Zero Trust Security Engineer (SME)

Position Title: Zero Trust Security Engineer (SME)Location: Alexandria, VA (Hybrid - 3 days onsite)Clearance Requirements: Active Secret Clearance (or ability to obtain)Position Status: Full-Time (Direct Hire)Pay Rate: $150,000 - $180,000 annually Position Description: We are seeking an experienced Zero Trust Security Engineer (Subject Matter Expert) to lead the design, implementation, and operationalization of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) across a large-scale enterprise environment. This role is ideal for a senior cybersecurity professional who thrives in complex environments, enjoys technical leadership, and has a proven track record of driving modern security architectures aligned with NIST, DoD, and federal cybersecurity frameworks. As the organization's Zero Trust SME, you will play a critical role in shaping enterprise-wide security strategy, guiding cross-functional teams, and ensuring scalable, compliant, and future-ready Zero Trust solutions. This position offers a mix of hands-on engineering, architecture design, automation, and technical mentorship.Key Responsibilities:Serve as the enterprise Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Zero Trust Architecture, providing technical leadership and strategic guidance across cybersecurity, infrastructure, and engineering teams.Design, implement, and continuously refine Zero Trust security strategies, aligned with the principles of never trust, always verify and micro-segmentation.Assess existing network architectures, access controls, and security policies to identify gaps and develop Zero Trust migration roadmaps.Collaborate with system architects, engineers, and cybersecurity stakeholders to deploy scalable, long-term Zero Trust solutions.Architect and improve security processes, develop advanced Zero Trust implementation documentation, and contribute to enterprise knowledge management systems.Engineer and manage Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions, enforcing secure access for users, devices, applications, and workloads.Leverage automation and scripting (PowerShell, Python) to streamline policy enforcement, monitoring, and security diagnostics.Mentor and coach security operations and IT teams, elevating organizational maturity in Zero Trust and modern cybersecurity practices.Maintain detailed documentation of architectures, configurations, and procedures in alignment with ITIL, NIST, DoD, and federal standards.Required Skills / Education:Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).8 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, network engineering, or systems architecture.3 years in a senior engineering, SME, or technical leadership role focused on Zero Trust, security architecture, or advanced cyber defense.Strong hands-on experience with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), enterprise security controls, and IAM solutions.Proficiency in PowerShell, Python, or similar scripting languages for automation and security operations.Experience working within federal, DoD, or highly regulated environments is strongly preferred.Familiarity with NIST, DoD Zero Trust guidance, and ITIL frameworks.Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.About Seneca Resources At Seneca Resources, we are more than just a staffing and consulting firm-we are a trusted career partner. With offices across the U.S. and clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government organizations, we provide opportunities that help professionals grow their careers while making a real impact. When you work with Seneca, you're choosing a company that invests in your success, celebrates your achievements, and connects you to meaningful work with leading organizations nationwide. Our consultants and contractors enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plans, and the support of a dedicated team that advocates for you every step of the way. Seneca Resources is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $150,000 - $180,000