Security Architect Jobs for OPT Students
Security Architect jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in cybersecurity, computer science, or information systems. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Expect employers in finance, defense contracting, and enterprise tech to require security clearance eligibility.
See All Security Architect JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 62+ Security Architect jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 62+ Security Architect jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Security Architect roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Responsibilities
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Security Architect in Davie, FL. Responsibilities:
- Lead the development of a strategic security architecture vision, including standards and frameworks that are aligned with overall business strategy using the current technology roadmap
- Participates in the writing of Security Standards and Policies
- Create security strategies to improve controls and architecture for critical security infrastructure including endpoints, mobile devices, containers, authentication and authorization, logging, and threat detection
- Provide subject matter expertise on infrastructure (on-prem & cloud), application, and database security
- Works with the business and IT from a security perspective - determines security requirements and infosec strategy by evaluating business strategies and requirements; researching information security standards; conducting system security, vulnerability analyses and risk assessments; studying architecture/platform; identifying integration issues; preparing cost estimates
- Collaborate with Dev teams in designing and continuously improving the Secure Software Development Lifecycle (S-SDLC)
- Enabling and facilitating Proof of Concepts
- Maintain a deep technical knowledge of Microsoft data center technologies, including Active Directory, Office 365, Azure, and Windows Servers
- Migrate on-premises workloads to the cloud
- Manage cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP, etc.) to ensure optimal security, performance, scalability, availability, and operations
- Review existing architecture, identify design gaps, and requiring security enhancements; coordinates with members of the IT and technology organization, as well as business, to plan, develop, implement and maintain compliance with Center for Internet Security (CIS) or other security configuration frameworks
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree preferred in Computer Sciences, Information Technology, or related field
- At least one industry standard certification such as GSEC, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or other security vendor certification
- Experience with container-based orchestration (Kubernetes and similar) and microservices architecture
- Experience of network design, mobile security, network and firewall security technologies and vulnerability management, scanning
- Experience managing project through the full system development lifecycle
- Working knowledge of Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA)
- Practical knowledge of any combination of Payment Card Industry (PCI), GDPR, NIST standards, or ISO27000 series
- Knowledge of web application security, browser security models, and application security vulnerabilities such as the OWASP Top Ten
- Deep understanding of network attacks, DDoS, Phishing, email protocols/security/spam, encryption, authentication, logging and log analysis, IP and device reputation, and security rules and policies
- High degree of skill and knowledge in managing and part taking in incident response, Intrusion Prevention Systems, Intrusion Detection Systems, SEIM, Endpoint security solutions
- Team player able to work effectively at all levels of an organization with the ability to influence others to move toward consensus
- Clear ability to build strong relationships and establish trust with stakeholders at all levels
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize and execute in a methodical and disciplined manner
- Multiple language abilities preferred - fluency in English (written and spoken) required
- Flexibility to travel as required up to 15% overnight travel
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law. This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.

Responsibilities
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Security Architect in Davie, FL. Responsibilities:
- Lead the development of a strategic security architecture vision, including standards and frameworks that are aligned with overall business strategy using the current technology roadmap
- Participates in the writing of Security Standards and Policies
- Create security strategies to improve controls and architecture for critical security infrastructure including endpoints, mobile devices, containers, authentication and authorization, logging, and threat detection
- Provide subject matter expertise on infrastructure (on-prem & cloud), application, and database security
- Works with the business and IT from a security perspective - determines security requirements and infosec strategy by evaluating business strategies and requirements; researching information security standards; conducting system security, vulnerability analyses and risk assessments; studying architecture/platform; identifying integration issues; preparing cost estimates
- Collaborate with Dev teams in designing and continuously improving the Secure Software Development Lifecycle (S-SDLC)
- Enabling and facilitating Proof of Concepts
- Maintain a deep technical knowledge of Microsoft data center technologies, including Active Directory, Office 365, Azure, and Windows Servers
- Migrate on-premises workloads to the cloud
- Manage cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP, etc.) to ensure optimal security, performance, scalability, availability, and operations
- Review existing architecture, identify design gaps, and requiring security enhancements; coordinates with members of the IT and technology organization, as well as business, to plan, develop, implement and maintain compliance with Center for Internet Security (CIS) or other security configuration frameworks
