Lead Application Security Architect

The Lead Application Security Architect designs, implements, and oversees enterprise-wide application security architecture and standards. Working independently, this role directs staff and leads strategic security initiatives with broad organizational impact. It focuses on establishing security frameworks, conducting architecture reviews, developing security baselines, and embedding security throughout the software development lifecycle — including for emerging Generative AI (GenAI) applications.

The role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, architectural thinking, and people leadership. We are looking for a versatile leader who can juggle multiple priorities and bring a great attitude.

Essential Job Functions

Security Architecture & Engineering

• Design and establish enterprise application security architecture frameworks, reference models, and roadmaps aligned with business objectives and risk tolerance.

• Develop and maintain security baselines, secure coding standards, and reusable patterns across technology stacks (web, mobile, API, microservices, GenAI) and deployment models, scaled to data classification and risk profile.

• Architect core security capabilities: authentication and authorization, encryption at rest and in transit, secure communication, and secure data handling.

• Design API security strategies, including OAuth/OIDC flows, API gateways, and rate limiting.

• Ensure that security risks are comprehensively and effectively managed by leading the application of established and ad hoc processes and techniques to identify, validate, and prioritize.

• Lead the identification of security requirement deficiencies, elicitation of security requirements, and the architecture and design of security controls.

Generative AI (GenAI) Security Architecture

• Design security architecture patterns and reference models for Generative AI and Large Language Model (LLM) applications, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agentic workflows, and model integration.

• Define controls for GenAI-specific risks such as prompt injection, insecure output handling, training data poisoning, sensitive information disclosure, model denial of service, and supply chain vulnerabilities — aligned with the OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications.

• Architect GenAI guardrails, including input/output validation, content filtering, rate limiting, data loss prevention, and human-in-the-loop controls.

• Establish standards for secure handling of prompts, embeddings, vector databases, and model artifacts (classification, access control, and encryption).

• Leverage GenAI to enhance security architecture reviews and automate security analysis.

Security Controls & Compliance

• Develop and implement strategies to promote consistent use of security controls across the enterprise.

• Lead the operation and monitoring of security controls; establish, implement, and promote security control operation and monitoring strategies.

• Ensure that controls are operating effectively; resolve operating discrepancies and review, triage, and prioritize control output.

• Take appropriate action to resolve security discrepancies.

• Lead and champion efforts to enforce and monitor compliance with internal and external regulations, policies, and standards.

• Establish and promote strategies to ensure that compliance is effectively monitored and enforced.

Innovation & Technology Evaluation

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and recommendation of new security technologies, techniques, and tools.

• Lead the team in defining, reviewing, and promoting information security policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Direct internal process improvement initiatives; provide feedback on processes by offering suggestions.

• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.

• Participate in external process improvement committees as a security representative.

• Provide backup coverage for next-level management, as appropriate.

• Collaborate, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Standards & Quality

• Assist with adherence to technology policies and comply with all security controls.

• Ensure all work products meet or exceed FINRA standards.

• Demonstrate FINRA's values.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related discipline with at least seven (7) years of related experience, or equivalent training and/or work experience; Master’s degree and past Financial Services industry experience preferred.

• Experience must include direct experience in leading key areas such as: securing networks and systems architecture, design and implementation, secure software assurance, intrusion detection, defense and incident response, security configuration management, access controls design and implementation and security policy and standards development.

• In-depth knowledge of more than one communications protocol.

• Experience managing several Cyber Security tools, including: Configuration Assessment, Log Aggregation, Integrity Verification, Web Application Security Testing, Network Access Control System, Network Intrusion prevention systems, and Endpoint Security Solutions.

• Strong written and verbal technical communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships that improved the quality of work products.

• Should be well organized, thorough, and able to handle competing priorities.

• Ability to maintain focus and develop proficiency in new skills rapidly.

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.

• Excellent planning skills.

• Willingness to accept new challenges and grasp new or changing concepts, technologies and procedures.

In-depth knowledge across all areas of Information Security.

Work Conditions

• Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.

• Occasional travel and extended hours may be required.

For work that is performed in CO, CT, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, WA, DC, NY, NJ, WA please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

Boston, MA: $131,200 - $238,300

Chicago, IL: $125,900 - $228,000

Denver, CO: $114,200 - $207,200

Jericho, NY: $131,200 - $238,300

Jersey City, NJ: $137,000- $248,700

Philadelphia, PA: $125,900 - $228,000

New York, NY: $137,000 - $248,700

Rockville, MD: $131,200 - $238,300

Tysons, VA: $131,200 - $238,300

Washington, DC: $131,200 - $238,300

Woodbridge, NJ: $131,200 - $238,300

Connecticut State: $114,200 - $248,700

Washington State: $114,200 - $248,700

#LI-Hybrid

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.

Please note: If the “Apply Now” button on a job board posting does not take you directly to the FINRA Careers site, enter finra.org ↗ into your browser to reach our site directly.

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent lif