Lead Security Architect

Job Summary 
Our Financial Services client is seeking a Lead Security Architect to join their enterprise security team! This position is based in Chicago, Illinois, with a hybrid schedule requiring onsite work Tuesday through Thursday at their downtown Chicago office. This role will focus heavily on Security Architecture reviews for SaaS platforms, cloud environments, identity management, and enterprise cybersecurity initiatives within a highly regulated financial environment.
  
Core Responsibilities 

• Lead Security Architecture reviews and assessments for enterprise SaaS platforms and cloud-based solutions 
• Define and implement secure architecture patterns across hybrid and multi-cloud environments including Microsoft Azure and AWS 
• Partner closely with infrastructure, cloud, networking, application, and enterprise architecture teams to drive secure solution design 
• Review and assess third-party SaaS vendors from a cybersecurity, risk, and compliance perspective 
• Support enterprise identity and access management initiatives including Authentication, SSO, RBAC, privilege management, and Microsoft Entra 
• Evaluate and strengthen application security controls, API security, and secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) practices 
• Provide guidance related to cybersecurity frameworks, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards including NIST, GDPR, and SOC controls 
• Support enterprise security monitoring initiatives involving SIEM integrations, audit logging, alerting, incident response planning, and penetration testing 
• Collaborate with networking and infrastructure teams on firewall architecture, WAF, IPS/IDS, proxy solutions, and secure network segmentation 
• Help establish and promote Zero Trust security principles and cloud security best practices across the organization 
• Participate in technical discussions, architecture reviews, and security governance meetings with minimal oversight 
• Serve as a technical leader and security subject matter expert within the enterprise security organization 

Required Skills/Experience (Must-Haves) 

• 7+ years of experience in Information Security, Cybersecurity, or Security Architecture roles 
• Strong experience with enterprise Security Architecture and SaaS platform security reviews 
• Deep knowledge of cloud security concepts and hybrid/multi-cloud environments 
• Experience with Microsoft Azure and AWS cloud platforms 
• Strong experience with identity management systems including Authentication, SSO, RBAC, privilege management, and Microsoft Entra 
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and compliance standards including NIST, GDPR, SOC, and SSDLC 
• Experience with application security concepts including OWASP, API security, and secure development practices 
• Strong understanding of data security concepts including encryption, data retention, and data classification 
• Experience working with SIEM integrations, security monitoring, audit logging, incident response, and penetration testing 
• Strong understanding of network security concepts including firewalls, WAF, IPS/IDS, proxy servers, APIM, and enterprise network architecture 
• Ability to lead technical discussions and collaborate effectively across multiple technical teams 
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to work independently within enterprise-level security environments

Preferred Skills/Experience (Nice-to-Haves) 

• Experience within financial services or highly regulated enterprise environments 
• CISSP, CSSP, CCNP/CCIE Security, or Cloud Security certifications 
• Experience with Zero Trust architecture and related technologies 
• Exposure to AI security concepts and Microsoft Copilot 
• Experience supporting enterprise SaaS governance and third-party cyber risk management 
• Knowledge of enterprise compliance and audit processes 
• Experience working with cloud-native security tools and enterprise IAM solutions 

Key Competencies & Behaviors 

• Security Architecture & Governance 
• Cloud Security & SaaS Security 
• Identity & Access Management 
• Enterprise Risk & Compliance 
• Application & API Security 
• Network Security Architecture 
• Technical Leadership 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration 
• Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking 
• Strong Communication Skills 

Work Environment 

• Location: Chicago, IL
• Hybrid, onsite 3 days a week
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
• Collaborative architecture and cybersecurity team environment 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Pay Range: The approximate pay range for this position is between $52.00 and $74.00. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and location. We comply with local wage minimums. 
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans 
• Employee-Owned Profit Sharing (ESOP) 
• 401K offered 

About KellyMitchell 
At KellyMitchell, our culture is world class. We’re movers and shakers! We don’t mind a bit of friendly competition, and we reward hard work with unlimited potential for growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a company known for innovative solutions and unsurpassed customer service. We're passionate about helping companies solve their biggest IT staffing & project solutions challenges. As an employee-owned, women-led organization serving Fortune 500 companies nationwide, we deliver expert service at a moment's notice. 
  
Marketing Disclosure 
By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from KellyMitchell and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at https://www.careers.kellymitchell.com/privacy-policy