Zero Trust Architect

Zero Trust Junior Architect

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid: Needs to be on-site in DC a few times a month)

Clearance Requirements: Clearable U.S. Citizen; Ability to Obtain Public Trust

Position Status: Contract to Hire

Pay Rate: $150K - $180K

We are seeking a talented Zero Trust Junior Architect to support enterprise-level cybersecurity modernization efforts for federal government clients. In this role, you will design, assess, and implement Zero Trust strategies across all security pillars—identity, devices, networks, applications, workloads, and data. This position is ideal for a technically strong, forward‑thinking security professional who enjoys solving complex challenges, collaborating across engineering and security teams, and driving impactful transformation initiatives. You will work on large‑scale architecture efforts, leverage leading Zero Trust platforms, and help organizations mature against federal frameworks such as the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model and DoD Zero Trust Strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Zero Trust Architecture & Strategy

• Design and document enterprise Zero Trust architectures across identity, device, network, application/workload, and data domains.
• Develop roadmaps, reference architectures, and maturity models aligned with mission and modernization goals.
• Lead Zero Trust assessments using CISA maturity models, delivering gap analyses and prioritized remediation plans.
• Integrate Zero Trust principles into cloud transformations, cybersecurity programs, and IT modernization initiatives.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, cloud, DevSecOps, and network engineering teams to drive cohesive implementation.

Technology Implementation & Engineering

• Evaluate and architect solutions using leading Zero Trust platforms, including CrowdStrike, Zscaler, and Okta.
• Automate Zero Trust workflows to enhance scalability, resilience, and compliance.
• Support solution design, configuration guidance, integrations, and proof‑of‑concept deployments across hybrid and multi‑cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Contribute to security policies, segmentation strategies, and identity‑centric security models.

Research, Advisory & Thought Leadership

• Stay current on emerging threats, Zero Trust technologies, frameworks, and best practices.
• Provide strategic guidance to leadership teams on Zero Trust advancements and secure‑by‑design recommendations.
• Create documentation, whitepapers, and briefings for executive and technical stakeholders.

Required Skills & Education

• 8+ years of IT experience, including managing large‑scale deployments or technical teams.
• 5+ years of experience supporting U.S. Federal Government programs.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• U.S. Citizenship required; must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust. (Active Public Trust or Suitability preferred.)
• Proven experience with Zero Trust architecture across all pillars.
• Hands‑on experience with CrowdStrike Falcon, Zscaler, and Okta.
• Experience automating security workflows and integrating Zero Trust technologies.
• Strong understanding of identity‑centric security, segmentation, continuous monitoring, and least privilege.
• Experience with secure cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
• Ability to lead enterprise architecture discussions and communicate effectively with technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance.
• Professional certifications such as: CISSP, CCSP, CISM, PMP, CSM, ISC2 Zero Trust Certificate, Okta Certified Professional, Zscaler ZCCA‑IA/ZCCP‑IA, CrowdStrike certifications, or similar.
• Knowledge of NIST 800‑53, NIST 800‑207, RMF, FedRAMP, and related frameworks.
• Experience with SIEM, SOAR, SASE, identity threat detection, and other modern security technologies.
• Experience applying the CISA or DoD Zero Trust Maturity Models in federal environments.

About Seneca Resources

At Seneca Resources, we are more than just a staffing and consulting firm—we are a trusted career partner. With offices across the U.S. and clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government organizations, we connect talented professionals with meaningful opportunities that drive impact and career growth. When you work with Seneca, you’re choosing a team that invests in your success. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k) plans, and dedicated support throughout every stage of your engagement. We take the time to understand your goals and align you with roles that match your expertise and aspirations.

Seneca Resources is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.