Sr. Solutions Architect

We are seeking a Senior Security Architect to join our Cybersecurity Lab in a high-impact, hands-on role that blends customer advisory, solution architecture, and deep technical execution. This position operates at the intersection of pre-sales and post-sales, driving both strategic direction and technical outcomes through real-world lab validation and customer engagements.

As a trusted advisor to enterprise customers, this role leads the design, build, and validation of complex, multi-vendor cybersecurity solutions across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable engaging executives and engineers, translating business and security requirements into actionable architectures that deliver measurable outcomes.

Role Description

Customer Engagement & Advisory

• Serve as the lead technical voice in large, multi-stakeholder enterprise customer engagements
• Act as a trusted advisor to Field CIOs, CISOs, and engineering teams, influencing cybersecurity strategy and technology decisions
• Translate business and security requirements into structured use cases and test plans
• Lead customer workshops, technical deep dives, and executive-level briefings

Architecture, Design & Lab Execution

• Design and build complex lab environments simulating enterprise architectures (on-prem, multi-cloud, and global branch scenarios)
• Develop and execute proof-of-concept (POC) and proof-of-value (POV) testing across multiple security domains
• Validate vendor capabilities, integration points, and real-world operational impact
• Produce reference architectures, detailed design documentation, and validation reports

Pre-Sales Technical Leadership

• Partner with account teams and presales engineering to develop solution strategies, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and Statements of Work (SOWs)
• Lead technical scoping, sizing, and delivery planning for services engagements
• Develop and validate clearly defined use cases and test cases
• Ensure successful execution of projects, frequently stepping in to resolve complex or at-risk deployments

Lab Innovation & Practice Leadership

• Drive innovation within the cybersecurity lab by evaluating emerging technologies and evolving threat landscapes
• Provide actionable feedback to vendors on product gaps, limitations, and enhancement opportunities
• Mentor and develop engineers across the practice, from junior to senior levels
• Assist with talent identification and participate in technical interviewing

Behaviors and Competencies

• Problem-Solving: Can proactively identify and take ownership of complex problem-solving initiatives, initiate preventative measures, collaborate with others to find solutions, and drive successful outcomes.
• Communication: Can effectively communicate complex ideas and information to diverse audiences, facilitate effective communication between others, and mentor others in effective communication.
• Adaptability: Can lead others through change, help teams adapt to new directions, and create a culture open to change.
• Leadership: Can take ownership of complex team initiatives, collaborate with others in decision-making processes, and drive team performance.
• Teamwork: Can build and lead multiple teams, fostering a cooperative environment and ensuring effective communication between team members.
• Self-Motivation: Can take ownership of complex personal or professional initiatives, collaborate with others when necessary, and drive results through self-motivation.

Skill Level Requirements

• Secure Access & Network Security ZTNA, SASE, VDI, browser isolation, remote access, NGFW, segmentation, SD-WAN

• Cloud Security Security architectures across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform

• Identity & Access Management IAM, PAM, federation, and identity governance

• Endpoint Security EDR and XDR platforms

• Data Center & Hybrid Security CNAPP, CASB, NDR, and secure architecture rationalization

• Data Security Data access governance, DSPM, key management, PKI, HSM, certificate authorities, encryption, email security, and DLP

• Application Security Web application and API protection, secure web gateway, DevSecOps and SDLC processes

• Strong scripting and automation capabilities
• Ability to design, build, and troubleshoot complex, integrated environments
• Experience performing multi-technology integrations and interoperability testing
• Expert-level proficiency using Lucid and/or Visio to create complex cybersecurity and data center architecture diagrams

Other Requirements

• Ability to operate independently while managing multiple concurrent engagements
• Proven ability to lead high-stakes initiatives and recover at-risk projects
• Strong communication skills across executive, architectural, and engineering audiences
• Recognized as a trusted advisor by customers and internal stakeholders

Preferred Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity engineering, architecture, or consulting roles
• Experience in a value-added reseller (VAR), consulting firm, or systems integrator strongly preferred
• Proven success operating in a hybrid pre-sales/post-sales role
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, multi-vendor security engagements
• Experience working within or alongside a Technical Enablement Center (TEC) or Cyber Lab
• History of driving measurable outcomes such as: significant services revenue generation and influence on large-scale security purchasing decisions
• Experience mentoring teams and shaping enterprise or national-level practices

Preferred Certifications

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
• CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
• CCIE Security (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)

The estimated annual pay range for this position is $180,000 - $260,000 which includes a base salary and bonus. The compensation for this position is dependent on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location and, therefore, will vary from individual to individual. Benefits may include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending.

Since 1989, SHI International Corp. has helped organizations change the world through technology. We've grown every year since, and today we're proud to be a $16 billion global provider of IT solutions and services. Over 17,000 organizations worldwide rely on SHI's concierge approach to help them solve what's next. But the heartbeat of SHI is our employees - all 7,000 of them. If you join our team, you'll enjoy: * Our commitment to diversity, as the largest minority- and woman-owned enterprise in the U.S. * Continuous professional growth and leadership opportunities. * Health, wellness, and financial benefits to offer peace of mind to you and your family. * World-class facilities and the technology you need to thrive - in our offices or yours.