The Opportunity:
CACI is seeking a Lead Zero Trust Architect to serve as the primary technical and strategic authority for United States Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) transition to a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). You will be the authoritative Resident Expert for the SOCOM ZT IPlan, responsible for the architectural integrity of the seven DoD ZT Pillars across NIPR, SIPR, and Hemlock (TS/SCI) enclaves.
This is a high-side, technical leadership role. The successful candidate must be a "technical athlete" and mentor, capable of performing deep-level system and router actions while simultaneously leading engineering teams and teaching complex concepts through interactive whiteboard sessions.
Responsibilities:
● Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Lead cross-functional engineering teams in the execution of ZT objectives. Serve as a mentor to junior and mid-level staff, conducting frequent whiteboard sessions to translate high-level ZT strategy into low-level technical implementation.
● Resident ZT Expert: Act as the command’s primary authority on ZT implementation, representing the architecture in all stakeholder engagements and technical working groups.
● Tactical Edge & DIL Strategy: Drive the strategic vision for ZT at the tactical edge, ensuring security models account for Disconnected, Intermittent, and Low-Bandwidth (DIL) warfighter environments.
● Phased Milestone Delivery: Direct technical efforts to ensure ZT "Target" activities are fully met by the FY27 mandate, while establishing the architectural runway for "Advanced" capabilities by the end of FY33.
● Hands-on Technical Execution: Perform system-level actions and router configurations; conduct deep-dive log analysis to validate policy enforcement and troubleshoot complex access issues across the SIE.
● Strategic Translation: Convert low-level technical data and telemetry into executive-level briefings and roadmaps for SOCOM leadership.
Technical Ecosystem (Modern ZT Tools)
**The candidate must demonstrate previous hands-on experience or the technical ability to perform actions within the following modern ZT toolsets:
● Identity (ICAM): Radiant Logic MUR, PingFederate/PingAccess, Microsoft Entra ID, and Delinea (PAM).
● Network & Transport: Cisco ACI, Cisco ISE (NAC/C2C), Cisco Secure Workload (Micro-segmentation), and Appgate SDP.
● Visibility & Analytics: Splunk ES, Cribl Stream, and CSNA (Cisco Secure Network Analytics).
● Data & Application: Trellix DLP, Microsoft Purview, Varonis (Data security/analytics), Checkmarx/Veracode (AppSec), and ThreatQuotient (TIP).
● Automation & XDR: Splunk SOAR, Microsoft Defender XDR, and Ansible for critical process automation.
Qualifications:
Required:
● Education: Master’s degree in Information Technology or Cybersecurity from a regionally accredited institution.
● Experience: 10+ years in Cybersecurity/Network Architecture, with a proven track record of leading technical teams and performing "low-level" engineering (router/system actions).
● Compliance & Certification: Must meet DoD 8140/8570.01-M IAM and IAT Level III standards.
○ GDSA (GIAC Defensible Security Architecture) is highly preferred.
○ CISSP is an acceptable alternative.
● Clearance: Active TS/SCI is mandatory.
● Communication: Exceptional ability to brief General Officers and teach technical staff in an educational/whiteboard setting.
What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$85,800 - $180,200