Sr. Application Security Architect

Alkami is a leading cloud-based digital banking solutions provider for financial institutions in the United States that helps clients to transform through retail and business banking, digital account opening and loan origination, payment fraud prevention, and data analytics and engagement solutions.

Founded in 2009, we continue to be recognized for our intentional culture and tremendous growth (Best Place to Work in Fintech;

Best & Brightest to Work For Nationally; and Comparably’s Best Company Culture, Best Career Growth, Best Engineering Team, and Best Places to Work in Dallas, among others).

Through our bold investments in technology and people, we empower our clients to grow confidently, adapt quickly, and build thriving digital banking communities through tailored experiences for over 18.1M users.

As a remote-first company, this position can sit in Plano, TX or remote in the US.

Position Overview :

In this highly visible and critical role, you will lead complex security engagements as an Sr. Application Security Architect in our Enterprise Information Security team.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with proven experience, capable of thinking critically and solving complex problems in a fast-paced environment.

You will develop and execute a strategic security architecture vision, including standards and frameworks aligned with overall business and technology strategy.

Your primary focus will be on modernizing our security stack, automating processes, and enhancing data and application security.

You will drive the security components of all technology architecture in the company, ensuring that security, privacy, and compliance requirements are addressed throughout the lifecycle of each initiative.

This is a remote position with travel required twice a year for team gatherings.

Key Responsibilities & Duties :

• Strategic Vision : Develop and execute a customized, cloud-based, strategic architecture vision, emphasizing shift-left security, automation, and process efficiency.
• Frameworks and Standards : Use standardized security architecture frameworks (e.g., CSA Reference Architecture, PCI-DSS) to catalog and improve the security architecture discipline within the company.
• Technical Leadership : Design cloud security architecture and cybersecurity solutions that align with enterprise information security policies, focusing on data and application security.
• Mentorship : Coach, educate, teach, train, and mentor technical resources across the company in cybersecurity disciplines.
• Project Oversight : Balance hands-on implementation with oversight roles for subject matter experts, ensuring successful completion of security initiatives.
• Collaboration : Work closely with development and SRE teams, providing security consulting on critical projects and initiatives.
• Security Solutions : Lead the design and implementation of security solutions, including data security posture management and infrastructure as code security scanning.
• Policy Feedback : Provide input and feedback on policies that need to be configured in security controls.
• Awareness and Training : Raise the awareness level of security within the enterprise through continuous education and communication.
• Technical Solutions : Develop technical solutions and new security tools to help mitigate security vulnerabilities and automate repeatable tasks.

Qualifications :

• Proven work experience as a security architect (minimum 8 years).
• Expertise in cloud platforms, specifically AWS.
• Proficiency with security tools and technologies, including Palo Alto and Cloudflare.
• In-depth knowledge of security architecture frameworks (e.g., CSA Reference Architecture, PCI-DSS).
• Experience in building and maintaining security systems, particularly in data and application security.
• Hands-on experience with security systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, authentication systems, log management, and content filtering.
• Strong knowledge of network configurations, devices, and security monitoring tools.
• Thorough understanding of the latest security principles, techniques, and protocols.
• Familiarity with web-related technologies (Web applications, Web Services, Service-Oriented Architectures) and network / web-related protocols.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
• BS degree in Computer Science or a related field or an additional 3 years of equivalent work experience.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and drive change across the organization, fostering a security-first culture.
• Ability to build and manage relationships across a large enterprise.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex security concepts to business leaders.

Desired Skills :

• Experience working in the finance industry, with an understanding of financial services' unique security challenges and regulatory requirements.
• Possession of relevant certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, or CISM certifications.
• Experience in integrating security practices within CI / CD pipelines and automating security processes to ensure continuous security validation and compliance.
• Advanced knowledge of data protection techniques, encryption methods, and privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) to design robust data security strategies.
• Proficient in identifying, assessing, and mitigating security risks, and developing risk management strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Familiarity with the latest security technologies and trends, such as Zero Trust architecture, AI / ML in cybersecurity, etc.
• Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including development, operations, legal, and executive leadership.

Cool Things to Know

Not Just Any Company : Alkami has an awesome diverse and inclusive environment. We have a FUN culture and offer great benefits, including remote-first environment, unlimited paid time off, 401(k) with employer match, and more.

Work Authorization : We cannot offer employment sponsorship at this time. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US for full-time employment.

Recruiters : We are not looking for outside recruiting firms to help us in this search. Thank you for understanding.

Pay Transparency : As of January 1, 2023, new states and locales have enacted pay equity laws that require more pay transparency by employers in the following states : California, Colorado (effective January 1, 2021), Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington.

$128,000.00 - $192,000.00

The Important Stuff

Alkami Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind : Alkami is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

All employment decisions at Alkami are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Alkami will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Alkami encourages applicants of all ages.

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