Zero Trust Architect

Guidehouse

Zero Trust Architect leading design and implementation of cybersecurity architecture for federal government clients. Guiding security transformation initiatives and conducting maturity assessments for complex organizations.

Posted 5/1/2026full-timeMcLean • District of Columbia, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $130,000 - $216,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureCloudCyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Our Cybersecurity Consultants are a team of business integrators with extensive consulting and industry experience who help our clients solve their complex business issues from strategy through execution.
We are seeking an experienced Zero Trust Junior Architect to lead the design, assessment, and implementation of Zero Trust architecture across all security pillars.
This role will be responsible for guiding enterprise security transformation initiatives, conducting detailed maturity assessments, and providing architectural leadership to ensure secure, scalable, and resilient solutions for our federal government clients.
Key Responsibility Areas include, but are not limited to: Zero Trust Architecture & Strategy Design, document, and maintain enterprise Zero Trust architectures spanning identity, device, network/environment, application/workload, and data pillars.
Define strategic roadmaps and reference architecture aligned with organizational objectives and mission requirements.
Partner with cross-functional teams to embed Zero Trust principles into technology modernization efforts, cloud transitions, and cybersecurity initiatives.
Partner with cybersecurity, network engineering, cloud, DevSecOps, and governance teams to ensure cohesive implementation and maturity.
Perform organizational assessments using the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model.
Produce gap analyses and prioritized remediation plans aligned with maturity expectations.
Evaluate and architect solutions leveraging leading Zero Trust technologies, particularly: CrowdStrike, Zscaler, Okta.
Automate Zero Trust processes to improve scalability, efficiency, and compliance while adhering to established security policies.
Support solution engineering, configuration guidance, integration patterns, and proof-of-concept deployments across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Continuously monitor emerging Zero Trust trends, frameworks, technologies, and threat intelligence.
Advise senior leadership on advancements and evolving best practices in Zero Trust architecture and secure-by-design methodologies.
Develop documentation, whitepapers, or briefings to support executive decision-making.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of EIGHT (8) years of experience in IT or managing large-scale deployments and cross-functional technical teams with five (5) years of US Federal government consulting experience.
Bachelors degree
US Citizenship is required
Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "PUBLIC TRUST"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their PUBLIC TRUST prior to onboarding with Guidehouse.
Candidates with an ACTIVE PUBLIC TRUST or SUITABILITY are preferred
Experience working in federal civilian, defense contractor, or highly regulated environments.
Experience leading teams for IT security operations, threat response, or security architecture development, including IAM system requirements, design, implementation, integration, testing, or change management.
Demonstrated expertise across all pillars of Zero Trust (identity, device, network/environment, application/workload, data).
Hands-on experience with Zero Trust technology platforms (e.g., CrowdStrike Falcon, Zscaler, and Okta).
Familiarity with CrowdStrike Falcon for scoring, analytics, and enforcement.
Hands-on experience with automating security workflows and integrating Zero Trust technology platforms.
Deep understanding of identity-centric security, segmentation, continuous monitoring, and least privileged access.
Experience designing secure cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
Demonstrated ability to lead enterprise-scale architecture efforts and communicate effectively with both technical and executive stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical issues and project goals to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong people skills managing a diverse set of stakeholders and direct client management experience.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Basic Life & Supplemental Life
Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Student Loan PayDown
Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
Skills Development & Certifications
Employee Referral Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
Mobility Stipend

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Zero Trust Architecturesecurity operationsthreat responseIAM system designcloud architecture designsecurity workflow automationcontinuous monitoringidentity-centric securitysegmentationleast privileged access

Soft Skills

communication skillsanalytical skillsproblem-solving skillsstakeholder managementteam leadershipclient managementexecutive communicationcross-functional collaborationstrategic thinkingdocumentation skills

Certifications

Bachelors degreeFederal or DoD PUBLIC TRUST