I would like to present to you a new job opportunity and I think you may find it interesting.

If you are interested kindly send the following documents to hrsmss@smsoftconsulting.com by Wednesday, July 8, 10:00 AM EST if that interests you and matches your profile.

Updated Resume in word format (Mandatory)

References (Mandatory) Expected hourly rate (Mandatory) Visa Status (Mandatory) LinkedIn ID (Mandatory)

Client: Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement

Work Location: 777 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario, Hybrid

Estimated Start Date: 2026-09-01

Estimated End Date: 2027-08-31

#Business Days: 270.00

Extension: 259.00

Hours per day or Week: 7.25 hours per day

Security Level: CRJMC

Must Haves

10+ years of experience in cyber security and next-generation network security, with a strong focus on architecture design, integration, strategic planning, and implementation. 5+ years of experience designing and implementing secure, enterprise-wide architectures across cloud, network, identity, and security operations domains, Cloud-delivered security architectures (SSE/SASE, including SWG, CASB, Faas, ZTNA) Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) Cloud security architectures (Microsoft, AWS, Google) AI/ML-driven cyber security capabilities and automation Endpoint security solutions (EPP, EDR, XDR) Vulnerability management and patching automation Proven experience designing and implementing hybrid (internal and outsourced) security operations models, including: Strong knowledge of managed security service delivery models, including MSSP, MDR, and SOC-as-a-Service (Socas). 5+ years of experience with network infrastructure (LAN/WAN, VPN, VLAN) and core components (switches, routers, firewalls) 5+ years of experience with SDN and SD-WAN technologies (e.g., Fortinet, Cisco Meraki, Palo Alto) 10+ years of experience providing advisory services to senior leadership and executive stakeholders. 5+ years of experience leading complex, cross-functional technical initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders. Experience developing strategic cyber security and network technology roadmaps and modernization strategies. 5+ years of experience advising organizations on adoption of managed security service models (fully outsourced, co-managed, hybrid).

Preferred certifications include

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) Other relevant certifications such as CEH, CISA, CRISC

NICE TO HAVE

preferably within Ontario K–12 school boards.

MITRE ATT&CK, D3FEND, and ATLAS frameworks

User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) Penetration testing and automated red teaming preferably within Ontario’s K–12 education sector Experience establishing governance models and evaluating MSSP performance and service delivery. Postgraduate degree (egad/or Ph.D.) in computer science, cyber security or engineering is preferred. 5+ years’ hands-on experience working in the K-12 education sector, with Ontario K-12 school boards, in particular with school board network, network security and cyber security.

RoleOverview

The Senior Technology Architect role requires deep knowledge, expertise and experience in next-generation network security, cyber security solutions, security operations (SecOps), automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber security, and managed / shared security services (MSS) models. The resource must have hands-on experience in designing, developing and implementing cyber security architectures and solutions, particularly within the education sector—preferably in the Ontario K–12 school board environment.

