RQ11201 - Technology Architect - Senior

:\n\nDescription: The Senior Technology Architect role requires deep knowledge, expertise and experience in next-generation network security, cyber security solutions, security operations (SecOps), automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber security, and managed / shared security services (MSS) models. The resource must have hands-on experience in designing, developing and implementing cyber security architectures and solutions, particularly within the education sector—preferably in the Ontario K–12 school board environment. This resource is responsible for, but not limited to:Leading the end-to-end technical integration strategy and architecture design for the Cyber Security Operating Model (CSOM) across participating school boards.Providing subject matter expertise and strategic advice on all aspects of cyber security, network architecture, and modern security frameworks and solutions such as:Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and cloud security architectureMITRE ATT&CK, D3FEND and ATLAS frameworksNIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) v2 and CIS Controls v8Various vendor platforms (e.g., Microsoft, AWS, Google)Security operations (SecOps) and AI-Operations (AIOps) practicesLeading AI-infused transformation through design and implementation of intelligent and autonomous security capabilities, including:SOAR and Agentic AI solutionsAI/ML-driven analytics and threat detectionUser and Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA)Automated threat detection, response, and orchestration workflowsDesigning and implementing hybrid cyber security operating models integrating internal teams and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), including:MSS strategy, onboarding, optimization and performance managementAlignment and integration of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR), EDR/XDR, and threat intelligence platformsSchool board MSS readiness, transition planning, and governance modelsSecurity operations architecture, threat detection, incident response, and automation workflowsGovernance, risk, and compliance in hybrid (in-house and outsourced) environmentsDesigning and delivering solution architecture, training, and implementation support for next-generation network and cyber security technologies, including:Security Service Edge (SSE) / Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), including integration of network and security functions such as Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA), and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS)SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and SDN (Software-Defined Networking)dentity and access management (passwordless, password-based, certificate-based, and multi-factor authentication (MFA))Endpoint security (Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Extended Detection and Response (XDR))Advanced threat protection (Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Network Access Control (NAC), and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) protection)AI/ML-enabled monitoring, analytics, and automationIncident Response (IR) and Incident Management (IM)Vulnerability management and patching automationPenetration testing and automated red teamingOperational Technology (OT) securityCloud adoption and modernization strategies, including segmentation, resilience, and data residencyDeveloping and maintaining enterprise reference architectures to ensure alignment across infrastructure, security, and operational domains.Providing subject matter expertise in Network Operations Centre (NOC) and Security Operations Centre (SOC) technologies and tools, including SIEM, SOAR, and network monitoring and management platforms.Supporting school boards in transitioning from an internal SecOps model to a hybrid managed security services (MSS) model, including:Strategic advisory and implementation supportTelemetry and metrics designInternal operations optimizationMSS integration and optimizationAdvising on modernization strategies—including cloud adoption, network segmentation, data residency, and distributed identity models—ensuring alignment with provincial and education-sector requirements.Leading architecture and capability assessments across K–12 environments and MSSPs to inform solution design and telemetry optimization.Developing strategic technology roadmaps based on emerging cyber security trends, threat landscape evolution, and industry best practices.Creating and maintaining technical documentation and specifications, including architecture designs, options analysis, and cost modelling.Maintaining awareness of the evolving cyber threat landscape, particularly within the K–12 sector, and applying insights to improve security posture and practices.Presenting to senior leadership and external stakeholders, as required.Providing status reporting on deliverables and project progress.Collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups to support solution definition, design, and implementation.Aligning with industry and legislative advancements at the federal and provincial level (e.g., Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024 (EDSTA))Delivering on other duties as assigned. This work involves working in close partnership with sector technical IT leads (e.g., school board IT leads), to develop tailored approaches and implementation plans. To support various stakeholders, the resource must be available to perform hands-on configuration, troubleshooting and training at the client site. Therefore, the resource must be available to travel same day or overnight in Ontario, as needed. The unit manager may assign other related board work for other unit or branch initiatives, as required. Requirements Experience and Skill Set Requirements: Must Haves:10+ years of experience in cyber security and next-generation network security, with a strong focus on architecture design, integration, strategic planning, and implementation.5+ years of experience designing and implementing secure, enterprise-wide architectures across cloud, network, identity, and security operations domains, Cloud-delivered security architectures (SSE/SASE, including SWG, CASB, FWaaS, ZTNA)Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)Cloud security architectures (Microsoft, AWS, Google)AI/ML-driven cyber security capabilities and automationEndpoint security solutions (EPP, EDR, XDR)Vulnerability management and patching automationProven experience designing and implementing hybrid (internal and outsourced) security operations modelsStrong knowledge of