Security Architect Jobs in California
Security Architect jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with demand concentrated in technology, defense, financial services, and healthcare across roles from associate security architect through principal and CISO-track positions. The largest hiring markets are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers such as Google, Northrop Grumman, and Wells Fargo maintain deep security engineering teams. The most in-demand specialties in California are cloud security architecture, zero-trust network design, and compliance-focused security for regulated industries. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 4 of 42+ Security Architect jobs
Job ID 2026-19802
Date posted Oct. 30, 2026
Location San Diego, California
Category Hardware Engineering
We are seeking an experienced and highly-skilled SoC (System-on-Chip) Security Architect to join our diverse and highly skilled team. We have great opportunities for experienced and self-motivated SoC Engineers with demonstrated expertise in SoC Security Solutions and requirements and looking to make a difference in an innovative and inclusive team. If you're ready to make an impact, you have found the right place!
Responsibilities:
As the Security Architecture, you will be accountable for defining and developing creative Security Architecture solutions for SoCs for multiple product market segments. This includes solutions for the SoC Root of Trust, Secure Boot, Key Management, Confidential Compute, Authentication and Encryption, and Secure Manufacturing and Device Lifetime Management. The SOC Security Architect will be architecting and designing access control solutions for Confidential Compute and Secure Media Pipeline. The Architect will design hardware and software solutions ensuring secure privilege management and security policy mechanisms, ensuring authenticity, isolation and confidentiality of valuable assets. You will perform threat modeling, define software security requirements and collaborate with peers to refine security design guidelines to ensure robust system protection.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Extensive security experience – Illustrated experience in Applied Cryptography, Key Derivation and Management, Secure Boot, Secure Manufacturing, and Confidentiality. Ability to design and build innovative and collaborative solutions.
- Security analysis & cryptographic expertise – Proficient in application of cryptographic algorithms, protocols, hardware/software threat analysis, risk assessment, and certification processes. Experience with side-channel hardware and firmware threats (SPA, DPA, fault injection, DRM, etc.) and common and creative resistance countermeasures.
- Secure system architecture – Experience building ARM or x86 based SOC security product architecture, secure boot, attestation protocols, and update/recovery mechanisms. Deep understanding of memory safety, control flow integrity, isolation and virtualization, and end-to-end confidentiality technologies.
- Platform security expertise – Senior-level knowledge of Android, Windows, or IoT-based security attacks, including application, framework, kernel, and hardware interactions.
- Leadership & strategic innovation – Strong evidence of experience in technology roadmap planning, technology innovations, and leading multi-national security teams. Familiarity and understanding of pioneering solutions and ability to strategically influence the multi-functional security roadmap.
In Return:
We are proud to have a set of behaviors that reflect our culture and guide our decisions, defining how we work together to innovate, defy ordinary, and shape outstanding products!
- Partner and customer focus
- Teamwork and communication
- Creativity and innovation
- Team and personal growth and development
- Impact and influence
- Deliver on your promises
United in Purpose, Empowered Through Inclusion
At Arm, we are dedicated to shaping an environment that encourages the unleashing of brilliance, the development of groundbreaking ideas, and the upliftment of each other for collective progress. Together, let's shape a workplace where innovation not only thrives but is nurtured, and where every voice is not just heard, but genuinely valued.
Salary Range:
$249,900-$338,100 per year
We value people as individuals and our dedication is to reward people competitively and equitably for the work they do and the skills and experience they bring to Arm. Salary is only one component of Arm's offering. The total reward package will be shared with candidates during the recruitment and selection process.
Our 10x Mindset
At Arm, we believe progress happens when people are empowered to think bigger and push beyond what seems possible. Our 10x mindset is about curiosity, ambition and creating impact that will be used by millions. We learn fast, prioritise collaboration and turn bold ideas into real technology. We look for people who are inspired by this way of working and want to grow in an environment where bold ideas are welcomed. Discover how the 10x mindset shapes life at Arm: https://careers.arm.com/10x-mindset (opens in new window)
Use of AI in Your Application
At Arm, we embrace the benefits AI can bring, including in recruitment. You may use AI to support your preparation, such as improving the clarity of written responses, practicing interview questions, or learning more about our industry. However, your application and interview responses must reflect your own thinking, experience, and abilities. We want to understand your authentic perspective, creativity, and approach to problem solving. As such, you may not use AI to complete assigned tasks as part of any assessments. If you plan to use AI-supported or assistive technologies as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact accommodations@arm.com so we can support you.
