Lead Information Security Architect (SASE & SSE Specialist)

You could be the one who changes everything for our 28 million members by using technology to improve health outcomes around the world.  As a diversified, national organization, Centene's technology professionals have access to competitive benefits including a fresh perspective on workplace flexibility.
 

Position Purpose:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Information Security Architect to join our team. The ideal candidate will specialize in Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Security Service Edge (SSE) frameworks, with a strong background in networking, network security, and data protection. This role focuses on SASE and SSE frameworks, emphasizing Zero Trust methodologies and robust network / data security practices. As a key leader in the organization, you will drive security innovation and guide cross-functional teams to achieve an optimized and resilient IT environment. In this role, you will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced security architectures to protect our organization’s assets and ensure seamless connectivity for our workforce while maintaining robust data protection.

Architectural Leadership:

• Design and implement enterprise-scale SASE and SSE frameworks to enhance data protection and network security posture while supporting secure application access.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert (SME) for SASE, SSE, and Zero Trust initiatives, guiding the organization in adopting best practices and presenting recommendations to stakeholders.
• Lead the design of secure network architectures that incorporate Zero Trust principles, micro-segmentation, and least privilege access.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align security architecture with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Network & Data Security Expertise:

• Develop and enhance network security strategies, ensuring alignment with industry standards and business objectives.
• Design and oversee the implementation of advanced network / security solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), SD-WAN, and secure VPNs.
• Evaluate and integrate security technologies such as CASB, ZTNA, SWG, and DLP into the overall architecture.

Technology Evaluation and Integration:

• Assess, select, and implement SASE and SSE solutions, ensuring they meet organizational requirements for performance, scalability, and security.
• Collaborate with vendors and technology partners to stay ahead of emerging security trends and innovations.
• Perform ongoing evaluation of security tools and solutions to ensure continuous improvement and optimization.

Strategy and Governance:

• Establish and enforce architectural standards, best practices, and guidelines for implementing SASE and SSE solutions.
• Define and maintain security policies, procedures, and controls for a Zero Trust architecture.
• Ensure all security solutions comply with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and organizational policies.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with IT, security, and business teams to integrate security solutions seamlessly into the existing environment.
• Communicate complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders, promoting understanding and support for security initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Education/Experience:

A Bachelor's degree in a quantitative or business field (e.g., statistics, mathematics, engineering, computer science).
Requires 5 – 7 years of related experience.

Or equivalent experience acquired through accomplishments of applicable knowledge, duties, scope and skill reflective of the level of this position.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of Zero Trust principles and technologies.
• Expertise in SASE and SSE frameworks, including their core components such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Secure Web Gateway (SWG).
• Proficiency with security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, IPS/IDS, VPNs, and endpoint security solutions.
• Hands-on experience with networking protocols, SD-WAN, firewalls, and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS and Azure).
• Strong understanding of compliance standards and frameworks, such as NIST, ISO 27001, and MARS-E.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their security architectures.
• Familiarity with automation and scripting (e.g., Python, PowerShell) to enhance security operations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.

Soft Skills:

• Intermediate - Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
• Intermediate - Ability to identify basic problems and procedural irregularities, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Intermediate - Ability to work independently
• Intermediate - Demonstrated analytical skills
• Intermediate - Demonstrated project management skills
• Intermediate - Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
• Intermediate - Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision making skills
• Intermediate - Ability to communicate and make recommendations to upper management
• Intermediate - Ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion
• Intermediate - Possesses technical aptitude

License/Certification:

• Industry certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, CISM, or relevant cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Security – Specialty) are highly desirable.

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including: competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules.  Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives.

Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act