Cleared On Site Chief Security Architect for Governance, Risk and Compliance

Washington, DCPosted 4 weeks ago

Role Overview

ESS Technologies is hiring a executive-level Cleared On Site Chief Security Architect for Governance, Risk and Compliance. This is a full-time role in Washington. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.

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Job description

Law Enforcement Agency OCIO's organization is moving to Information Systems Security as a Service and requires a Chief Security Architect to serve as the program’s principal technical authority, providing strategic risk advisory to OCIO leadership, Authorizing Officials, and ISSO(E)(M)s while overseeing the security posture of 600+ information systems across all classification levels. This position will be on site in Washington, DC and requires a Top-Secret Clearance.

The Chief Security Architect serves as the program’s principal technical authority, providing strategic risk advisory to OCIO leadership, Authorizing Officials, and ISSO(E)(M)s while overseeing the security posture of 600+ information systems across all classification levels.

This role translates the Customer's security vision into actionable technical guidance, validates the system categorization methodology, reviews high-risk change requests, and enables innovation through evaluation of emerging technologies (AI/ML, zero trust, cloud-native security) within the Customer's governance constraints. The Chief Security Architect leads early lifecycle security advisory to embed security in system design rather than retrofit, resolves complex technical disputes between implementation and assessment teams, and drives enterprise-wide security architecture patterns that enable consistent, defensible authorization decisions. This strategic position elevates ISaaS from tactical compliance execution to mission-enabling security partnership, ensuring the Customer maintains robust cybersecurity posture while adopting cutting-edge capabilities to counter evolving threats. The role requires balancing deep technical expertise with executive communication skills, translating complex security risks into business impacts and strategic recommendations for senior Customer leadership.

Bachelor's Degree
10+ years of experience
Deep expertise with NIST implementation at scale, 800-53 controls and assessment procedures
FISMA and Intelligence Community security frameworks
Proven ability to design security architectures for diverse environments (on-prem, cloud, hybrid, air-gapped)
Cloud security architecture
AWS/Azure security services, configurations, best practices
FedRAMP authorization process and cloud control inheritance
Some knowledge of IaC / DevSecOps principles (not sure this is a must)
Cloud-native security patterns: ZTA, container security, serverless, etc.,
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (must have, top skill, after the architecture/cloud)
Track record at providing technical risk assessments and recommendations
Articulate residual risk in business terms, enabling informed risk acceptance by non-technical executives
Experience with conditional ATO strategies and balancing operational urgency with security requirements
Experience leading or overseeing independent security assessments for diverse system types
Ability to validate assessment quality and consistency across multiple assessor teams
Strategic and Leadership Skills (must have)
Executive Communication – demonstrated ability to brief C-level executives and senior gov officials on complex security processes
Skill in translating technical vulnerabilities into business risk and strategic recommendations
Experience in developing security strategies, roadmaps, and business cases for executive approval (at least serve as an advisor for these)
Proven ability to build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders, system owners, developers, operations trams, auditors
One of the following certifications -AWS Cloud Solutions Architect (Professional), CISSP-ISSEP
Active TS clearance with SCI Eligibility

Preferred Skills:

NSS and Intelligence Community Experience (nice to have)
IC-specific security requirements (ICD 503 for cloud, ICD 705 for SCI, etc.,)
Cross-domain solutions (CDS) and high-side/low-side data transfer security
Audit and Compliance (nice to have, more important that they were independent audits)
Experience in supporting FISMA audits, DOJ inspector general reviews, GAO assessments
Understanding of OMB, DOJ, and IC Cybersecurity reporting requirements and metrics
Ability to translate audit findings into actionable remediation paths and process improvements

Application Deadline 6-26-2026

LI-SA1

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:

$137,600—$231,200 USD

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).

About ESS Technologies

ESS Technologies

esstechnologies.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the Cleared On Site Chief Security Architect for Governance, Risk and Compliance position at ESS Technologies?

Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to ESS Technologies. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.

Where is the Cleared On Site Chief Security Architect for Governance, Risk and Compliance position at ESS Technologies located?

This position is based in Washington. ESS Technologies has not indicated remote or hybrid options for this role, so candidates should plan for on-site work.

What does a Cleared On Site Chief Security Architect for Governance, Risk and Compliance at ESS Technologies earn?

ESS Technologies has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.

When was the Cleared On Site Chief Security Architect for Governance, Risk and Compliance role at ESS Technologies posted?

This role was posted on June 9, 2026 (33 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.