Western Governors University

Principal IT Security Architect

Western Governors University$180K — $279K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in information security across multiple domains
  • Expertise in AWS services including EC2, VPC, IAM, and S3
  • Experience with CI/CD integrations for security
  • Hands-on with SIEM tools and endpoint protection solutions
  • Strong scripting skills in languages like Python or Bash
  • Proven leadership in complex security initiatives
  • Excellent analytical and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and implementation of security architecture across environments
  • Embed security standards with engineering teams
  • Identify and remediate security vulnerabilities
  • Provide leadership within the security team
  • Drive cloud security initiatives focusing on AWS
  • Develop policy-as-code for compliance automation
  • Analyze cyber threats and create detection rules

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Telehealth and mental healthcare support
  • Life and disability coverage
  • Retirement savings plan with employer contributions
  • Flexible paid time off and sick leave
  • 11 paid holidays and parental leave
  • Discounted tuition for WGU programs
Full Job Description
Job Description

Join a mission-driven organization where your expertise will directly strengthen the security posture of an enterprise environment supporting education at scale. As a Principal IT Security Architect, you will serve as a trusted technical leader, driving secure design, influencing enterprise strategy, and partnering across teams to embed security into every layer of the technology ecosystem.

What You'll Do
  • Lead the design and implementation of enterprise security architecture across cloud, network, and application environments
  • Partner with engineering teams to embed security standards throughout the systems development lifecycle
  • Identify, exploit, and remediate security vulnerabilities through testing, tooling, and infrastructure build code review
  • Provide leadership across areas the security team
  • Drive cloud security initiatives, including hardening AWS infrastructure and reducing misconfigurations
  • Develop and implement policy-as-code to automate compliance and security enforcement
  • Analyze cyber threats and create detection rules based on indicators of compromise and attack frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK


What You'll Bring
  • 10+ years of experience in information security across multiple domains
  • Deep technical expertise in cloud security, particularly AWS services such as EC2, VPC, IAM, and S3
  • Experience integrating security into CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices
  • Hands-on experience with SIEM tools, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection solutions
  • Strong scripting and automation skills using languages such as Python or Bash
  • Proven ability to lead complex security initiatives and influence enterprise risk management strategies
  • Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills


Bonus Points
  • 15+ years of information security experience
  • Experience implementing AWS native security tools like GuardDuty, Security Hub, Macie, and Inspector
  • Experience with container security and orchestration platforms


Experience in Lieu of Education

Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education requirements.

What to Expect

At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations and collaboration.
We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission.
  • Introductory call
  • Technical interview with team
  • Hiring manager interview


Work Location

This is a full-time, in-office position at WGU's office in Raleigh, NC.

Visa Sponsorship

While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

#LI-AW2

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive.

About Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The university was founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997 with a mission to expand access to higher education. WGU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, and healthcare. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and has been recognized by the White House as an example of excellence in education innovation. WGU has a competency-based learning model, which allows students to progress through their coursework at their own pace based on their mastery of the material.
Learn more about Western Governors University
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