Senior Zero Trust Cloud Security Architect; TS​/SCI Security Clearance

Position: Senior Zero Trust Cloud Security Architect (TS/SCI Required) with Security Clearance
Akima Data Management is seeking a mission-driven Senior Zero Trust Cloud Security Architect to lead the design, implementation, and maturation of Zero Trust and cloud-security architectures across Department of War (DOW) classified cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments. This senior technical leader ensures that enterprise systems uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and availability while advancing DOW's modernization, cybersecurity, and mission support objectives.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Zero Trust, cloud security engineering, and enterprise architecture prepared with strong analytical thinking, architectural discipline, and the ability to guide complex, multi-domain technical initiatives. This role drives secure cloud adoption, leads Zero Trust transformation efforts, and ensures alignment between mission needs, cybersecurity requirements, and enterprise strategy. Responsibilities
* Develop and maintain Zero Trust and cloud security reference architectures, patterns, and implementation roadmaps across AWS, Azure, hybrid, and on-premise environments.

* Lead the integration of identity-centric security, micro-segmentation, continuous authentication, and least-privilege access controls.

* Define secure interfaces, APIs, and cross-domain data flows supporting mission-critical applications and services.

* Establish and enforce enterprise security standards for identity, access, encryption, logging, monitoring, and configuration baselines.

* Conduct architectural assessments to identify security gaps, modernization opportunities, and resilience improvements.

* Continuously refine cloud and Zero Trust architectures to support scalability, automation, and evolving mission demands.

* Architect secure cloud solutions, custom and COTS across classified systems.

* Define cloud service layering, component dependencies, and cross-domain data flows aligned with enterprise architecture models.

* Assess cloud and application inventories to identify integration opportunities, security gaps, and cost-optimization strategies.

* Recommend architectural enhancements that improve performance, resilience, and overall security posture.

* Evaluate cloud service licensing, security tooling, and compliance obligations to support cost-effective operations.

* Conduct proof-of-concepts to validate emerging Zero Trust and cloud-security technologies.

* Lead and coordinate Zero Trust and cloud-security work streams across multiple projects.

* Develop project plans, schedules, and milestones for Zero Trust implementation and cloud-security modernization efforts.

* Track progress, risks, dependencies, and resource needs across technical teams; communicate status to leadership and stakeholders.

* Support project managers in translating mission requirements into actionable technical tasks, architectural deliverables, and implementation timelines.

* Produce strategic approach papers, decision briefs, and technical documentation to support program governance and leadership decision-making.

* Partner with enterprise architects, cybersecurity teams, developers, system owners, and mission stakeholders to ensure alignment with enterprise strategy and system models.

* Support secure software development practices, including secure API design, CI/CD security integration, and application lifecycle considerations.

* Facilitate collaboration across technical and mission teams to ensure secure, scalable, and mission-aligned cloud solutions.

* Ensure architecture complies with DoW, IC, and DOW security policies, including RMF, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-207, and the DoW Zero Trust Strategy.

* Maintain architecture diagrams, security models, version histories, and configuration documentation. Qualifications
* Active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

* Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related field; or 10+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

* IAT Level III certification (e.g., CISSP, CISM) required;
Zero Trust certification preferred.

* Demonstrated expertise in Zero Trust architecture, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and enterprise cloud-security engineering.

* Strong understanding of SOA, microservices, enterprise integration frameworks, and secure API design.

* Deep knowledge of cloud security controls, IAM, encryption, network segmentation, and secure Dev Sec Ops  practices.

* Experience with architecture modeling tools (UML, Archi Mate) and frameworks such as TOGAF or DoWAF.

* Experience supporting classified or high-security environments.

* Proven ability to lead technical projects, manage cross-functional work streams, and deliver complex architectural solutions. Job   Work Type On-Site Pay Range $180,000 -$ Company Description Work Where it Matters Akima Data Management (ADM), an Akima company, is not just another federal IT contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our…