Chief Security Architect

Role overview

Responsibilities

• Lead security architecture design, implementation, and continuous improvement.
• Assess security posture and define standards and reference architectures.
• Work with engineering and operations teams to build security into system and application design.
• Conduct risk assessments, review controls, and advise on secure development practices.
• Provide architectural guidance during incident response.
• Track threats, technologies, and regulations and create practical security roadmaps and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Expertise in security architecture, frameworks, reference architectures, and standards.
• Strong application security and secure SDLC background.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, threat modeling, risk assessment, and control design.
• Hands-on network security experience with firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention, and segmentation.
• Knowledge of information security, data protection, access control, encryption, and governance.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and working with engineering, operations, and compliance stakeholders.
• Familiarity with ISO 27001, NIST, PCI DSS, or regional data protection requirements.
• Ability to explain complex security topics to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Cloud and hybrid security architecture experience is beneficial.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field, or equivalent practical experience; CISSP, CCSP, or SABSA certification is an advantage.

Workplace

• Hybrid work in Abu Dhabi Emirate, with flexibility for some work from home.