managed security service delivery models, including MSSP, MDR, and SOC-as-a-Service (SOCaaS).5+ years of experience with network infrastructure (LAN/WAN, VPN, VLAN) and core components (switches, routers, firewalls) 5+ years of experience with SDN and SD-WAN technologies (e.g., Fortinet, Cisco Meraki, Palo Alto) 10+ years of experience providing advisory services to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.5+ years of experience leading complex, cross-functional technical initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.Experience developing strategic cyber security and network technology roadmaps and modernization strategies.5+ years of experience advising organizations on adoption of managed security service models (fully outsourced, co-managed, hybrid).Preferred certifications include:CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)Other relevant certifications such as CEH, CISA, CRISC Nice to have:preferably within Ontario K–12 school boards.MITRE ATT&CK, D3FEND, and ATLAS frameworksUser and Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA)Penetration testing and automated red teamingpreferably within Ontario’s K–12 education sector.Experience establishing governance models and evaluating MSSP performance and service delivery.Postgraduate degree (e.g., M.Sc. and/or Ph.D.) in computer science, cyber security or engineering is preferred.5+ years’ hands-on experience working in the K-12 education sector, with Ontario K-12 school boards, in particular with school board network, network security and cyber security. Skill Set Requirements: Cyber security, network security and architecture expertise:10+ years of experience in cyber security and next-generation network security, with a strong focus on architecture design, integration, strategic planning, and implementation.5+ years of experience designing and implementing secure, enterprise-wide architectures across cloud, network, identity, and security operations domains, preferably within Ontario K–12 school boards.5+ years of experience in advanced network security, including software-defined environments (SDN/SD-WAN), preferably within Ontario K–12 school boards.Proven hands-on experience designing, implementing, and integrating the following solutions and technologies:Cloud-delivered security architectures (SSE/SASE, including SWG, CASB, FWaaS, ZTNA)Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)Cloud security architectures (Microsoft, AWS, Google)MITRE ATT&CK, D3FEND, and ATLAS frameworksNIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) v2 and CIS Controls v8AI/ML-driven cyber security capabilities and automationSecurity orchestration, automation, and playbook developmentEndpoint security solutions (EPP, EDR, XDR)Advanced threat protection (IDS/IPS, DDoS protection, Network Access Control)Identity and access management (passwordless, certificate-based, MFA/2FA)Incident response and incident management (IR/IM)Vulnerability management and patching automationUser and Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA)Penetration testing and automated red teamingOperational Technology (OT) securityProven experience designing and implementing hybrid (internal and outsourced) security operations models, including:Integration and optimization of internal security teams and managed security service providers (MSSPs)Security operations architecture in hybrid environmentsThreat detection and incident response in co-managed modelsIntegration of SIEM, SOAR, EDR/XDR, and threat intelligence platformsAutomation and orchestration workflowsGovernance, risk, and compliance in hybrid security operations environmentsStrong knowledge of managed security service delivery models, including MSSP, MDR, and SOC-as-a-Service (SOCaaS).Strong knowledge of federated and multi-tenant security architectures.Demonstrated ability to evaluate and assess emerging cyber security technologies through pilots and proof-of-concepts.Strong knowledge of IoT security and data capture/telemetry mechanisms. Network Technology:5+ years of experience with network infrastructure (LAN/WAN, VPN, VLAN) and core components (switches, routers, firewalls) preferably within Ontario’s K–12 education sector.5+ years of experience with SDN and SD-WAN technologies (e.g., Fortinet, Cisco Meraki, Palo Alto) preferably within Ontario’s K–12 education sector.3+ years of experience with SSE/SASE technologies (e.g., Netskope, Zscaler, Prisma SASE, Cato).5+ years of experience with network monitoring, traffic analysis, and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, FortiManager, PRTG, Panorama, Wireshark).3+ years of experience with network telemetry and logging formats (e.g., Syslog, NetFlow, IPFIX).5+ years of experience configuring and troubleshooting network protocols (e.g., MPLS, VPLS, VLAN trunking).Experience evaluating emerging network technologies through pilots and proof-of-concepts. Strategic Advisory and Architecture Leadership:10+ years of experience providing advisory services to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.5+ years of experience leading complex, cross-functional technical initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.5+ years of experience preparing and delivering technical and executive-level documentation (e.g., architecture designs, reports, recommendations, briefings).Experience developing strategic cyber security and network technology roadmaps and modernization strategies.Experience aligning security and network architectures with federal, provincial, and K–12 regulatory and compliance requirements.Strong expertise in secure solution design, including telemetry, monitoring, and metrics frameworks.5+ years of experience advising organizations on adoption of managed security service models (fully outsourced, co-managed, hybrid).Experience establishing governance models and evaluating MSSP performance and service delivery.Experience delivering training and knowledge transfer to technical teams. Industry Certifications / Relevant Degrees:Relevant vendor certifications or equivalent work experience. Postgraduate degree (e.g., M.Sc. and/or Ph.D.) in computer science, cyber security or engineering is preferred.Preferred certifications include:CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)Other relevant certifications such as CEH, CISA, CRISC Public Sector Experience:Knowledge of Government of Ontario standards (e.g., GO-ITS) and relevant policies and legislation (e.g., EDSTA).5+ years’ hands-on experience working in the K-12 education sector, with Ontario K-12 school boards, in particular with school board network, network security and cyber security.