Zscaler Enterprise Architect #8511

Overview

GovCIO is seeking an experienced Zscaler Enterprise Architect to define and deliver enterprise-wide firewall, web security proxy, and secure network architecture solutions across data centers, cloud, and distributed field locations. The Architect will set strategy, design scalable and highly available security platforms, lead complex implementations and migrations, and drive governance, automation, and continuous improvement of network security controls. This position will be within United States and will be fully remote.

Responsibilities

• Define enterprise network security architecture and roadmap for next-generation firewalls, web security proxies, VPNs, and related controls across data centers, cloud, and branch/remote sites. 

• Lead design and implementation of Palo Alto Networks NGFW solutions at scale, including architecture patterns for segmentation, security policies, NAT, VPNs (IPsec/SSL), threat prevention, URL filtering, TLS/SSL decryption, and high-availability/clustering. 

• Architect and validate network designs for Cisco routing and switching across LAN/WAN, ensuring performance, resilience, and security for high-throughput environments. 

• Own architecture and deployment strategies for web security platforms (McAfee Web Gateway / Web Security Proxy) and cloud-based secure web gateways (e.g., Zscaler), including policy models, threat protection, content inspection, and telemetry integration. 

• Integrate network security solutions with enterprise identity and authentication services (Active Directory, LDAP, RADIUS, TACACS+, 802.1X), enabling centralized policy enforcement and role-based access controls. 

• Define secure network segmentation, micro-segmentation, and zero-trust network access strategies; produce reference architectures, design patterns, and configuration baselines. 

• Drive cross-functional security initiatives: large-scale firewall and proxy migrations, datacenter-to-cloud transition, SD-WAN and SASE adoption, and consolidation of security tooling. 

• Establish governance: security policy lifecycle, rulebase rationalization, change control, risk assessments, and exception processes. 

• Design and implement logging, telemetry, and monitoring architectures to surface threats, performance issues, and policy violations; integrate with SIEM, SOAR, and observability platforms. 

• Lead incident response for network security events, conduct root-cause analysis, and define remediation and preventative controls. 

• Optimize operational processes via automation and IaC (Ansible, Terraform, scripts) for deployment, configuration management, and compliance validation. 

• Provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, coordinate vendor engagements, and influence executive stakeholders on strategy, budgets, and roadmap. 

• Ensure architectures meet regulatory, compliance, and audit requirements; produce documentation, diagrams, and security design reviews. 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent experience with 15+ years (or commensurate experience) 

Required Skills and Experience 

• 10+ years of progressive networking and security experience, including 5+ years in architecture/lead roles. 

• Deep, demonstrable expertise with Palo Alto Networks NGFW architecture and deployment at enterprise scale. 

• Extensive experience with Cisco routing and switching design across enterprise LAN/WAN and data center environments. 

• Strong experience designing and deploying McAfee Web Gateway/Web Security Proxy and cloud secure web gateway solutions (e.g., Zscaler). 

• In-depth knowledge of TCP/IP, routing protocols, switching, VLANs, VRFs, ACLs, NAT, QoS, DNS/DHCP/NTP. 

• Expertise in VPN technologies (IPsec, SSL/TLS), secure remote access, and zero-trust network architectures. 

• Hands-on experience integrating security platforms with AD/LDAP, RADIUS/TACACS+, and 802.1X. 

• Proven ability with automation and Infrastructure as Code (Ansible, Terraform, Python scripting) for network/security operations. 

• Experience with logging / telemetry integration, SIEM, threat detection, and incident response processes. 

• Strong documentation, architecture modeling, and stakeholder communication skills. 

Clearance Required: Must be able to attain and maintain an AOUSC Public Trust 

 
Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Master’s preferred 

• Relevant certifications: Palo Alto (PCNSE/PCNSA), Cisco (CCNP/CCIE), CISSP, SANS/GIAC. 

• Experience with SD-WAN, SASE, cloud networking (AWS, Azure), and micro-segmentation technologies. 

• Prior experience leading large-scale migrations, global rollouts, or managed security 

Company Overview

GovCIO is a team of transformers--people who are passionate about transforming government IT. Every day, we make a positive impact by delivering innovative IT services and solutions that improve how government agencies operate and serve our citizens.

But we can't do it alone. We need great people to help us do great things - for our customers, our culture, and our ability to attract other great people. We are changing the face of government IT and building a workforce that fuels this mission. Are you ready to be a transformer?

What You Can Expect

Interview & Hiring Process

If you are selected to move forward through the process, here’s what you can expect:

• During the Interview Process
• Virtual video interview conducted via video with the hiring manager and/or team
• Camera must be on
• A valid photo ID must be presented during each interview

• During the Hiring Process
• Enhanced Biometrics ID verification screening
• Background check, to include:
• Criminal history (past 7 years)
• Verification of your highest level of education
• Verification of your employment history (past 7 years), based on information provided in your application

Employee Perks

At GovCIO, we consistently hear that meaningful work and a collaborative team environment are two of the top reasons our employees enjoy working here. In addition, our employees have access to a range of perks and benefits to support their personal and professional well-being, beyond the standard company offered health benefits, including:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Corporate Discounts
• Learning & Development platform, to include certification preparation content
• Training, Education and Certification Assistance*
• Referral Bonus Program
• Internal Mobility Program
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Work Environment

*Available to full-time employees

Our employees’ unique talents and contributions are the driving force behind our success in supporting our customers, which ultimately fuels the success of our company. Join us and be a part of a culture that invests in its people and prioritizes continuous enhancement of the employee experience.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EOE, including disability/vets.

Posted Pay Range

The posted pay range, if referenced, reflects the range expected for this position at the commencement of employment, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and internal equity. The total compensation package for this position may also include other compensation elements, to be discussed during the hiring process. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the GovCIO reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, GovCIO or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Pay range: $160,000 - $180,000 Annually