Principal Consultant – Cyber Security Architect

Job Description:

• Lead Zero Trust maturity assessments from scoping and discovery through current-state analysis, maturity scoring, gap analysis, roadmap development, and executive readout.
• Apply the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model 2.0 (or comparable frameworks such as NIST SP 800-207, NIST CSF) to evaluate client posture across all five pillars and cross-cutting capabilities (Visibility and Analytics, Automation and Orchestration, Governance).
• Facilitate structured workshops and interviews with client stakeholders spanning identity, device, network, cloud/application, data security, and security operations functions.
• Synthesize complex, multi-domain findings into clear maturity scores, gap narratives, and prioritized initiative backlogs with sequencing logic, dependencies, and risk/impact context.
• Produce executive-ready deliverables: assessment reports, roadmaps, strategy presentations, and decision documentation that hold up to board-level scrutiny.
• Solution and architect engagements that require depth across multiple cybersecurity disciplines, not just one pillar in isolation.
• Bring practical, implementable perspectives to Zero Trust strategy, connecting conceptual frameworks to real technology decisions (e.g., ZTNA/SASE, identity consolidation, micro-segmentation, data classification and protection, endpoint posture, SIEM/SOAR integration).
• Coordinate AHEAD specialist SMEs from Identity, Network Security, Cloud, Data, Cyber Resilience, and other practices to staff and deliver complex engagements that require the breadth of AHEAD's capabilities.
• Translate assessment findings into follow-on implementation opportunities and ensure continuity between advisory and delivery phases.
• Provide technical architecture and standards support for AI Security Governance engagements in partnership with AHEAD's GRC team, bridging the gap between governance policy and implementable security controls for AI systems (e.g., model access controls, data pipeline protections, AI supply chain risk, monitoring and observability for AI workloads).
• Directly manage and mentor a team of Associate and Senior Associate Technical Consultants within the Secure Architecture practice area.
• Set quality standards for deliverables, methodologies, and client engagement approaches.
• Act as the primary technical resource supporting Zero Trust and cross-pillar security sales pursuits, from initial discovery through proposal delivery and client presentations.
• Own and continuously improve AHEAD's Zero Trust assessment methodology, service offerings, templates, and tooling.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years of cybersecurity experience, with at least 5 years in a consulting or professional services delivery role.
• Demonstrated depth in at least two CISA Zero Trust pillars (Identity, Devices, Networks, Applications and Workloads, Data) with practical, working knowledge across all five.
• Hands-on experience leading Zero Trust assessments, security architecture reviews, or comparable multi-domain security strategy engagements in client environments.
• Strong understanding of Zero Trust frameworks and reference models: CISA ZTMM 2.0, NIST SP 800-207, or equivalent.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-workstream consulting engagements end to end, including scoping, delivery, and closeout.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior consultants and setting quality standards for a delivery team.
• Demonstrated business development capability: scoping, proposal development, client presentations, and direct participation in closing deals.
• Strong executive communication skills: able to whiteboard with engineers and present to CISOs/CIOs with equal confidence.
• Ability to produce high-quality written deliverables: assessment reports, architecture narratives, roadmaps, and executive summaries.
• 3 or more professional and/or technical certifications aligned to cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP, CCSP, CISM, CISA, relevant GIAC certifications, Microsoft Security certifications, cloud security certifications).

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid company holidays
• Paid time off
• Paid parental and caregiver leave
• Plus more! See benefits https://www.aheadbenefits.com/ for additional details.

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