Chief Cybersecurity Architect

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking an experienced Chief Cyber Systems Architect to lead the design, authorization, and integration of secure systems for Next Generation Missile Defense and other classified Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives.

As the Chief Cyber Systems Architect, you will provide technical leadership and strategic direction to ensure mission-critical systems align with DoD policies, achieve cybersecurity compliance, and are resilient against evolving threats. Leveraging your expertise in Authorization to Operate (ATO), Authority to Connect (ATC), and the Risk Management Framework (RMF), you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding complex systems within classified environments. This position offers an opportunity to directly impact national defense capabilities while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Direction & Technical Leadership:

• Serve as the senior advisor and technical authority on secure system architectures, RMF compliance, ATO/ATC processes, and cybersecurity integration for Next Generation Missile Defense and other advanced DoD initiatives.
• Define and guide the security architecture strategy for classified networks and digital ecosystems, ensuring optimal resilience, interoperability, and mission assurance.
  
  

System Authorization & Compliance

• Lead the development and execution of ATO and ATC approvals, ensuring systems meet high-level DoD cybersecurity standards from initial concept to operational sustainment.
• Apply RMF (NIST SP 800-53), DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), and other frameworks to authorize, maintain, and enhance compliance across DoD systems.
  
  

Classified Ecosystem Design & Integration

• Architect secure digital ecosystems within classified environments, integrating systems across DoD networks while ensuring interoperability and operational security.
• Collaborate with technical teams and stakeholders to optimize system design, build, test, and Assessment & Authorization (A&A) efforts that align with mission objectives.
  
  

Mission Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with senior leaders, Program Managers (PMs), and Authorization Officials (AO) to align strategic cybersecurity objectives with operational mission needs.
• Provide risk-informed analysis, policy application, and technical recommendations across acquisition, intelligence, and mission teams.
  
  

Audits, Risk Assessments & Vulnerability Management

• Lead audits, risk assessments, and vulnerability management efforts to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks across classified systems and facilities.
• Leverage tools like eMASS, ACAS, and Nessus to streamline compliance and vulnerability reporting processes.
  
  

Documentation & Accreditation

• Create, review, and approve high-level authorization packages, architecture documentation, and compliance reports to ensure adherence to DoD cybersecurity standards.
  
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and develop cybersecurity staff, fostering technical excellence and mission-driven collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, such as Cloud Systems Architects and cybersecurity leads, to ensure robust designs and implementation strategies.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 15 years supporting DoD cybersecurity initiatives, RMF implementation, classified systems/networks, and secure system design within high-security environments.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience managing ATO/ATC processes and designing secure system architectures, particularly for government systems supporting missile defense or similar critical capabilities.
• Certifications: Active certifications such as CISSP (strongly desired), CISSP-ISSAP (preferred), CAP, or equivalent credentials. DoD 8570 IAM Level III certifications highly desired.
• Skills: In-depth understanding of RMF (NIST SP 800-53), DISA STIGs, digital ecosystem integration, and vulnerability management platforms (eMASS, ACAS, Nessus).
• Leadership & Communication: Strong ability to influence decisions at the senior leadership level and lead cross-functional teams in achieving secure system authorizations.
• Security Clearance: Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; willingness to work from secure facilities (SCIF).
• U.S. citizenship required due to clearance requirements
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity policies, including SAPCO requirements under 5205.07, and mission-critical policy-informed threat analysis.
• Experience integrating cybersecurity, acquisition, intelligence, and counterintelligence frameworks to optimize classified operations.
• Expertise in weapons systems, platform security, or similar high-priority defense missions.
  
  

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Locations:

Flexible locations available within the U.S., with priority postings in Ohio (OH), Virginia (VA), and Alabama (AL). Candidates must work in sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIFs) with direct engagement of classified mission stakeholders.

Impact Statement

As the Chief Cyber Systems Architect, you will define and implement secure architectures critical to enabling national defense capabilities, directly supporting the resilience of weapons systems and other classified DoD initiatives. By leading ATO/ATC authorizations and delivering mission-focused cybersecurity excellence, you will ensure alignment between technical solutions and operational readiness at the highest levels of security.

Location: Flexible, with priority posting in Ohio (OH), Virginia (VA), and Alabama (AL).

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