Network Security Architects design and guide the implementation of security controls that protect an organization’s networks, systems, and data. They assess risk, shape security architecture, and help teams build resilient environments across on-premises infrastructure, cloud platforms, and hybrid networks. Explore vetted Network Security Architect opportunities on Ladders, including roles paying $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities commonly include developing network security standards and reference architectures, evaluating infrastructure for vulnerabilities, and recommending controls such as segmentation, firewalls, identity management, encryption, and intrusion detection. Architects collaborate with engineering, cloud, infrastructure, compliance, and leadership teams to translate business needs into practical security designs. They may also review proposed technology, guide incident-readiness planning, and help ensure that security controls meet regulatory and organizational requirements.
Employers often look for extensive experience in network engineering, cybersecurity, or security architecture, along with a strong understanding of enterprise networking and threat management. Familiarity with cloud security, zero-trust principles, secure access technologies, and frameworks such as NIST or ISO 27001 can be valuable. Clear communication, sound risk judgment, and the ability to explain technical tradeoffs to both technical teams and executives are also important.
Network Security Architects are typically experienced professionals who may advance into principal architect, security engineering leadership, enterprise security architecture, or cybersecurity executive roles. Compensation depends on factors such as location, industry, scope of responsibility, and depth of expertise. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, making it easier to explore senior-level opportunities aligned with your experience.
Browse Network Security Architect jobs on Ladders to discover roles where you can shape secure infrastructure and help organizations manage evolving cyber risks. Review each listing for responsibilities, required qualifications, work arrangement, and compensation details, then target opportunities that match your skills and career goals.
Practice Lead - Operational Technology Security
$161K - $319K *
Lead the charge in defining and growing the Operational Technology Security Consulting business, driving client relationships and large-scale delivery while evolving cybersecurity offerings to secure...
2 weeks ago
Practice Lead - Operational Technology Security
$161K - $319K *
Transform the landscape of Operational Technology Security Consulting by leading market development, client relationships, and large-scale delivery. Drive growth and innovation while securing critical...
2 weeks ago
Practice Lead - Operational Technology Security
$161K - $319K *
Pioneer the future of Operational Technology Security Consulting, leading market development and strategic client relationships while driving growth and innovation in cybersecurity solutions across di...
2 weeks ago
Network-Savvy CNO Developer (TS/SCI w/ Poly)
$103K - $181K *
Pioneer innovative solutions in reverse engineering and vulnerability research, collaborating with experts to enhance national security. Leverage your skills in a dynamic team environment to develop c...
1 week ago
Network-Savvy CNO Developer (TS/SCI w/ Poly)
$125K - $225K *
Unlock potential by conducting reverse engineering and vulnerability research on embedded systems. Collaborate with experts to enhance national security through innovative software solutions and proto...
1 week ago
$185K - $210K *
Elevate security practices by designing and maintaining secure CI/CD pipelines, automating infrastructure provisioning, and integrating security controls into DevOps workflows for optimal performance...
3 weeks ago
Director of Technology/Security
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to architect and oversee cybersecurity and integration for a statewide Health Information Exchange, ensuring secure data management and compliance with healthcare standards while l...
1 week ago
Director of Technology/Security
$120K - $145K *
Lead the technical architecture and cybersecurity strategy for a statewide Health Information Exchange, ensuring secure integration and compliance with healthcare privacy standards while managing vend...
1 week ago
Director of Technology/Security
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in directing technical architecture and cybersecurity for a statewide Health Information Exchange, ensuring secure integration and compliance with healthcare privacy standards while ma...
1 week ago
Director of Technology/Security
$120K - $145K *
Lead the technical architecture and cybersecurity strategy for a statewide Health Information Exchange, ensuring secure integration and compliance while guiding multidisciplinary teams and vendors to...
1 week ago
Director of Technology/Security
$120K - $145K *
Unlock the potential of health data by leading the architecture and cybersecurity for a statewide Health Information Exchange, ensuring secure integration and compliance while guiding a multidisciplin...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cloud security for federal IT systems. You'll ensure compliance with DoD standards, assess vulnerabilities, and provide expert guidance throughout the deploym...
2 weeks ago
Associate, Information Security Engineer
$85K - $110K *
Advance your career by overseeing information security governance, managing cyber risks, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance security measures and...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive automation and support mission-critical systems in a collaborative DevOps environment. Engage with development teams to enhance cloud infrastructure and streamline CI/CD practices, ensuring oper...
4 days ago
Senior Network Engineer - TS/SCI w CI Poly
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving the future of AI data center networks. As a Senior Network Engineer, you'll design and implement cutting-edge infrastructure, ensuring performance and scalability while coll...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $145K *
Support enterprise security architecture by identifying vulnerabilities, coordinating incident responses, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards through active monitoring and remediation pr...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Engineer / Architect
$125K - $150K *
Drive innovation as a Principal Engineer/Architect, leading the design and delivery of cloud-native data platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable, resilient solutions that...
3 weeks ago
Senior Network Defense Analyst
$120K - $145K *
Analyze and optimize advanced cyber operations by leveraging AI and ML to enhance network defense strategies. Lead threat assessments and develop actionable insights to safeguard critical infrastructu...
4 weeks ago
$238K - $322K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI in security. Lead the technical vision for LLMs and agentic systems, driving innovation and mentoring talent while optimizing performance across multiple pr...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative DevOps practices to enhance software delivery and infrastructure management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system reliability, scalability, and security while a...
1 week ago
Principal Cyber Security Analyst
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by leading incident response efforts, ensuring data integrity, and providing expert guidance to maintain robust security postures across the organization...
Today
$200K - $250K *
Lead the development of a comprehensive security strategy, integrating physical and digital defenses. Oversee security operations across manufacturing facilities, ensuring compliance and risk manageme...
2 weeks ago
Principal Engineer Network – Global NetOps Engr III (26-463)
$94K - $141K *
Transform complex network environments by automating configurations and enhancing operational capabilities. Collaborate with diverse teams to support critical missile defense systems, ensuring mission...
2 weeks ago
Staff Engineer Systems - Virtualization Architect (26-462)
$161K - $241K *
Help us shape the future of missile defense by designing and managing advanced virtualization environments. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure secure, scalable operations that support critical n...
2 weeks ago
Cybersecurity Operations & Architecture
$360K - $415K *
Join a dynamic team to lead cybersecurity operations and architecture, ensuring robust protection across global technology ecosystems. Drive strategy, enhance incident response, and collaborate with d...
2 weeks ago
What does a Network Security Architect do?
A Network Security Architect designs and oversees security measures for an organization’s network infrastructure. The role can include assessing risk, defining security standards, selecting controls, and partnering with engineering and business teams to protect systems and data.
What qualifications are common for Network Security Architect jobs?
Employers commonly seek substantial experience in networking and cybersecurity, expertise in security architecture and risk assessment, and familiarity with enterprise or cloud environments. Relevant certifications and knowledge of security frameworks may also be preferred, depending on the employer.
Which skills are important for a Network Security Architect?
Important skills include network design, security control selection, threat and vulnerability assessment, cloud security, and familiarity with technologies such as firewalls, segmentation, identity controls, and intrusion detection. Communication and collaboration skills are essential for guiding cross-functional teams.
Do Network Security Architect jobs pay $100,000 or more?
Many senior Network Security Architect positions may offer compensation at or above $100,000, though pay varies with location, industry, experience, and role scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for compensation information.
How can I find Network Security Architect jobs on Ladders?
Search Ladders for Network Security Architect openings, then compare job responsibilities, qualifications, work arrangements, and compensation details. Focus on roles that match your experience and preferred career direction.