Senior Application Security Architect, Technology Architecture

Overview

Guardian is seeking a Sr Application Security Architect to serve as a strategic leader and subject matter expert in application and product security. This role will be pivotal in defining enterprise-wide application security strategies, championing modern DevSecOps practices, and guiding secure adoption of technologies across cloud-native and on-premises environments. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strong architectural vision, and the ability to influence enterprise-wide security decisions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape-including the emerging space of AI and Generative AI (GenAI) security.

You Will:

• Define, communicate, and implement application security strategies and architectural standards across hybrid environments (cloud and on-premises).
• Lead the development and adoption of security-by-design principles within modern software development practices (Agile, DevSecOps, CI/CD).
• Partner with engineering, product, and platform teams to embed robust security controls into software architecture, APIs, microservices, and containers.
• Guide secure design for AI and GenAI systems-including secure model development, data protection, model governance, adversarial testing, and emerging risks (e.g., prompt injection, data leakage).
• Conduct architecture reviews, threat modeling, and risk assessments for high-value assets, APIs, cloud-native services, Container technologies, and open-source software.
• Recommend and enforce secure deployment patterns for SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS (AWS) models
• Familiar with Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP), WAFs, SIEMs, and Secrets management Technologies
• Evaluate and pilot emerging tools and technologies aligned with the organization's cybersecurity strategy-particularly in the AppSec and AI security domains.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors to influence technology roadmaps and drive secure outcomes.
• Develop and maintain prescriptive blueprints and reference architectures in collaboration with business and solution architects.
• Deliver executive-level reporting on application security risks, strategy, and program effectiveness

You Have:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline required; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, with at least 7 years in application security architecture roles.
• Proven experience designing and implementing secure architectures in cloud environments- AWS
• Deep knowledge of secure software development practices, including threat modeling, secure coding, SAST/DAST/IAST, and OSS governance.
• Strong experience in securing APIs (OAuth, OIDC, JWT, mTLS), containers, Kubernetes, and microservices-based architectures.
• Understanding of modern AI/ML architecture and emerging GenAI security challenges, including model integrity, hallucination prevention, and responsible AI principles.
• Familiarity with industry frameworks and standards (e.g., OWASP Top 10, NIST 800 series, ISO 27001, MITRE ATLAS).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional initiatives and mentoring of junior architects or engineers.

Preferred Certifications

• CISSP, CISM, AWS/Azure/GCP Security Certifications or equivalent security credentials
• Experience with SAFe or other Agile framework

Nice to Have

• Experience building or securing AI/ML platforms, GenAI toolchains, or responsible AI initiatives.

Why Join Guardian

• As part of a forward-thinking security organization, you will have the opportunity to shape the security posture of next-generation applications and AI solutions. At Guardian, we are committed to innovation, inclusivity, and continuous growth-empowering our teams to solve complex challenges that drive real business impact.

Location

• Three days a week at a Guardian Location in Holmdel, NJ, Bethlehem, PA, New York, NY or Stamford, CT.

Salary Range:

$116,350.00 - $191,155.00

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Our Promise

At Guardian, you'll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.

Inspire Well-Being

As part of Guardian's Purpose - to inspire well-being - we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact applicant_accommodation@glic.com.

Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.