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree preferred in Computer Sciences, Information Technology, or related field
- At least one industry standard certification such as GSEC, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or other security vendor certification
- Experience with container-based orchestration (Kubernetes and similar) and microservices architecture
- Experience of network design, mobile security, network and firewall security technologies and vulnerability management, scanning
- Experience managing project through the full system development lifecycle
- Working knowledge of Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA)
- Practical knowledge of any combination of Payment Card Industry (PCI), GDPR, NIST standards, or ISO27000 series
- Knowledge of web application security, browser security models, and application security vulnerabilities such as the OWASP Top Ten
- Deep understanding of network attacks, DDoS, Phishing, email protocols/security/spam, encryption, authentication, logging and log analysis, IP and device reputation, and security rules and policies
- High degree of skill and knowledge in managing and part taking in incident response, Intrusion Prevention Systems, Intrusion Detection Systems, SEIM, Endpoint security solutions
- Team player able to work effectively at all levels of an organization with the ability to influence others to move toward consensus
- Clear ability to build strong relationships and establish trust with stakeholders at all levels
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize and execute in a methodical and disciplined manner
- Multiple language abilities preferred - fluency in English (written and spoken) required
- Flexibility to travel as required up to 15% overnight travel
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law. This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Security Architect
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Security Architect positions typically fall under CIP code 11.1003 (Computer and Information Systems Security). Verify your degree matches a qualifying STEM field before applying, since your OPT extension depends on this alignment between your program and the job.
Address security clearance requirements early
Many Security Architect roles in defense or federal contracting require a U.S. security clearance, which F-1 students are generally ineligible for. Filter for private-sector or commercial roles where clearance is preferred but not required to avoid wasted applications.
Highlight certifications alongside your degree
Employers screening OPT candidates often use certifications like CISSP, CISM, or AWS Security Specialty as a proxy for readiness. Holding even one relevant certification strengthens your case and signals you can contribute without extensive ramp-up time.
Target employers with established OPT hiring processes
Large financial institutions, cloud providers, and healthcare technology companies hire Security Architects on OPT regularly. These organizations have HR and legal teams familiar with I-983 reporting requirements, making the authorization process smoother for both sides.
Frame your visa status around continuity, not risk
Hiring managers often see OPT as a short-term commitment. Emphasize your timeline clearly: STEM OPT gives up to 36 months, and H-1B sponsorship is a well-established path that many security-focused employers have navigated before for specialized technical roles.
Security Architect jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Security Architect JobsSee all 62+ Security Architect jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Security Architect roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Security Architects in the United States?
Yes. F-1 students who have completed a qualifying STEM degree can work as Security Architects on standard OPT for 12 months, with a 24-month STEM extension available for up to 36 months total. The role must be directly related to your field of study, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to support the STEM extension.
Do Security Architect jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, provided your underlying degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as computer science, information systems, or cybersecurity. The job itself must also be related to that field of study. Your Designated School Official confirms eligibility when you apply for the extension through your university. If your degree is in a non-STEM field, you are limited to 12 months of OPT.
How do I find Security Architect jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Many employers do not advertise OPT eligibility in job postings, so filtering by sponsorship willingness manually is time-consuming. Migrate Mate curates Security Architect roles from employers with documented histories of hiring international candidates, letting you focus on applications where your work authorization is already a known factor rather than a hurdle.
Does a security clearance requirement disqualify me as an OPT student?
In most cases, yes. Active security clearances require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and F-1 students are not eligible. Roles that list a clearance as required, particularly those supporting federal agencies or defense contractors, will generally not move forward with OPT candidates. Focus your search on commercial or private-sector Security Architect roles where clearance is listed as a plus, not a requirement.
Will employers sponsor H-1B after hiring me on OPT as a Security Architect?
Many do, particularly in enterprise technology, financial services, and healthcare IT, where Security Architects are in sustained demand. Your 36-month STEM OPT window gives employers enough runway to sponsor an H-1B petition in April and have it take effect the following October without any gap in your employment. Raising the H-1B conversation during the offer stage, not after onboarding, sets a cleaner expectation for both sides.
See which Security Architect employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Security Architect Jobs