Cloud Security Architect - IL4 / Workday (U.S. Space Force)Job Level: Senior
Employment Type: Full-Time
Clearance: U.S. citizenship required
Salary Range: $150,000-$200,000 annually
Location: Primary site is Washington, DC metropolitan area. Candidates may also be based near Buckley, Los Angeles, Patrick, Peterson, Schriever, or Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, occasional onsite at a government or MPX site may be required
Contract Status: SBIR Phase II effort with a planned pathway to a production program of record; current period of performance through contract award.
The OpportunityWe are seeking a
Cloud Security Architect to design, secure, and support the cloud architecture behind U.S. Space Force human capital management (HCM) modernization, the system that manages several factors such as personal, promotion, and assignment for USSF Guardians. The position initially supports a Workday-based Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II effort and is expected to contribute to the transition toward a production program of record, subject to program award and customer requirements. Reporting to the Program Manager, you will work with a team across cloud engineering, cybersecurity, identity management, enterprise integration, and Risk Management Framework (RMF) to deliver a secure, scalable architecture capable of supporting Department of War Impact Level 4 (IL4) requirements and successful authorization.
Primary Responsibilities- Design and document secure cloud architectures for IL4 hosting in AWS GovCloud, covering identity and access management, encryption, network security, boundary protection, and monitoring.
- Develop secure integration patterns between Workday and third-party SaaS, including identity federation with CAC/PKI and DoD ICAM, APIs, data exchange, and zero trust controls.
- Design IL4 network connectivity through the required Cloud Access Point (CAP) and align monitoring and incident response with the program's Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP).
- Partner with the RMF lead to implement and document NIST SP 800-53 controls in eMASS, apply applicable STIGs and SRGs, prepare authorization evidence, support assessors, and remediate technical findings.
- Evaluate the SBIR architecture against production requirements and develop scalable, supportable designs for the anticipated HCM program of record.
- Collaborate with the architects, platform engineers, cybersecurity specialists, subcontractors, and government technical authorities.
- Apply approved AI and automation tools to improve architecture analysis, configuration validation, security documentation, and engineering efficiency, while keeping CUI and other sensitive data within approved boundaries and validating all technical outputs.
RequirementsRequired Qualifications- 7+ years of cloud architecture, cybersecurity architecture, or secure enterprise systems engineering experience.
- Direct experience designing or securing Department of War (DoW) IL4/IL5 or FedRAMP High environments.
- Hands-on experience with RMF and Authority to Operate (ATO) processes, including control implementation, documentation in eMASS, and assessor support.
- Hands-on experience with identity federation (including CAC/PKI or PIV-based authentication), zero trust architecture, encryption, network security, and SaaS integrations.
- Experience designing secure APIs, enterprise integrations, and data exchange architectures.
- Ability to document technical decisions, communicate architecture risks, and collaborate across engineering and security teams.
- U.S. citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience integrating Workday or another enterprise human capital management platform.
- Experience supporting U.S. Space Force or Department of the Air Force modernization programs.
- Familiarity with the DoW Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (CC SRG), NIST SP 800-53, and applicable DISA STIGs and SRGs.
- Cloud architecture or security certifications (e.g., AWS or Azure architect or security credentials), or equivalent demonstrated expertise.
- Experience transitioning SBIR, prototype, or pilot capabilities into production government environments.
- Experience with AWS GovCloud or Azure Government, Cloud Access Point (CAP) connectivity, and CSSP onboarding.
- DoD 8140 qualification at the required level (e.g., CISSP or CCSP), or the ability to obtain it within 6 months of hire.
BenefitsBenefitsAnnual Base Salary: $150,000-$200,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and assigned responsibilities.
Full-time employees are eligible for:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Company-provided disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Paid federal holidays.
- Paid time off (PTO).
Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and company policies.
Our Client's CultureOur client is an AI-first mission technology company and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) focused on delivering operationally ready technologies for the Department of War, Intelligence Community, and broader U.S. Government.
Through a collaborative Team of Teams approach, the organization brings together mission experts, technology partners, subcontractors, and government stakeholders to generate decision advantage for missions of consequence.
Its culture emphasizes:
- Mission-First Execution: Delivering measurable outcomes that support critical government missions.
- Integrity & Ownership: Demonstrating accountability, professionalism, and disciplined execution.
- Collaboration & Communication: Promoting candid communication and effective teamwork.
- Technical Excellence: Maintaining high standards through continuous improvement and innovation.
- Responsible AI: Advancing mission capabilities through secure and responsible technology adoption.
Equal Employment OpportunityOur client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
This position requires U.S. citizenship, an active Top Secret clearance, and eligibility for SCI access in accordance with applicable contract and customer requirements.
