Cloud Security Architect

Thorlabs•Newton, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation. Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture. The Cloud Security Architect is responsible for designing and optimizing secure architectures for cloud environments, with a primary focus on Microsoft Azure, M365, and related security technologies. This role ensures the effective deployment of cloud infrastructure and security solutions to address evolving threats. The architect collaborates across teams to guide security architecture and identity and access management (IAM) practices, while also overseeing the outsourced Security Operations Center (SOC) vendor. By supporting the organization’s cloud-first strategy, the Cloud Security Architect ensures the security of operations and drives the adoption of best practices in SOC, IAM, and cloud security architecture. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Requirements

Minimum 7 years of experience in Enterprise IT.
Minimum of 4 years in cloud security architecture or similar roles.
Expertise in designing and implementing security architecture in cloud environments, particularly with Microsoft Azure and M365.
Experience in managing identity and access management (IAM) in cloud environments, including RBAC, PAM, and SoD frameworks.
Experience with cloud compliance requirements and regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and NIST.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, related field, or equivalent work experience.
Expertise in Microsoft Azure and M365 security architecture.
Expertise in cloud-native security tools such as Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, and Intune.
Experience in security engineering disciplines such as SIEM (Microsoft Sentinel), IAM, and SOC management.
Deep understanding of identity management, authentication, and authorization protocols (OAuth, MFA, etc.).
Proficient in automating security processes and ensuring compliance with cloud security standards.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to anticipate security risks in cloud environments.
Strong knowledge of security concepts, including system hardening, vulnerability management, and incident response.
Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence across teams.
Familiarity with SOC operations, especially managing or overseeing outsourced SOC vendors

Nice To Haves

Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH or relevant Microsoft cloud certifications (Cybersecurity Architect and Azure Solutions Architect etc.) preferred.

Responsibilities

Design secure cloud architectures that align with business requirements and mitigate security risks, primarily within the Microsoft technology stack (Azure, M365, Microsoft Sentinel, Defender suite, Intune, and Entra).
Review and provide guidance on the implementation of cloud security technologies to ensure alignment with security operations, IT infrastructure, and operations best practices, enhancing the effectiveness of the security monitoring process in accordance with SOC standards.
Ensure baseline security measures are in place, including identity and access controls, authentication, and authorization processes.
Collaborate with IT teams to implement automated security controls and maintain secure cloud configurations across infrastructure.
Collaborate with Security Engineering and IT Infrastructure and Operations teams to optimize and enhance a comprehensive suite of IAM tools and solutions, ensuring alignment with best practices.
Lead the IAM architecture function through collaboration, encompassing identity management for service accounts, privileged accounts, and general access management
Establish IAM policies and procedures for Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Privileged Access Management (PAM), certification processes, and Segregation of Duties (SoD).
Define and recommend the operating model for IAM, including RACI, access policies, and procedures.
Design the lifecycle of identities in alignment with Joiner-Mover-Leaver (JML) processes through collaborative effort.
Oversee the outsourced SOC vendor to ensure security operations align with organizational needs and are continually enhanced.
Monitor vendor performance and ensure timely response to security incidents, working closely with the SOC to optimize incident detection and response.
Collaborate with the SOC to continuously improve security monitoring, alerting, and response protocols.
Partner closely with Security Engineering, IT Infrastructure and Operations, DevOps, and GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) teams to ensure security is embedded into all aspects of infrastructure and application development.
Serve as the subject matter expert in cloud security, providing guidance and assurance to stakeholders.
Lead the evaluation, acquisition, and divestiture of cloud security solutions to ensure the environment remains secure and up-to-date with emerging threats and requirements.
Lead and nurture creativity in secure service delivery for the cloud.