Security Architect

Position Description

Valiant Solutions is seeking a dynamic, highly experienced, and innovative Security Architect to design and engineer a massive multi-petabyte Splunk platform designed to ingest and analyze extensive log data from diverse cloud and on-premises systems for a critical federal government agency. In this pivotal dual Architecture and Engineering role, you will spearhead the design, development, and integration of sophisticated security tooling, automated workflows, and cutting-edge threat detection and response capabilities.

Leveraging your deep expertise with Splunk and complementary security technologies, you will lead the creation of robust, scalable, and highly performant solutions. Your role will extend beyond conventional boundaries as you architect next-generation AI-driven security solutions, orchestrating advanced analytics and automating incident detection and response processes. With your proficiency in Python scripting and experience with AI methodologies, you will be instrumental in developing innovative, code-based mechanisms to streamline operations, enhance cybersecurity resilience, and proactively combat emerging threats.

As a technical visionary, you'll collaborate closely with stakeholders, fellow architects, and engineering teams, guiding strategic decisions, conducting technical evaluations, and prototyping groundbreaking solutions. You'll mentor engineering teams, instill best practices, and shape the future of cybersecurity operations at the agency. This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, architect solutions at scale, and significantly influence national cybersecurity preparedness.

Named one of the Best Places to Work in the Washington DC area for 11 consecutive years, Valiant is proud of our employee-centric culture and commitment to excellence. If you are interested in learning more about Valiant and this opportunity, we invite you to apply now!

This position allows for telework. Remote work necessitates a high-level trust in our employees and we strictly adhere to the details found below in our Remote Work Policy. 

Required Experience:

• Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of progressive IT experience, with at least eight (8) years focused specifically on cybersecurity engineering.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, Security Engineering, System Administration, or related technical field, or two additional years of relevant senior-level experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years scripting experience in Python, specifically for security tool integrations, automation workflows, and customized cybersecurity analytics.
• Expert-level technical proficiency in architecting and managing large-scale Splunk SIEM platforms, including multi-petabyte data ingestion from diverse sources across cloud and on-premises environments.
• Demonstrated senior-level experience architecting and integrating advanced security technologies such as Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Security Orchestration Automation and Response (SOAR), vulnerability assessment tools, and network security infrastructure.
• Proven expertise in developing sophisticated automated workflows and leveraging AI/ML technologies to enhance cybersecurity monitoring, proactive threat detection, and operational efficiency.
• Comprehensive understanding and extensive practical experience implementing federal cybersecurity standards and guidelines, including NIST SP 800-53, FISMA compliance, and Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS).
• Hands-on experience preparing data sets for Machine Learning applications, developing ML rules, and deploying AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to influence strategic technical decisions, effectively collaborate with senior stakeholders, architects, and engineering teams, and mentor engineering staff.
• Superior technical writing abilities, advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, and proven agility to adapt swiftly to evolving priorities and emerging cybersecurity challenges.

Preferred Certifications:

• CISSP, Splunk or Elastic certifications

Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture, engineering, integration, and continuous optimization of a large-scale, multi-petabyte Splunk SIEM platform, ensuring high performance, reliability, scalability, and advanced analytical capabilities.
• Design, develop, and implement sophisticated Python-based automation scripts and security integrations, significantly enhancing operational workflows, efficiency, and overall cybersecurity posture.
• Provide senior-level technical leadership and strategic direction on cybersecurity initiatives, influencing architecture decisions, selecting optimal technologies, and integrating advanced security tools.
• Architect and engineer complex security orchestration, automation, and AI-driven solutions to streamline incident detection, enhance rapid response capabilities, and deliver actionable threat intelligence.
• Conduct comprehensive technical evaluations, rapid prototyping, and implementation of cutting-edge security technologies and AI methodologies, ensuring continuous innovation and state-of-the-art cybersecurity effectiveness.
• Mentor and oversee engineering teams, establishing and reinforcing best practices in security automation, platform architecture, configuration management, system hardening, and proactive cybersecurity measures.
• Spearhead strategic improvements in detection algorithms, dashboards, advanced analytics, and predictive threat detection leveraging AI and ML techniques within the Splunk environment.
• Lead cybersecurity vulnerability assessments, coordinate remediation strategies, and support compliance audits, proactively mitigating risks and aligning with federal cybersecurity standards and guidelines.

