Senior Security Architect - AD/Entra ID

GuidePoint Security provides trusted cybersecurity expertise, solutions and services that help organizations make better decisions and minimize risk. By taking a three-tiered, holistic approach for evaluating security posture and ecosystems, GuidePoint enables some of the nation’s top organizations, such as Fortune 500 companies and U.S. government agencies, to identify threats, optimize resources and integrate best-fit solutions that mitigate risk.

General Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Security Architect (AD/Entra ID) to join our dynamic team and lead our identity and access management initiatives. The Senior Security Architect will be responsible for the scope, assessment, design, testing, and technical documentation for the implementation, support, and security of identity solutions. The Senior Security Architect will possess and maintain expertise in Microsoft Azure AAD (Entra) and Active Directory platforms utilizing the knowledge to address business requirements.

About the Active Directory/Entra ID Practice

Our team focuses on Securing Microsoft Identities, which includes both on-prem Active Directory and Entra ID. We partner with other Identity teams, threat assessment teams, and Cloud Security teams to cover IGA, PAM, IAM, AM, pen testing, and all areas within Microsoft on-prem AD and Entra ID.

Active Directory and Entra ID Security Assessments and Remediations Active Directory Engineering (Domain consolidations, mergers and acquisitions, domain designs, Group Policy, CIS benchmarks, etc.) Entra ID Identity design, troubleshooting, implementation

Roles and Responsibilities:

Lead the evaluation, design, and development of Active Directory & Azure Active Directory technical requirements, solutions, and implementation roadmap to ensure functional, reliable, secure, and cost-effective technology environment. Develop and enforce IAM policies, standards, and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Ensure continuous improvement within the IAM security architecture by introducing and implementing emerging security technologies and practices. Provide to global project and operational teams technical advice, guidance, expertise, and risk analysis on your area of expertise. Translate requirements into an Architectural design and influence the deployment of key infrastructure components. Maintain a thorough understanding of existing and emerging Microsoft Entra ID and related core technologies. Analyze current Azure Active Directory environment to identify both technical and operational challenges while making recommendations and developing solutions for improvement. Maintain and optimize on-premises Active Directory (AD) infrastructure, including DNS, GPOs, and domain controllers. Participate in or lead complex or high severity troubleshooting and incident/problem resolutions with other infrastructure teams. Evaluate and ensure the resolution of technically complex security issues, internal control issues, critical incidents and/or crisis resolution management, escalating as necessary. Implement and enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and security best practices across user accounts and devices. Develop and manage integrations using the Microsoft Graph API for automation and custom applications, enabling advanced capabilities across Microsoft 365 services. Create custom scripts to automate administrative tasks and data retrieval from the Graph API, enhancing operational efficiency. Write and maintain Advanced PowerShell scripts to automate user and resource provisioning, reporting, and service configurations across Entra ID and Active Directory. Implement and maintain security best practices.

Required Experience and Education:

10+ years of relevant working experience in IT Security and IT Architecture 7+ years of experience with Active Directory architecture and infrastructure, with an in-depth understanding of Active Directory Replication, DNS, Site Links, Site Topology, Group Policy, Global Catalogs, and other core infrastructure components. 3+ years of experience with Azure Active Directory architecture and design 5+ years of experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM) processes and technologies Proven expertise in designing and implementing IAM solutions in complex environments. Expertise in managing Azure AD/Entra, including Conditional Access, MFA, security best practices, hybrid environments, GPO's, On-Premises Active Directory Migrations and Azure AD Connect. Experience with Microsoft Graph API for data retrieval and automation across Azure AAD. In-depth knowledge of identity governance, authentication, authorization, and federation. Including MFA, SSO and PAM Understanding of federation technologies (WS-Fed, OAuth, SAML, etc.) Enterprise/Domain Admin and/or Azure Global Admin responsibilities Proven knowledge in managing Active Directory 2016/2019/2022 infrastructure for the Enterprise. Strong experience in PowerShell and Microsoft Graph API is required. Knowledgeable of Microsoft Security Stack: Defender for Office 365, Defender for Identity, Defender for Cloud Apps, Entra ID, Microsoft Purview Information Protection, Data Loss Prevention and Compliance Center Experience including – Litigation Hold, Retention, and eDiscovery. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Embraces emerging technologies, including AI tools, to work smarter, solve problems, and drive better business outcomes. Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate are considered an asset.

Travel Requirements:

Up to 10% travel

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary work Substantial movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers for a minimum of 8 hours a day Required to have close visual acuity to view computer terminal and/or extensive reading for a minimum of 8 hours a day

We use Greenhouse Software as our applicant tracking system and Zoom Scheduler for HR screen request scheduling. At times, your email may block our communication with you. Please be sure to check your SPAM folder so that you don't miss updates on your application.

Why GuidePoint?

GuidePoint Security is a rapidly growing, profitable, privately-held value added reseller that focuses exclusively on Information Security. Since its inception in 2011, GuidePoint has grown to over 1,300 employees, established strategic partnerships with leading security vendors, and serves as a trusted advisor to more than 6,200 customers.

Firmly-defined core values drive all aspects of the business, which have been paramount to the company’s success and establishment of an enjoyable workplace atmosphere. At GuidePoint, your colleagues are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced and will seek to collaborate and provide mentorship and guidance at every opportunity.

This is a unique and rare opportunity to grow your career along with one of the fastest growing companies in the nation.

Some added perks….

Remote workforce primarily (U.S. based only, some travel may be required for certain positions, working on-site may be required for Federal positions) Group Medical Insurance options: Zero Deductible PPO Plan (GuidePoint pays 90% of the premium for employees and 70% for family plans (spouse/children/family) or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA (GuidePoint pays 100% of the employees premiums and 75% for family plans (spouse/children/family). If you choose the High Deductible / HSA plan, GPS will contribute in 4 equal quarterly installments: ($850 per EE annually / $1750 per family annually (includes spouse/children/family options) Group Dental Insurance: GuidePoint pays 100% of the premium for employees and 75% of family plans 12 corporate holidays and a Flexible Time Off (FTO) program Healthy mobile phone and home internet allowance Eligibility for retirement plan after 2 months at open enrollment Pet Benefit Option