Principal Security Architect | Private AI Cloud Infrastructure | Virginia – AIONIA
Security Architecture · Private AI Cloud · Reston / McLean, VA

Principal Security Architect

Not a traditional cloud security role. Design and secure the private cloud infrastructure used to train and operate large-scale AI systems — from GPU compute clusters and networking layers to cryptographic controls protecting sensitive models and research data.

$250K – $340K + Equity On-Site · Reston / McLean, VA Confidential Client Full-Time NDA May Be Required
Apply via AIONIA
The Opportunity

Securing the Infrastructure Behind Advanced AI

We are partnering with a well-funded AI research organization building advanced machine learning systems that require extremely secure and resilient infrastructure. They are seeking a Principal Security Architect to lead the design of a private cloud environment used to train and operate large-scale AI systems.

“This is not a traditional cloud security role. The focus is designing and securing the infrastructure itself — at the architectural level.”
Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

Design Secure Infrastructure

Architect a private cloud environment designed to protect highly sensitive machine learning systems and datasets.

Network & Compute Isolation

Develop security architecture for distributed GPU compute clusters — hardened networking, segmentation, and zero-trust communication between services.

Security Architecture

Define how identity, cryptography, and infrastructure controls interact across compute, storage, and networking layers.

Threat Modeling

Design systems assuming persistent adversarial pressure and build architectures that remain resilient under compromise scenarios.

Infrastructure Automation

Work with platform engineering teams to implement secure infrastructure deployments using IaC and immutable infrastructure principles.

Requirements

What They’re Looking For

Ideal Profile — Must-Have
Thinks about infrastructure security at the architectural level, not the tool level
Has experience securing large distributed systems at scale
Understands both defensive security and real-world attacker behavior
Enjoys solving difficult systems problems — not managing tools or processes
Technical Background

Strong candidates typically have experience with several of the following:

  • Linux systems security at depth
  • Kubernetes and container orchestration security
  • Distributed systems infrastructure design
  • Cloud security architecture (AWS, GCP, or private cloud)
  • Hardware-rooted security — HSMs, TEEs, and confidential computing
  • Infrastructure automation — Terraform or Pulumi
  • Systems programming in Go, Rust, or similar
Tech & Tools

Technical Domain

Linux Kubernetes Zero Trust HSMs / TEEs Terraform Pulumi Go Rust Confidential Computing
The Organization

About the Opportunity

This role is with a confidential client operating in advanced AI research. The organization is building high-performance compute infrastructure designed to support next-generation machine learning systems.

You will work alongside world-class engineers focused on distributed systems, machine learning infrastructure, and applied security. Selected applicants may be asked to sign an NDA prior to the interview process.

Confidential Search

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Selected applicants may be asked to sign an NDA prior to the interview process.

This search is conducted exclusively by AIONIA on behalf of the client.