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Technology Cyber Security Architect
Santa Monica, CAMarch 26th, 2026
Technology Cyber Security ArchitectCooley is seeking a Cyber Security Architect to join the technology team.Position summary: Cooley Technology embraces a culture of customer service excellence, and all members of the department are expected to move this agenda forward. To that end, the Cyber Security Architect will work to maintain and monitor the security practices and systems implemented by the firm.The Cyber Security Architect will proactively identify and mitigate cyber threats to protect our organization's assets with a focus on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) security. Working collaboratively with Technology and Innovation teams, the position will design advanced security architecture and threat detection techniques. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:Position responsibilities:Design and maintain enterprise security architecture across on-premises, hybrid, and AI-enabled environmentsDefine security standards, patterns, and reference architectures aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirementsConduct security architecture reviews for new systems, applications, AI/ML platforms, and major technology changesPartner with engineering, infrastructure, DevOps, and data teams to embed security, privacy, and governance into system design and deliveryDesign security controls for AI and ML systems, including data pipelines, model training environments, inference platforms, and AI integrationsIdentify and mitigate risks related to AI systems, such as data leakage, model poisoning, prompt injection, and adversarial attacksEvaluate and recommend security tools, platforms, and AI-enabled security technologiesEnsure architectures comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and industry frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, emerging AI regulations)Establish guardrails for responsible and secure use of generative AI and large language models, including access controls, monitoring, logging, and auditabilitySupport incident response, forensic investigations, and post-incident architecture improvementsProvide guidance and mentorship to security engineers and other technical stakeholdersCommunicate architectural decisions and security risks clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadershipRequired to participate in a 7x24 on-call rotationAll other duties as assigned or requiredSkills and experience:Required:After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applicationsAbility to work extended and/or weekend hours, as requiredAbility to travel, as required3+ years direct applicable experience (e.g., cybersecurity, infrastructure, or systems architecture). Senior level candidates considered with 5+ years direct applicable experience.Strong knowledge of network security, identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and endpoint securityAbility to translate business requirements into secure technical designsExtensive knowledge and experience with the configuration of security controls and secure migration of enterprise applicationsExperience with implementing security tools and architecture such as:Access ControlsData Loss Prevention (DLP)Web Application Firewalls (WAF)Secure SDLC and Software SecurityFirewallsAnti-malware and anomaly detection controlsData encryption in transit and at restNetwork securityMonitoringExperience with a formal requirements definitionPreferred:Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Information Security, or related disciplineFamiliarity with security frameworks and best practices (NIST CSF, Mitre ATT&CK, Zero Trust, OWASP, emerging AI regulations)Familiarity with common security controls in the enterprise (Firewall, Proxy, AV, SIEM, etc.)Experience with incident response proceduresWorking knowledge of securing AI-enabled applications and services, including data access controls, model integration, and API securityExperience applying existing security frameworks and controls to emerging technologies, including AI and automation platformsExtensive knowledge and understanding of security issues, techniques, and implications across multiple computer platformsDemonstrated experience leading and developing others by providing technical guidance and leadership to project teamsSolid knowledge and understanding of security regulations and best practices such as the ISO 27000 family of standardsSolid knowledge and understanding of systems development life cycle (SDLC)Demonstrated experience translating business requirements into architectural deliverables and technical specificationsDemonstrated experience communicating technical information to business clients and less experienced technologistsCISSP, CISM or equivalentExperience with CI/CD pipelinesCloud Architecture and/or Cloud Security Certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP)Cloud Security Alliance (CCSP, CCSK) (ISC)2Additional security certificationsCompetencies:Excellent analytical, problem-solving, customer service, project management and communication skillsGoal-orientedExcellent oral and written communication skills, including technical and user documentationStrong organizational skillsAbility to interact well with all levels of staff and coordinate with several teams to achieve objectivesFlexible and patient with process development/execution and adherence to instruct project management practicesCapable of grasping new concepts quickly and without prior experienceAbility to multi-task and work in fast-paced environmentEntrepreneurial by natureExcellent attention to detailAbility to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple activities often under tight timelinesAbility to drive projects to completion and achieve goalsStrong judgmentTeam-player with collaborative spiritUnwavering ability to handle and maintain confidentiality regarding firm information, projects,client dataHigh level of professionalism at all timesProactive, analytical mindsetEffective presentation skillsCooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices. EOE.The expected annual pay range for this position with a full-time schedule is $120,000 - $175,000. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate. Senior level candidates may be considered for this position and would be eligible for a higher salary range based on experience.We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 21 days of Paid Time Off ("PTO") and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.