Lead Cloud Security Architect

We're seeking a senior cybersecurity leader to serve as a trusted advisor on enterprise architecture, cloud, and AI risk decisions before they become operational realities. This is a high-impact, hands-on role focused on independent technical judgment, risk analysis, and executive decision support.

This is a contract to hire that is hybrid 3 days per week in the Dallas/Plano area

What You'll Do

• Lead risk assessments for enterprise security architecture, cloud, AI, and emerging technologies.
• Challenge designs through threat modeling, resilience analysis, and evidence-based risk evaluation.
• Assess AI security, governance, identity, data protection, cloud architecture, and operational resilience.
• Influence senior engineering and business leaders on critical technology decisions.
• Translate complex technical risk into clear, executive-ready recommendations.
• Drive enterprise-wide improvements by turning recurring issues into scalable security patterns.

What You Bring

• 12+ years of cybersecurity, architecture, cloud security, AI security, or related technology experience.
• Deep expertise in enterprise architecture, cloud platforms, security controls, identity, APIs, and data protection.
• Strong threat modeling, scenario analysis, and risk assessment skills.
• Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders and challenge assumptions with credibility and confidence.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical issues for business leaders.