Application Security Architect (Consultants must be only local to Richmond, VA)

Job Title: Application Security Architect & Engineer

Location: Richmond, VA

Complete Description

ABOUT THE ROLE



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 Virginia Tax

applications, promote secure coding and development practices, and

contribute to ongoing initiatives that reduce risk and strengthen the

agency s overall security posture.





Responsibilities include but not limited to:

- 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 80053, IRS Pub 1075, PCIDSS).

- 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 nontechnical 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.



Have experience and a strong knowledge of the following:

- Splunk, Insigh tVM Rapid7, Tenable, CyberArk, Jenkins, Veracode

- Linux and Windows Operating Systems, Baseline hardening of operating systems

- IIS and Apache, Scripting Languages and SQL, PowerShell, Firewall



At least one of these certs below is REQUIRED:







- CompTIA Security+



- ISC2 CC(Certified in Cybersecurity)



- OffensiveSecurity 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)



- AWSSecurity Specialty



At least one of the any is DESIRED



- CompTIA PenTest+



- CertifiedEthical Hacker (CEH), GIAC Certified

Intrusion Analyst (GCIA

Required/Desired Skills

Skill	Required/Desired	Amount	of Experience
Application Security	Required	5.0	Years
Network or Firewall/AWS security Groups	Required	2.0	Years
Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Advanced proficiency in Terraform for multi-account landing zones and automated provisioning.	Required	2.0	Years
Experience with log collection, vulnerability scans and remediation, or privileged access management	Required	4.0	Years
Proficiency in SIEM, IDS/IPS, EDR, and other relevant security tools.	Required	4.0	Years
Networking & Hybrid Connectivity: Solid understanding of routing, firewalls, AWS Direct Connect, and VPNs in a hybrid cloud environment.	Required	4.0	Years
One REQUIRED: CompTIA Security+, ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), CCSP, or CCLP. UPLOAD COPY!!	Required
CI/CD & DevOps: Experience with GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, or AWS CodePipeline for automated, secure deployments.	Highly desired	5.0	Years
Splunk, InsightVM Rapid7, Tenable, CyberArk, Jenkins, Veracode	Highly desired	2.0	Years
Linux and Windows Operating Systems, Baseline hardening of operating systems	Highly desired	2.0	Years
IIS and Apache, Scripting Languages and SQL, PowerShell, Firewall	Highly desired	2.0	Years
One highly DESIRED (Independently and or with one of the above): AWS Solutions Architect (Associate/Professional) or AWS Security Specialty	Highly desired
One of these is DESIRED: CompTIA PenTest+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)	Highly desired