors.
• Proficiency in SIEM, IDS/IPS, EDR, and other relevant security tools.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills

• Splunk, InsightVM Rapid7, Tenable, CyberArk, Jenkins, Veracode
• Linux and Windows Operating Systems, Baseline hardening of operating systems
• IIS and Apache, Scripting Languages and SQL, PowerShell, Firewall

Certifications

• At least one of these certs below is REQUIRED:
  • CompTIA Security
  • ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity)
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)
  • CSSLP (Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional)
• At least one of these certs below is highly DESIRED (Independently and or with one of the above):
  • AWS Solutions Architect (Associate/Professional)
  • AWS Security Specialty
• At least one of these is DESIRED:
  • CompTIA PenTest
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)

Global Candidate Requirements

• Commonwealth of Virginia security policies prohibit the use of offshore IT contractors. Do you attest to the fact that your candidate will physically reside within the US for the duration of the assignment?
• Please list candidate''s email address.
• In what city and state does your candidate permanently reside? Local Richmond candidates preferred because of on-site requirements. If your candidate is local to Richmond, have you (vendor) taken the necessary steps to verify this residency?
• This role requires occasional onsite presence (*parking is not provided for contractors). If selected, does your candidate agree to this arrangement?
• This role is intended to be a 6-month Contract to Hire role. Sponsorship is not available. For this reason, the candidate must be interested and eligible for FTE hire after 6 months.
• At least one of these certs is REQUIRED: CompTIA Security, ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) or CSSLP (Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional). To be considered, you must upload a copy of their cert under the reference tab. We will not consider your candidate without this!
• At least one of these certs below is highly DESIRED (Independently and or with one of the above): AWS Solutions Architect (Associate/Professional) or AWS Security Specialty. If they have one of these certs please upload under the reference tab in Vector if you want us to consider it. If they do not have these, simply put N/A in the skills matrix.
• At least one of these is DESIRED: CompTIA PenTest, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA). If they have one of these certs, please upload under the reference tab in Vector if you want us to consider it. If they do not have these, simply put N/A in the skills matrix.

Agency Interview Type

Web Cam Interview Only

Work Arrangement

Hybrid