Recruitment Adjustments and Accommodations
At Arm, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email accommodations@arm.com. To note, by sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation or adjustment requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary to provide the accommodation. Although this is not an exhaustive list, examples of support include breaks between interviews, having documents read aloud, or office accessibility. Please email us about anything we can do to accommodate you during the recruitment process.
Hybrid Working
Arm’s approach to hybrid working is designed to create a working environment that supports both high performance and personal wellbeing. We believe in bringing people together face to face to enable us to work at pace, whilst recognizing the value of flexibility. Within that framework, we empower groups/teams to determine their own hybrid working patterns, depending on the work and the team’s needs. Details of what this means for each role will be shared upon application. In some cases, the flexibility we can offer is limited by local legal, regulatory, tax, or other considerations, and where this is the case, we will collaborate with you to find the best solution. Please talk to us to find out more about what this could look like for you.
Equal Opportunities
Arm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Job ID 2026-19802
Date posted Oct. 30, 2026
Location San Diego, California
Category Hardware Engineering
We are seeking an experienced and highly-skilled SoC (System-on-Chip) Security Architect to join our diverse and highly skilled team. We have great opportunities for experienced and self-motivated SoC Engineers with demonstrated expertise in SoC Security Solutions and requirements and looking to make a difference in an innovative and inclusive team. If you're ready to make an impact, you have found the right place!
Responsibilities:
As the Security Architecture, you will be accountable for defining and developing creative Security Architecture solutions for SoCs for multiple product market segments. This includes solutions for the SoC Root of Trust, Secure Boot, Key Management, Confidential Compute, Authentication and Encryption, and Secure Manufacturing and Device Lifetime Management. The SOC Security Architect will be architecting and designing access control solutions for Confidential Compute and Secure Media Pipeline. The Architect will design hardware and software solutions ensuring secure privilege management and security policy mechanisms, ensuring authenticity, isolation and confidentiality of valuable assets. You will perform threat modeling, define software security requirements and collaborate with peers to refine security design guidelines to ensure robust system protection.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Extensive security experience – Illustrated experience in Applied Cryptography, Key Derivation and Management, Secure Boot, Secure Manufacturing, and Confidentiality. Ability to design and build innovative and collaborative solutions.
- Security analysis & cryptographic expertise – Proficient in application of cryptographic algorithms, protocols, hardware/software threat analysis, risk assessment, and certification processes. Experience with side-channel hardware and firmware threats (SPA, DPA, fault injection, DRM, etc.) and common and creative resistance countermeasures.
- Secure system architecture – Experience building ARM or x86 based SOC security product architecture, secure boot, attestation protocols, and update/recovery mechanisms. Deep understanding of memory safety, control flow integrity, isolation and virtualization, and end-to-end confidentiality technologies.
- Platform security expertise – Senior-level knowledge of Android, Windows, or IoT-based security attacks, including application, framework, kernel, and hardware interactions.
- Leadership & strategic innovation – Strong evidence of experience in technology roadmap planning, technology innovations, and leading multi-national security teams. Familiarity and understanding of pioneering solutions and ability to strategically influence the multi-functional security roadmap.
In Return:
We are proud to have a set of behaviors that reflect our culture and guide our decisions, defining how we work together to innovate, defy ordinary, and shape outstanding products!
- Partner and customer focus
- Teamwork and communication
- Creativity and innovation
- Team and personal growth and development
- Impact and influence
- Deliver on your promises
United in Purpose, Empowered Through Inclusion
At Arm, we are dedicated to shaping an environment that encourages the unleashing of brilliance, the development of groundbreaking ideas, and the upliftment of each other for collective progress. Together, let's shape a workplace where innovation not only thrives but is nurtured, and where every voice is not just heard, but genuinely valued.
Salary Range:
$249,900-$338,100 per year
We value people as individuals and our dedication is to reward people competitively and equitably for the work they do and the skills and experience they bring to Arm. Salary is only one component of Arm's offering. The total reward package will be shared with candidates during the recruitment and selection process.
