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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Application Security Architect - **Company:** Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. - **Location:** Fairfax County, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $114,200.0 - $248,700.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Training Data, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Encodings, Communications Protocols, Cyber Security, Information Systems, Information Leak Prevention, Data Security, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, OAuth, OpenID, Open Web Application Security, Secure Coding, Web Application Security, Software Engineering, Systems Architecture, Enterprise Software Applications, Network Access Control, Data Classification, Large Language Models, Software Security, Generative AI, Rate Limiting, Web Filtering, Information Technology, CIS Benchmarks, Api Gateway, Human in the Loop, Service Stack, Microservices - **Published:** October 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=69135de4516385eb ## About the Role The role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, architectural thinking, and people leadership. We are looking for a versatile leader who can juggle multiple priorities and bring a great attitude., * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related discipline with at least seven (7) years of related experience, or equivalent training and/or work experience; Master's degree and past Financial Services industry experience preferred. * Experience must include direct experience in leading key areas such as: securing networks and systems architecture, design and implementation, secure software assurance, intrusion detection, defense and incident response, security configuration management, access controls design and implementation and security policy and standards development. * In-depth knowledge of more than one communications protocol. * Experience managing several Cyber Security tools, including: Configuration Assessment, Log Aggregation, Integrity Verification, Web Application Security Testing, Network Access Control System, Network Intrusion prevention systems, and Endpoint Security Solutions. * Strong written and verbal technical communication skills. * Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships that improved the quality of work products. * Should be well organized, thorough, and able to handle competing priorities. * Ability to maintain focus and develop proficiency in new skills rapidly. * Ability to work in a fast paced environment. * Excellent planning skills. * Willingness to accept new challenges and grasp new or changing concepts, technologies and procedures. In-depth knowledge across all areas of Information Security. ## Description Security Architecture & Engineering * Design and establish enterprise application security architecture frameworks, reference models, and roadmaps aligned with business objectives and risk tolerance. * Develop and maintain security baselines, secure coding standards, and reusable patterns across technology stacks (web, mobile, API, microservices, GenAI) and deployment models, scaled to data classification and risk profile. * Architect core security capabilities: authentication and authorization, encryption at rest and in transit, secure communication, and secure data handling. * Design API security strategies, including OAuth/OIDC flows, API gateways, and rate limiting. * Ensure that security risks are comprehensively and effectively managed by leading the application of established and ad hoc processes and techniques to identify, validate, and prioritize. * Lead the identification of security requirement deficiencies, elicitation of security requirements, and the architecture and design of security controls. Generative AI (GenAI) Security Architecture * Design security architecture patterns and reference models for Generative AI and Large Language Model (LLM) applications, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agentic workflows, and model integration. * Define controls for GenAI-specific risks such as prompt injection, insecure output handling, training data poisoning, sensitive information disclosure, model denial of service, and supply chain vulnerabilities - aligned with the OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications. * Architect GenAI guardrails, including input/output validation, content filtering, rate limiting, data loss prevention, and human-in-the-loop controls. * Establish standards for secure handling of prompts, embeddings, vector databases, and model artifacts (classification, access control, and encryption). * Leverage GenAI to enhance security architecture reviews and automate security analysis. Security Controls & Compliance * Develop and implement strategies to promote consistent use of security controls across the enterprise. * Lead the operation and monitoring of security controls; establish, implement, and promote security control operation and monitoring strategies. * Ensure that controls are operating effectively; resolve operating discrepancies and review, triage, and prioritize control output. * Take appropriate action to resolve security discrepancies. * Lead and champion efforts to enforce and monitor compliance with internal and external regulations, policies, and standards. * Establish and promote strategies to ensure that compliance is effectively monitored and enforced. Innovation & Technology Evaluation * Lead the identification, evaluation, and recommendation of new security technologies, techniques, and tools. * Lead the team in defining, reviewing, and promoting information security policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures. Leadership & Collaboration * Direct internal process improvement initiatives; provide feedback on processes by offering suggestions. * Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development. * Participate in external process improvement committees as a security representative. * Provide backup coverage for next-level management, as appropriate. * Collaborate, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity. Standards & Quality * Assist with adherence to technology policies and comply with all security controls. * Ensure all work products meet or exceed FINRA standards. * Demonstrate FINRA's values.