STEM OPT Security Architect Jobs
Security Architect roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, information security, or a related engineering field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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INTRODUCTION
Evolver Federal is seeking a Senior Security Architect to fulfil a requirement for a potential government client. The Senior Security Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise-level cybersecurity architectures that protect federal systems and data. This role ensures alignment with mission objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. The Senior Security Architect will lead the development of secure solutions, provide technical guidance on security design, and collaborate with stakeholders to integrate advanced security controls across complex environments. Acting as a trusted advisor, this position requires deep expertise in security frameworks, risk management, and emerging technologies to strengthen the organization's cyber resilience.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain enterprise security architecture aligned with federal standards (NIST 800-series, RMF, TIC 3.0).
- Design secure solutions for cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments, ensuring compliance with FISMA and OMB guidance.
- Lead architecture efforts for Zero Trust implementation across all enterprise IT systems of a large federal agency and ensure compliance with NIST 800-53 as per the agency timelines and priorities.
- Provide technical leadership for security design reviews, threat modeling, and risk assessments.
- Define and enforce security policies, standards, and reference architectures across programs.
- Collaborate with SOC, engineering, and operations teams to integrate security controls into systems and applications.
- Lead architecture efforts for Zero Trust implementation and advanced identity/access management solutions.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend enhancements to strengthen cybersecurity posture.
- Support incident response and forensic investigations by providing architectural insights.
- Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings on security architecture strategies and risk mitigation.
- Maintain documentation including security architecture diagrams, risk registers, and compliance reports.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Management (IM), Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent with 6 years of technical experience, or 4 years' experience in IT Solutions at senior management
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) mandatory with Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) concentration
- Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) (Highly Recommended)
- Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) 4 Foundation
- US Citizen with the ability to pass a comprehensive government background check
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience managing or supporting cybersecurity operations, including SOC functions, in a federal or highly regulated environment
- Experience leading cybersecurity programs within federal civilian agencies
- Experience with performance-based contracts and cross-functional team leadership
- Strong communication skills, including experience delivering executive briefings and incident communications
- Experience designing and implementing Zero Trust Architecture in federal environments.
- Familiarity with cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP) and container security (Kubernetes, Docker).
- Hands-on experience with SIEM, SOAR, and EDR platforms (Splunk, Cortex XSOAR, CrowdStrike).
- Strong understanding of encryption standards, PKI, and secure network design.
- Ability to lead architecture reviews and influence technical decisions across multiple programs.
- Experience integrating security into DevSecOps pipelines and CI/CD environments.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI-driven threat detection and quantum-safe cryptography.
Evolver Federal is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all job seekers. It is the policy of Evolver Federal not to discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, age, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic factors, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, or any other factor protected by law.
Actual salary will depend on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, market and work location. Evolver Federal offers competitive benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), flexible spending account, and paid leave (including PTO and parental leave) in accordance with our applicable plans and policies.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Security Architect
Confirm your CIP code covers security
Degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, or electrical engineering typically qualify, but information systems degrees vary by institution. Pull your transcript and cross-reference your exact CIP code against the STEM OPT designated degree program list before applying to roles.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment
Any employer hiring you on STEM OPT must be enrolled in E-Verify, not just willing to enroll later. Ask recruiters directly and confirm enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search tool before investing time in any application process.
Build your I-983 training plan early
Security Architect roles involve broad responsibilities, so your I-983 must map specific learning objectives to concrete tasks like threat modeling, zero-trust architecture design, or cloud security controls. A vague plan risks DSO rejection and delays your extension start date.
Target companies with active security LCA filings
Use the OFLC Wage Search to identify employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for security architect or information security roles. Recent LCA activity signals that a company has the compliance infrastructure to hire and maintain STEM OPT employees without friction.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified STEM OPT employers
Search for Security Architect roles on Migrate Mate to surface employers whose hiring history confirms they work with STEM OPT students. This cuts out companies that are unfamiliar with the E-Verify requirement or the I-983 process.
Negotiate your offer letter before the I-983 is drafted
Your job title, duties, and supervision structure in the offer letter must align with what you put in your I-983 training plan. Get those terms finalized in writing before your DSO prepares the plan to avoid inconsistencies that USCIS could flag during an audit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a Security Architect?
Your degree qualifies if it appears on the STEM OPT designated degree program list, which includes most computer science, cybersecurity, information assurance, and electrical engineering programs. The qualifying factor is your CIP code, not your job title. If your degree is in a field like information systems or management information systems, confirm your institution's specific CIP code against the published list before applying for the extension.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Security Architect role?
Your I-983 must connect your Security Architect duties to specific learning goals tied to your STEM degree. For this role, that means documenting objectives around areas like network security architecture, risk frameworks, or cloud security design, not just listing your job description. Your employer must sign it, and your DSO must approve it before USCIS processes your extension. Vague or mismatched objectives are a common reason DSOs send plans back for revision.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
You can search employer enrollment status directly through the E-Verify employer search tool, which is publicly accessible. Enrollment must be active at the time you begin working on the STEM OPT extension, not just promised for later. If a company says it will enroll after you join, that's a compliance risk for your status. Always verify before accepting an offer.
Does the cap-gap rule protect me while waiting for H-1B approval as a Security Architect?
Yes, if your OPT or STEM OPT end date falls before October 1 and your H-1B visa petition is filed and accepted under cap, the cap-gap rule extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. Your F-1 status and employment authorization remain valid during this period. USCIS provides guidance on cap-gap eligibility and documentation requirements on their official pages.
Where can I find Security Architect jobs from employers who already work with STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Security Architect roles from employers with verified STEM OPT hiring history, so you're not starting from zero on E-Verify and I-983 education. You can filter by role and see which companies have the compliance background to hire F-1 students on the extension. The O*NET profile for Security Architect roles also outlines the competencies and tasks that map well to I-983 training objectives.