This Resource Is Responsible For, But Not Limited To

Leading the end-to-end technical integration strategy and architecture design for the Cyber Security Operating Model (CSOM) across participating school boards. Providing subject matter expertise and strategic advice on all aspects of cyber security, network architecture, and modern security frameworks and solutions such as: Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and cloud security architecture MITRE ATT&CK, D3FEND and ATLAS frameworks NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) v2 and CIS Controls v8 Various vendor platforms (e.g., Microsoft, AWS, Google) Security operations (SecOps) and AI-Operations (AIOps) practices Leading AI-infused transformation through design and implementation of intelligent and autonomous security capabilities, including: SOAR and Agentic AI solutions AI/ML-driven analytics and threat detection User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) Automated threat detection, response, and orchestration workflows Designing and implementing hybrid cyber security operating models integrating internal teams and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), including: MSS strategy, onboarding, optimization and performance management Alignment and integration of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR), EDR/XDR, and threat intelligence platforms School board MSS readiness, transition planning, and governance models Security operations architecture, threat detection, incident response, and automation workflows Governance, risk, and compliance in hybrid (in-house and outsourced) environments Designing and delivering solution architecture, training, and implementation support for next-generation network and cyber security technologies, including: Security Service Edge (SSE) / Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), including integration of network and security functions such as Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA), and Firewall-as-a-Service (Faas) SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and SDN (Software-Defined Networking) density and access management (password less, password-based, certificate-based, and multi-factor authentication (MFA)) Endpoint security (Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Extended Detection and Response (XDR)) Advanced threat protection (Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Network Access Control (NAC), and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) protection) AI/ML-enabled monitoring, analytics, and automation Incident Response (IR) and Incident Management (IM) Vulnerability management and patching automation Penetration testing and automated red teaming Operational Technology (OT) security Cloud adoption and modernization strategies, including segmentation, resilience, and data residency Developing and maintaining enterprise reference architectures to ensure alignment across infrastructure, security, and operational domains. Providing subject matter expertise in Network Operations Centre (NOC) and Security Operations Centre (SOC) technologies and tools, including SIEM, SOAR, and network monitoring and management platforms. Supporting school boards in transitioning from an internal SecOps model to a hybrid managed security services (MSS) model, including: Strategic advisory and implementation support Telemetry and metrics design Internal operations optimization MSS integration and optimization Advising on modernization strategies—including cloud adoption, network segmentation, data residency, and distributed identity models—ensuring alignment with provincial and education-sector requirements. Leading architecture and capability assessments across K–12 environments and MSSPs to inform solution design and telemetry optimization. Developing strategic technology roadmaps based on emerging cyber security trends, threat landscape evolution, and industry best practices. Creating and maintaining technical documentation and specifications, including architecture designs, options analysis, and cost modelling. Maintaining awareness of the evolving cyber threat landscape, particularly within the K–12 sector, and applying insights to improve security posture and practices. Presenting to senior leadership and external stakeholders, as required. Providing status reporting on deliverables and project progress. Collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups to support solution definition, design, and implementation. Aligning with industry and legislative advancements at the federal and provincial level (e.g., Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024 (EDSTA)) Delivering on other duties as assigned. This work involves working in close partnership with sector technical IT leads (e.g., school board IT leads), to develop tailored approaches and implementation plans. To support various stakeholders, the resource must be available to perform hands-on configuration, troubleshooting and training at the client site. Therefore, the resource must be available to travel same day or overnight in Ontario, as needed. The unit manager may assign other related board work for other unit or branch initiatives, as required.

Experience And Skill Set Requirements

Cyber security, network security and architecture expertise – 50%

5+ years of experience in advanced network security, including software-defined environments (SDN/SD-WAN), preferably within Ontario K–12 school boards. Proven hands-on experience designing, implementing, and integrating the following solutions and technologies: NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) v2 and CIS Controls v8 Security orchestration, automation, and playbook development Advanced threat protection (IDS/IPS, DDoS protection, Network Access Control) Identity and access management (password less, certificate-based, MFA/2FA) Incident response and incident management (IR/IM) Operational Technology (OT) security Integration and optimization of internal security teams and managed security service providers (MSSPs) Security operations architecture in hybrid environments Threat detection and incident response in co-managed models Integration of SIEM, SOAR, EDR/XDR, and threat intelligence platforms Automation and orchestration workflows Governance, risk, and compliance in hybrid security operations environments Strong knowledge of federated and multi-tenant security architectures. Demonstrated ability to evaluate and assess emerging cyber security technologies through pilots and proof-of-concepts. Strong knowledge of IoT security and data capture/telemetry mechanisms.

Network Technology – 20%

3+ years of experience with SSE/SASE technologies (e.g., Netskope, Zscaler, Prisma SASE, Cato). 5+ years of experience with network monitoring, traffic analysis, and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Forti Manager, PRTG, Panorama, Wireshark). 3+ years of experience with network telemetry and logging formats (e.g., Syslog, NetFlow, IPFIX). 5+ years of experience configuring and troubleshooting network protocols (e.g., MPLS, VPLS, VLAN trucking). Experience evaluating emerging network technologies through pilots and proof-of-concepts.

Strategic Advisory and Architecture Leadership – 15%

5+ years of experience preparing and delivering technical and executive-level documentation (e.g., architecture designs, reports, recommendations, briefings). Experience aligning security and network architectures with federal, provincial, and K–12 regulatory and compliance requirements. Strong expertise in secure solution design, including telemetry, monitoring, and metrics frameworks. Experience delivering training and knowledge transfer to technical teams.

Industry Certifications / Relevant Degrees – 10%

Relevant vendor certifications or equivalent work experience.

Public Sector Experience – 5%

Knowledge of Government of Ontario standards (e.g., GO-ITS) and relevant policies and legislation (e.g., EDSTA).

Note

Hybrid - 2 days onsite / 3 days remote