Junior Security Architect

Title: Junior Security Architect

State Role Title: Info Technology Specialist III

Hiring Range: Up to $100,000

Pay Band: 6

Agency: VA Information Tech Agency

Location: VA Information Technologies

Agency Website: https://www.vita.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Junior Security Architect to join our Security Architecture team. In this role, you will support the development, implementation, and maintenance of security architecture standards across the Commonwealth of Virginia. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles who is eager to grow in the field and contribute to meaningful security initiatives.

As a Junior Security Architect, you will assist with documenting security policies and guidelines, participate in evaluating new technologies for security implications, and support compliance efforts aligned with industry frameworks such as NIST. You’ll work closely with senior architects, IT teams, and other stakeholders to ensure our systems remain secure and resilient.

Key Responsibilities:
Assist in documenting and updating security architecture standards, policies, and guidelines.

Collaborate with senior security team members in evaluating new products, services, and changes for security and compliance impacts.

Support the exception process by gathering documentation, tracking requests, and helping ensure timely resolution.

Help translate complex security concepts into clear guidance for technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Participate in internal reviews and assessments to ensure adherence to cybersecurity best practices.

Stay up to date on cybersecurity trends, frameworks, and tools through training, industry resources, and mentorship.

Contribute to cross-functional collaboration with teams such as network engineering, IT support, and service lifecycle management.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:
• Technical Knowledge: Basic understanding of networking principles, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and endpoint protection.
• Cybersecurity Frameworks: Familiarity with common cybersecurity frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, CIS Controls).
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to assess security vulnerabilities, identify risks, and recommend solutions.
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate with other departments, including security operations, network engineering, and IT support.
• Attention to Detail: Precision and attention to detail when working with complex security architectures and ensuring compliance with policies.

Preferred:
• Cloud Security: Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and their security configurations.
• Threat Analysis: Experience with risk assessment tools and threat modeling to identify and address vulnerabilities.
• Security Tools: Knowledge of security tools like SIEM, vulnerability scanners, and network monitoring systems.
• Scripting/Automation: Basic scripting skills (e.g., Python, PowerShell) to automate security tasks and improve efficiency.

Additional Considerations

Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Relevant coursework or certifications in cybersecurity, network security, or information systems is a plus.

Certifications
• Professional certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, AWS Certified Security Specialty, Azure Security Engineer Associate, or similar security/cloud security certifications are preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: VITA HR

Phone: 804-510-7300

Email: VITAhr@vita.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.