Senior Security Architect

Sr. Security ArchitectLocation: Frisco, TX (Onsite- local to TX or willing to relocate on own expenses), United StatesVisa: All Visas acceptableRole Type: Contract (Third-party acceptable)Duration: 12 MonthsThe Mission:Our client is launching a critical, top-priority security modernization initiative. We are seeking a visionary Lead Cryptography & Next-Gen Infrastructure Security Architect to shield our cloud-native platforms from the next decade of digital threats.This role operates at the cutting edge of frontier security engineering. You will spearhead our transition into Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), architect advanced privacy-preserving runtimes, implement real-time kernel-level observability, and construct highly secure AI/LLM inference pipelines.Mandatory Niche Skillset:Candidates must possess direct, demonstrable experience in the following advanced domains:◉ Advanced Cryptography: Production-grade implementation of Homomorphic Encryption, Secure Multi-party Computation (SMPC), and Zero Knowledge Proofs (ZKP).◉ Kernel & Runtime Defense: Deep expertise in eBPF Security Monitoring and Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) frameworks.Core Qualifications & Experience:⊛ 10+ years of progressive experience in enterprise cybersecurity architecture and infrastructure engineering.⊛ Post-Quantum Strategy: Proven track record designing and implementing Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) strategies alongside robust crypto-agility frameworks.⊛ Confidential Computing: Hands-on mastery of hardware-level Confidential Computing using Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs).⊛ Identity & Zero Trust: Experience deploying Identity Threat Detection & Response (ITDR) solutions and establishing workload identities with SPIFFE/SPIRE for service-to-service authentication.⊛ AI Pipeline Security: Hardened experience protecting live AI inference pipelines built on TensorRT-LLM and Triton Inference Server.⊛ Cloud-Native Governance: Extensive familiarity managing Kubernetes-native security policies via Kyverno to guarantee multi-cluster policy-as-code enforcement.⊛ Platform Engineering Integration: Experience embedding security guardrails natively into developer workflows utilizing Backstage IDP.⊛ Cost Governance: Ability to design security structures that remain strictly aligned with enterprise FinOps principles.Key Responsibilities:⊛ Crypto-Agility & Evolution: Formulate and roll out enterprise-wide, future-proofed cryptographic standards resilient against quantum threats.⊛ Advanced Defense Deployment: Architect systems using SMPC, Homomorphic Encryption, and ZKPs to protect multi-tenant enterprise workflows.⊛ Runtime Guardrails: Oversee deployment of eBPF-based security monitoring tools and RASP configurations to track and prevent active zero-day runtime exploits.⊛ AI Infrastructure Hardening: Partner with AI/ML infrastructure squads to guarantee total data isolation and isolation boundaries for foundational large language models.⊛ Cross-Functional Governance: Sync with risk management, platform infrastructure, and compliance leads to ensure alignment with standard threat modeling frameworks (STRIDE, MITRE ATT&CK).