Zero Trust Strategist

Guidehouse

Zero Trust strategist guiding Guidehouse’s government cybersecurity architecture and transformation programs. Leading maturity assessments, roadmaps, integrations, and executive briefings across Zscaler, CrowdStrike, and Okta.

Posted 8/27/2026full-timeMcLean • District of Columbia, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $149,000 - $248,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing Zero Trust architectures, managing cross-functional teams, and developing strategic roadmaps aligned with organizational objectives. Proficient in translating complex technical details into actionable business outcomes while ensuring compliance with federal frameworks.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Zero Trust Architecture DesignCrowdStrike Falcon ExpertiseZscaler Technology IntegrationFederal Compliance FrameworksProject Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Zero Trust PrinciplesIdentity and Access ManagementSecurity Workflow AutomationGap AnalysisRisk MitigationProject PlanningTechnical DocumentationCybersecurity InitiativesThreat ResponseStrategic Capability Adoption

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-SolvingCommunication SkillsStakeholder ManagementAttention to Detail

Tools & Technologies

ZscalerCrowdStrikeOktaSIEMSOARSASE

Certifications & Qualifications

Federal or DoD Public Trust

Industry Keywords

CISA Zero Trust Maturity ModelFISMAFedRAMPNIST 800-53DoD Zero Trust Framework

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecuritySDLC

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Help clients solve complex business issues from strategy through execution as part of an integrated team of developers and consultants
Design, document, and maintain enterprise Zero Trust architectures across identity, device, network/environment, application/workload, and data pillars
Define strategic roadmaps and reference architectures aligned with organizational objectives and mission requirements
Embed Zero Trust principles into technology modernization, cloud transitions, and cybersecurity initiatives
Coordinate with cybersecurity, network engineering, cloud, DevSecOps, and governance teams for cohesive implementation and maturity
Perform organizational assessments using the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model
Produce gap analyses and prioritized remediation plans
Develop and maintain project plans covering timelines, milestones, budgets, and resource allocation
Identify, track, and mitigate project risks, issues, and dependencies
Provide project status updates to leadership, technical teams, and stakeholders
Manage cross-functional project teams, vendor relationships, and external consultants
Lead Zero Trust program strategies and executive-level briefings for CISO and senior leadership audiences
Independently design Zero Trust reference architectures and capability roadmaps
Serve as senior Zscaler and CrowdStrike product expert, advising on capabilities, constraints, and adoption patterns
Translate Zscaler and CrowdStrike technologies, including ZIA/ZPA, Falcon Insight/XDR, and Falcon DLP, into business outcomes and maturity recommendations
Coordinate separate Zscaler and CrowdStrike engineering teams while driving architectural decisions autonomously

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelors degree from an accredited university
Minimum of EIGHT (8) years of overall work experience
US Citizenship is contractually 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
Experience in IT or managing large-scale deployments and cross-functional technical teams with US Federal government consulting experience
Experience working in federal civilian, defense contractor, or highly regulated environments
Familiarity with federal compliance frameworks (e.g., FISMA, FedRAMP, NIST 800-53)
Experience collaborating with 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
Hands-on experience with Zero Trust technology platforms (e.g., CrowdStrike Falcon, Zscaler, and Okta)
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
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and verbal and written communication abilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong customer service and stakeholder management skills
Attention to detail and commitment to security best practices
Demonstrated ability to operate as an independent consultant, leading strategic discussions, developing executive-ready deliverables, and facilitating program-level decision making without reliance on product engineering teams
Proven experience developing Zero Trust program roadmaps, maturity plans, and strategic capability adoption aligned to CISA and DoD Zero Trust frameworks
Exceptional communication and client-facing skills, including presenting to CISO-level stakeholders and translating technical detail into strategic business guidance
Experience driving multi-vendor Zero Trust integration approaches involving identity, endpoint, cloud, and network platforms
Ability to influence architecture decisions across engineering, operations, governance, and security architecture teams
Active security clearance (nice to have)
Knowledge of NIST 800-53, 800-207, RMF, FedRAMP, and related frameworks (nice to have)
Experience with SIEM, SOAR, SASE, and identity threat detection and response technologies (nice to have)
Strong practical experience applying and assessing organizations against DoD and CISA Zero Trust Maturity Models (nice to have)
Familiarity with SDLC process, including designing and developing applications (nice to have)
Previous consulting experience delivering Zero Trust architecture guidance (nice to have)

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
Flexible benefits package
Up to 10% travel