Cloud Security Engineer/Architect (Remote)

Overview Tier One Technologies has an immediate need for a Cloud Security Engineer/Architect for our US Government client. This remote contract-to-hire position can be originated in Falls Church, VA, Morrisville, NC or Eagan, MN. SELECTED CANDIDATES WITHOUT REQUIRED CLEARANCE WILL BE SUBJECT TO A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION TO RECEIVE IT. Responsibilities Security Architecture Vision: Lead the design of a global Zero Trust architecture, ensuring robust identity governance (IAM), network micro-segmentation, and data encryption across AWS, Azure, or GCP. AI-Native Security Strategy: Architect specialized security frameworks for AI/ML pipelines, focusing on data privacy for training sets, model integrity, and securing LLM-integrated applications against emerging attack vectors. Automated Guardrails (Policy as Code): Develop and enforce enterprise-wide security policies using Terraform, etc., ensuring that non-compliant infrastructure is automatically remediated or blocked from deployment. Cloud Posture Management: Design and oversee the integration of CNAPP and CSPM tools to provide real-time visibility into misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and excessive permissions. Threat Modeling & Resilience: Conduct deep-dive threat modeling for complex cloud-native systems, simulating advanced persistent threats (APTs) and "blast radius" scenarios to strengthen system resilience. Security Consultancy: Act as the lead security advisor for the Cloud Architecture team, bridging the gap between DevOps agility and rigorous regulatory compliance (SOC2). Zero Standing Privilege: Help Transition the organization to a "Zero Standing Privilege" model for all production environments. Automated Compliance: Help Achieve automated auditing for core compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, CIS Benchmarks). Mean Time to Detect (MTTD): Utilize AI-driven monitoring to reduce the detection time of anomalous cloud activity to minimum Qualifications Advanced degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related engineering field preferred. BS degree from an accredited College/University in the applicable field of services is required, or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a college degree. 12+ years of experience in Cybersecurity. 6+ years of experience focused on architecting secure cloud environments at scale. Mastery of cloud-native security suites (e.g., AWS Security Hub, Azure Defender, GCP Security Command Center). Expert knowledge of Identity-First Security, including CIEM, Just-In-Time (JIT) access, and complex OIDC/SAML flows. Proficiency in Python, Go, or Bash to build custom security automations and integrate with SOAR platforms. Deep expertise embedding automated security testing (SAST/DAST/SCA) directly into CI/CD pipelines. Advanced understanding of secure connectivity, including SD-WAN, Cloud WAF, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). Strong ability to bridge the gap between "Speed of DevOps" and "Rigors of Security" while communicating clearly with executive leadership. Proven ability to influence technical roadmaps and present security risks clearly to C-suite stakeholders. Must be a US Citizen or Permanent US Resident (Green Card Holder). Must be able to obtain Public Trust Clearance. Be able to pass a drug screening, criminal history, and credit checks. Must have lived in the United States for the past 5 years. Cannot have more than 6 months travel outside the United States within the last five years. Military Service excluded. (Exception does not include military family members.)