About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about designing and implementing Zero Trust security measures for IT systems. You'll focus on ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access networks and data, while continuously improving security protocols. It's primarily an individual contributor role with a strong emphasis on technical expertise in cybersecurity.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in cybersecurity, particularly with Zero Trust frameworks, and are comfortable working independently. A background in IT architecture and hands-on experience with security tools is essential.

Worth noting

The salary is quite high at $243,100, which may reflect the specialized skills required. The role is with Accenture Federal Services, which emphasizes a collaborative culture but may involve navigating complex government projects.

At Accenture Federal Services, nothing matters more than helping the US federal government make the nation stronger and safer and life better for people. Our 13,000+ people are united in a shared purpose to pursue the limitless potential of technology and ingenuity for clients across defense, national security, public safety, civilian, and military health organizations.

Join Accenture Federal Services, a technology company within global Accenture. Recognized as a Glassdoor Top 100 Best Place to Work, we offer a collaborative and caring community where you feel like you belong and are empowered to grow, learn and thrive through hands-on experience, certifications, industry training and more.

Join us to drive positive, lasting change that moves missions and the government forward!

Job Description:

The Zero Trust Architect is responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of IT infrastructure and systems by designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced security measures to protect data, systems, and networks from threats. This role leads the design and deployment of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), ensuring verification of every access request and guaranteeing that only authorized users and devices are permitted into networks, systems, and applications. The Zero Trust Architect also develops and implements mechanisms to enforce strict least‑privilege access, ensuring the minimum necessary permissions are granted across the environment.

The Work:

Design, implement, and maintain enterprise‑level cybersecurity controls to protect IT systems, networks, and data.
Lead the architecture, implementation, and continuous improvement of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) across the organization.
Establish and enforce continuous verification mechanisms for user and device access requests.
Develop and implement processes for enforcing least‑privilege access for all identities and endpoints.
Conduct risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to improve security posture.
Utilize security tools such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, antivirus platforms, encryption systems, and identity‑driven controls.
Identify security gaps, design mitigation strategies, and support secure system architecture development.
Provide expert‑level guidance on ZTA principles, methodologies, frameworks, and best practices.
Collaborate closely with IT, security, leadership, and cross‑functional teams to support secure system operations.
Prepare technical documentation, architecture diagrams, and security plans to support compliance and governance efforts.

Here's what you need:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Cybersecurity, or a related field; or 4 years additional equivalent work experience.
Experience in Zero Trust security principles, models, and frameworks.
Experience performing risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing.
Masters or Ph.D in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Technology or Software Engineering, OR possess a DoD 8140 Certification

Bonus points if you have:

Industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, CySA+, or other relevant credentials.
Familiarity with federal cybersecurity standards, policies, and governance frameworks.

Security Clearance:

Must be a US citizen (No Dual Citizenship)
Must possess an active Secret clearance

As required by local law, Accenture Federal Services provides reasonable ranges of compensation for hired roles based on labor costs in the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Vermont, the District of Columbia, and the city of Cleveland. The base pay range for this position in these locations is shown below. Compensation for roles at Accenture Federal Services varies depending on a wide array of factors, including but not limited to office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Accenture Federal Services offers a wide variety of benefits. You can find more information on benefits here. We accept applications on an on-going basis and there is no fixed deadline to apply.

The pay range for the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Vermont, the District of Columbia, and the city of Cleveland is:

$116,900—$243,100 USD

What We Believe

As a company wholly dedicated to serving the US federal government, we bring together the best talent to help reinvent how federal agencies operate and deliver greater value for their mission and the American people. We have an unwavering commitment to creating a culture in which all our people are respected, feel a sense of belonging, and have equal opportunity. As a business imperative, every person at Accenture Federal Services has the responsibility to create and sustain a culture where everyone feels welcomed and included. This is grounded in our core values and our experience that hiring and developing great people who reflect different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds is key to driving innovation and delivering the results that our clients and the country count on.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities. For details, view a copy of the Accenture Federal Services Equal Opportunity Policy Statement.

Accenture Federal Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Additionally, as an Affirmative Action Employer for Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, Accenture Federal Services is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.

Requesting An Accommodation

Accenture Federal Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture Federal Services and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.

If you are being considered for employment opportunities with Accenture Federal Services and need an accommodation for a disability or religious observance during the interview process or for the job you are interviewing for, please speak with your recruiter.

Other Employment Statements

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture Federal Services or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration.

Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information.

California requires additional notifications for applicants and employees. If you are a California resident, live in or plan to work from Los Angeles County upon being hired for this position, please click here for additional important information.

Skills & Tags

go rust ai data design

Aplyr's read

Accenture Federal Services specializes in providing technology and consulting solutions to U.S. government agencies, attracting professionals skilled in digital transformation and cybersecurity.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Strong focus on digital transformation for government clients.
•Diverse range of roles from cybersecurity to data analytics.
•Opportunities to work on impactful federal projects.

What to watch

•Navigating complex government regulations can be challenging.
•High demand for security clearances may limit applicant pool.
•Work-life balance can be strained due to project deadlines.

Why Accenture Federal Services

•Specializes in serving U.S. federal agencies with tailored solutions.
•Combines global expertise with local insights for government projects.
•Emphasizes cybersecurity and digital innovation in public sector.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Accenture Federal Services

Accenture Federal Services

accenturefederal.com

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Accenture is a global professional services company providing a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, digital transformation, technology, and operations.