Senior Cybersecurity Architect Security Clearance

Position: Senior Cybersecurity Architect with Security Clearance
Cybersecurity Architect (Palo Alto / Network Security) Client Description
Full-time - On-site in Orange, CA Our client, a leader in their industry, has an excellent opportunity for a Cybersecurity Architect to work on a 12-month + contract-to-hire role working 100% onsite in Orange, CA. This is a hands-on, Palo Alto-focused Cybersecurity Architect role. This role requires the ability to pass a law enforcement background investigation and work within a CJIS-compliant environment.

Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain enterprise-wide security architecture with a strong focus on Palo Alto Networks NGFW, Panorama, and advanced threat prevention services.
Lead hands-on configuration, migration, optimization, and troubleshooting of firewall policies, network segmentation, and Zero Trust architecture.
Architect and secure remote access (VPN), wireless, and DNS infrastructures, enforcing MFA, least-privilege access, and modern encryption standards.
Lead SIEM architecture, including log integration, correlation rules, dashboards, and threat detection/response capabilities.
Serve as technical lead for incident response, developing playbooks and guiding all phases from detection through recovery and post-incident review.
Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (including CJIS) by developing security standards, conducting assessments, and driving remediation efforts.
Act as a senior technical authority supporting security operations and enterprise infrastructure teams. Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years, Master’s with 5+ years, or PhD with 4+ years of cybersecurity experience.
Active CISSP, GCIH, CEH or comparable advanced cybersecurity certification.
Deep hands-on expertise with Palo Alto Networks platforms (NGFW, Panorama) and enterprise network security architecture.
Strong experience with VPN, wireless security, and secure network design.
Experience leading or supporting SIEM platforms and incident response efforts.
Experience providing technical leadership to SOC or enterprise security teams.
Strong communication, documentation, and project coordination skills. Education Requirements
BS in Cybersecurity or related technical field with 8+ years of relevant experience, or
MS in Cybersecurity or related technical field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or
PhD in Cybersecurity or related technical field with 4+ years of industry experience.
Required certification: CISSP or GREM or similar. Other relevant certifications such as GCIH or CEH are beneficial.