Senior/Principal Cyber Assurance Architect - Cyber Special Programs, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories

Albuquerque, USA

Job posting number: #7349230 (Ref:Sa697915)

Posted: May 28, 2026

Job Description

About Sandia:

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like:

Are you ready to be at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation? As a Cyber Assurance Architect on our dynamic team, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping mission-critical solutions that seamlessly integrate cutting-edge cyber security measures. Your expertise will help safeguard vital systems while enabling groundbreaking capabilities that drive our mission forward.

You will serve as an Information System Security Engineer (ISSE) for multiple systems, configuring and maintaining cybersecurity tools while working hand-in-hand with Information Security Site Managers (ISSMs), System Security Officers (ISSOs), and system administrators. Together, you'll interpret and implement NIST/JSIG standards, conduct validation testing, and ensure compliance across the board.

On any given day, you might:

  • Collaborate with key external partners such as the Department of Energy and Intelligence Community agencies to securely enable new programs and maintain existing ones.
  • Partner with information assurance teams to define and refine system security requirements.
  • Analyze sponsor cyber policies and align them with solution designs.
  • Identify potential cyber risks and architect resilient, effective alternatives.
  • Integrate robust cybersecurity controls into new and existing tools and infrastructures.
  • Explore and evaluate emerging technologies to enhance cyber risk management.
  • Advise senior leadership with clear, actionable recommendations that influence strategic decisions.
  • Due to the nature of the work, this candidate must be able to work onsite with some travel required.

Salary Range:

$117,500 - $235,700

*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Qualifications We Require:

  • Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems, Information Assurance, Computer Science or relevant discipline, plus five years' experience; or equivalent (AS + 9.)
  • Demonstrated experience supporting cybersecurity programs within the U.S. Government or government contracting environments.
  • Proven experience utilizing continuous monitoring tools such as Splunk, ACAS, Nessus, Security Center, and HBSS.
  • Active Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) or ability to obtain a CISSP certification within the first 9 months of employment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q and SCI clearances, which may require a polygraph.

Qualifications We Desire:

  • Understanding of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and/or NIST 800-53 security controls.
  • Ability to apply cyber security standards, directives, guidance, and policies to an architectural framework.
  • System administration experience, to include a detailed understanding of common operating systems (e.g. Windows and Linux) and networking architecture.
  • Experience as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO).
  • Familiarity of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and/or the Joint Special Access Program Implementation Guide (JSIG).
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing growth and professional development.
  • Active SCI clearance.

About Our Team:

The FIE Cyber Special Programs Department supports the High Security Operations mission by delivering capabilities around information system hardening/accreditation, vulnerability assessment, risk management and forensics with a particular focus on mitigating cyber threats. The Cyber Security staff, consisting of Information Systems Security Managers (ISSMs), Information Systems Security Officers (ISSOs), and Information Systems Security Engineers (ISSEs), provide effective technical solutions for DOE, DoD and the Intelligence Community.

Posting Duration:

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance:

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance and SCI access, both of which require US citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain these levels of access may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs:

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Job ID: 697915

Job Family: IT

Regular/Temporary Position: R

Full/Part-Time Status: F



All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.


Apply Now

Please mention to the employer that you saw this ad on Sciencejobs.org

More Info

Job posting number:#7349230 (Ref:Sa697915)
Application Deadline:Open Until Filled
Employer Location:Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque,New Mexico
United States
More jobs from this employer