About Valiant Solutions

Valiant Solutions is a security-focused IT solutions provider with public clients nationwide. Named one of the fastest growing privately held companies by Inc. 5000, Washington Technology’s Fast 50, and Washington Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in the D.C. area, Valiant Solutions prides itself on providing its employees with great benefits and career development opportunities. As a company, we are just as committed to growing careers as we are to building world-class IT solutions, all while enjoying an unparalleled work-life balance. We are in a phase of tremendous growth and building the team that will take us to the next level. We seek people whose talents and accomplishments will contribute to a thriving company, who have the character to support their capacity, and can make a positive impact on our culture. Alongside our talented team, you’ll learn to think quickly on your feet and expand your own personal and professional skill set. Our management team will inspire you to consider new perspectives and challenge you to become a better practitioner in the fast-paced industry of IT security. We hire people we respect – and we trust them to deliver results leveraging their expertise. If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment as part of a stellar team of professionals, then we invite you to apply online today.

Benefits Snapshot (includes, but not limited to)Valiant pays 99% of the Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage for Full-time EmployeesValiant contributes 25% towards Health Coverage for Family and Dependents100% Paid Short Term Disability and Life Insurance Policy for Full-time Employees100% Paid Certifications401K Matching up to 4%Paid Time OffPaid Federal Holidays Paid Time On – 40 hours to pursue innovationWellness & Fitness ProgramValiant University – Online Education and Training PortalReimbursement for Public Transit and ParkingFSA programs for: Medical Costs, Dependent Care, Transit, and ParkingReferral Bonuses

The salary range for this position is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. It has been benchmarked in relation to the scope of the role, market rate, and internal equity. The salary for this role is expected to be in the $145,000 - $160,000 range. Where a candidate falls within the band can be determined based on one or more of the following: skillset, experience level, achievements, education, geographic location, security clearance, involvement in corporate tasks, and other non-discriminatory factors. In addition to the base salary, this role will include benefits as described below.  Valiant reserves the right to adjust the salary range, experience requirements, and position responsibilities at any time without prior notice. 

Remote Work Policy 

Remote work necessitates a high level of trust in our employees. To ensure that employee performance does not suffer in a remote work environment, all employees who telecommute are expected to have a quiet and distraction-free workspace with adequate internet, dedicate their full attention and availability to their job duties during working hours, and maintain a schedule during core business hours that align with those of their coworkers and Valiant's clients. In alignment with Valiant's inclusive and engaging environment, cameras are encouraged and can be required to be on during virtual video conferences. Additionally, in alignment with the Office of the Inspector General’s effort to eliminate conflicting employment, all Valiant employees are required to disclose any current or future outside employment engagements. During onboarding and throughout employment, employees must disclose any current activities or intent to engage in outside employment or other professional activities and obtain written approval.  Employees may not solicit or conduct any outside business during core business hours for Valiant Solutions and our clients.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valiant Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status, in accordance with applicable law.

Physical Demands

Sitting or standing at a desk for prolonged periods of time and consistent operation of a computer. Frequent communication and exchanging of accurate information via electronic communication, phones, and in person. Occasionally lift and/or move moderate amounts of weight, typically less than 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Authorization to Share Resume and Personal Information

By submitting your resume for this position, you authorize Valiant Solutions to share your resume, as well as, personal information included on the resume, with its subsidiaries, affiliates and teaming partners for the purpose of considering you for this position and other available positions requiring comparable skills, education and experience. Should Valiant Solutions or its affiliates and teaming partners wish to initiate pre-employment discussions, you will be asked to complete an employment application and related employment documents.

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