Our 10x Mindset
At Arm, we believe progress happens when people are empowered to think bigger and push beyond what seems possible. Our 10x mindset is about curiosity, ambition and creating impact that will be used by millions. We learn fast, prioritise collaboration and turn bold ideas into real technology. We look for people who are inspired by this way of working and want to grow in an environment where bold ideas are welcomed. Discover how the 10x mindset shapes life at Arm: https://careers.arm.com/10x-mindset (opens in new window)
Use of AI in Your Application
At Arm, we embrace the benefits AI can bring, including in recruitment. You may use AI to support your preparation, such as improving the clarity of written responses, practicing interview questions, or learning more about our industry. However, your application and interview responses must reflect your own thinking, experience, and abilities. We want to understand your authentic perspective, creativity, and approach to problem solving. As such, you may not use AI to complete assigned tasks as part of any assessments. If you plan to use AI-supported or assistive technologies as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact accommodations@arm.com so we can support you.
Recruitment Adjustments and Accommodations
At Arm, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email accommodations@arm.com. To note, by sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation or adjustment requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary to provide the accommodation. Although this is not an exhaustive list, examples of support include breaks between interviews, having documents read aloud, or office accessibility. Please email us about anything we can do to accommodate you during the recruitment process.
Hybrid Working
Arm’s approach to hybrid working is designed to create a working environment that supports both high performance and personal wellbeing. We believe in bringing people together face to face to enable us to work at pace, whilst recognizing the value of flexibility. Within that framework, we empower groups/teams to determine their own hybrid working patterns, depending on the work and the team’s needs. Details of what this means for each role will be shared upon application. In some cases, the flexibility we can offer is limited by local legal, regulatory, tax, or other considerations, and where this is the case, we will collaborate with you to find the best solution. Please talk to us to find out more about what this could look like for you.
Equal Opportunities
Arm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
See All 42 Security Architect Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Security Architect JobsSecurity Architect Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Architect Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Manufacturing
- Fashion & Apparel
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security architect jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or a closely related field
- Active CISSP certification recognized as the baseline credential across California employers
- Five or more years of hands-on experience in security engineering or network security
- Deep knowledge of cloud security architecture across AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
- Experience designing zero-trust frameworks and security controls for enterprise environments
- Familiarity with California compliance requirements including CCPA and CPRA data protection rules
Security Architect Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security architect in California?
The path into security architecture in California typically starts with a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or information systems, followed by several years working in security engineering, network security, or systems administration. California has no state-issued license for security architects, but employers consistently require the CISSP credential from ISC2, and many also value CISM or cloud-specific certifications. Building experience with enterprise environments and compliance frameworks relevant to California, such as CCPA, strengthens candidacy significantly.
How much do security architects make in California?
Security architects in California earn a median of about $138,570 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $66,070 for the lowest 10% to over $221,000 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security architects in California?
Employers hiring security architects in California right now include EY, Jobot, and Skechers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of major technology headquarters, defense contractors, and large financial institutions means steady and recurring demand for experienced security architecture talent.
Which California cities have the most security architect jobs?
Santa Clara, San Diego, and San Jose have the most security architect openings in California. The San Francisco Bay Area leads because of its density of technology company headquarters and venture-backed firms with mature security programs, while Los Angeles draws demand from entertainment, aerospace, and defense sectors, and San Diego's openings are largely driven by the region's strong defense contractor and biotech presence.
Are there remote security architect jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. Security architecture is largely analytical and design-focused, making it well suited to remote work compared to hands-on technical roles. About 58% of security architect openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how broadly California employers have embraced distributed security teams. The most consistently remote portions of the work are threat modeling, policy development, and architecture review rather than hands-on infrastructure deployment.
How can I get hired as a security architect in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving laterally from a security analyst, network engineer, or systems administrator role into architecture work. Large California technology companies and defense contractors such as those in the greater Los Angeles and San Diego corridors often post associate security engineer roles that serve as a direct on-ramp. Completing the CISSP or an entry-level cloud security certification and building a portfolio of architecture diagrams or threat models gives candidates a concrete edge when competing for California positions without a long security architecture title history.
Where can I find and apply to security architect jobs in California?
You can find and apply to security architect jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 42 Security Architect Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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