Lead Network and Infrastructure Security Architect

Grainger Businesses • Lake Forest, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Information Security team protects all of Grainger, from our systems to our data across the global company. Our infrastructure is powered by cloud, on-premises, and SaaS platforms that keep Grainger, and our customers, working. We use modern tools and practices to stay ahead of evolving security challenges.

The mission of the Security Architecture team is to be the strategic security design partner for Grainger’s technology. As the security architect responsible for networking and infrastructure, you will develop the security patterns and frameworks that seamlessly integrate protection into our global network and supporting infrastructure platforms.

Your scope of influence includes partners across multiple teams including other architecture teams, cloud platform teams, and internally within the information security organization. You will influence through leading deep technical architecture discussions with infrastructure architects, senior engineers, and other security professionals.

In this individual contributor role, you will report to the Director of Information Security Architecture and may be based remotely or at our offices in the Chicago area.

Requirements

• Deep technical knowledge within the network security space. Areas of familiarity must include SSE/SASE, SD-WAN, next-generation firewalls, enterprise routing and switching, web application firewalls, cloud-adjacent and edge compute, and OT/ICS network security principles
• Deep technical knowledge in enterprise infrastructure including hypervisor security, mobile device management, containers, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)/automation platforms
• Knowledge of cloud security within AWS, Azure, and M365. Demonstrate knowledge in multi-cloud and hybrid cloud connectivity
• Familiarity with security frameworks and industry standards such as CIS benchmarks
• Familiarity with enterprise endpoint management platforms (e.g., Intune, JAMF) and their security policy enforcement capabilities
• Awareness of security implications for AI/ML workloads and infrastructure
• Understanding of identity-aware network security controls and integration with enterprise identity providers
• 5+ years of architecture experience
• 3+ years of information security experience
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent professional experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Relevant certifications preferred: CISSP, CCNP Security, vendor certifications (e.g., Palo Alto PCNSE/Network Security Architect, Zscaler), or cloud security certifications (e.g., AWS Security Specialty/Network specialty, Azure Security Engineer)

Responsibilities

• Plan, research, and develop security architecture for infrastructure, networking, and internally supported cybersecurity solutions
• Define roadmaps to support security and company technology goals
• Work with teams to define requirements, evaluate architecture, analyze trade-offs, and recommend solutions
• Create conceptual and logical architecture designs
• Assess risks through threat modeling and white-boarding exercises with teams
• Evaluate products and tools through Proof of Value exercises
• Advise product teams on the security implications of their roadmaps
• Partner with network engineering, cloud platform, and enterprise architecture teams to ensure security is embedded in technical decisions from design through implementation

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees