Senior​/Principal Cyber Assurance Architect - Cyber Special Programs, Onsite

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas.

Are you ready to be at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation? As a Cyber Assurance Architect on our dynamic team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping mission‑critical solutions that seamlessly integrate cutting‑edge cyber security measures. Your expertise will help safeguard vital systems while enabling groundbreaking capabilities that drive our mission forward.

You will serve as an Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) for multiple systems, configuring and maintaining cybersecurity tools while working hand‑in‑hand with Information Security Site Managers (ISSMs), System Security Officers (ISSOs), and system administrators. Together, you’ll interpret and implement NIST/JSIG standards, conduct validation testing, and ensure compliance across the board.

On any given day, you might:

• Collaborate with key external partners such as the Department of Energy and Intelligence Community agencies to securely enable new programs and maintain existing ones.
• Partner with information assurance teams to define and refine system security requirements.
• Analyze sponsor cyber policies and align them with solution designs.
• Identify potential cyber risks and architect resilient, effective alternatives.
• Integrate robust cybersecurity controls into new and existing tools and infrastructures.
• Explore and evaluate emerging technologies to enhance cyber risk management.
• Advise senior leadership with clear, actionable recommendations that influence strategic decisions.
• Due to the nature of the work, this candidate must be able to work onsite with some travel required.

$117,500 - $235,700

* Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

• Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems, Information Assurance, Computer Science or relevant discipline, plus five years’ experience; or equivalent (AS + 9.)
• Demonstrated experience supporting cybersecurity programs within the U.S. Government or government contracting environments.
• Proven experience utilizing continuous monitoring tools such as Splunk, ACAS, Nessus, Security Center, and HBSS.
• Active Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) or ability to obtain a CISSP certification within the first 9 months of employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q and SCI clearances, which may require a polygraph.

• Understanding of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and/or NIST 800‑53 security controls.
• Ability to apply cyber security standards, directives, guidance, and policies to an architectural framework.
• System administration experience, including a detailed understanding of common operating systems (e.g. Windows and Linux) and networking architecture.
• Experience as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO).
• Familiarity with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and/or the Joint Special Access Program Implementation Guide (JSIG).
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing growth and professional development.
• Active SCI clearance.

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance and SCI access, both of which require U.S. citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination.

The FIE Cyber Special Programs Department supports the High Security Operations mission by delivering capabilities around information system hardening/accreditation, vulnerability assessment, risk management and forensics with a particular focus on mitigating cyber threats. The Cyber Security staff, consisting of Information Systems Security Managers (ISSMs), Information Systems Security Officers (ISSOs), and Information Systems Security Engineers (ISSEs), provide effective technical solutions for DOE, DoD and the Intelligence Community.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.