Job Posting: Information Security Architect

Department of Technology

JC-530287
-
Information Security Architect
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III

$9,507.00 - $12,740.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/9/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the administrative direction of the Information Technology Manager II (IT Mgr II), the Information Technology Specialist III (IT Spec III) serves as the Office of Information Security's (OIS) Lead Data Architect for the Security Operations Center (SOC). The IT Spec III is responsible for the architecture, design, development, integration, and management of the large-scale security data platform that supports the agency's threat detection, incident response, and cyber defense mission. The IT Spec III leads data architecture and data modeling efforts to establish efficient, secure, and scalable methods for collecting, storing, correlating, and reporting high-volume security telemetry across a multi-tenant environment, and designs the data lake/lake house foundation that enables advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI-enabled and agentic automation for security operations. This is accomplished through the delivery of services across IT domains including Software Engineering, System Engineering, Information Security Engineering, and IT Project Management, and through the IT Spec III's leadership of the on-premises AI compute platform used to fine-tune, evaluate, and serve the machine learning and large language models supporting Tier 1 security operations.

The IT Spec III works independently or collaboratively, and acts in a lead capacity to plan and coordinate technology solutions addressing the agency's most complex security problems, including the expansion of SOC services to additional state, local, and critical-infrastructure partners, and the engineering of AI-assisted detection, triage, and threat-hunting capabilities. Additionally, the IT Spec III solicits and considers internal and external customer input when completing work assignments in the Security Solutions Operations Unit, and maintains ongoing contact with technical, administrative, and managerial staff across CDT and customer organizations. The technologies supporting these functions include Microsoft Azure (Microsoft Sentinel, Log Analytics, Azure Data Lake Storage); Databricks, Delta Lake, and Apache Spark; Kusto Query Language (KQL); Microsoft Defender XDR; MS SQL Server and T-SQL; Python (including PySpark); data pipeline/ELT tooling; REST and GraphQL web services and APIs; JSON and XML; Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate; containerization (Docker) and version control (GitHub); large language model (LLM) and agentic AI frameworks; and Red Hat Linux and Windows Server.

Telework
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule within California based on departmental policy and operational needs. The telework policy is subject to change depending on business needs, and/or reporting to the work site may be required with minimal notification given. Pursuant to Executive Order, effective July 1, 2025, employees in this position will be required to report to the work site a minimum of two (2) days per week, increasing to four (4) days per week effective July 1, 2026. The specific on-site days will be determined by the department based on operational requirements.

Visa Sponsorship
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-530287
Position #(s):
695-331-1415-023
Working Title:
Information Security Architect
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III
$9,507.00 - $12,740.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Work Shift:
8Am - 5PM
Work Week:
Monday - Friday

Department Information

The California Department of Technology (CDT) is the guardian of public data, a leader in information technology (IT) services and solutions and has broad responsibility and authority over all aspects of technology in California state government, including policy formation, interagency coordination, IT project oversight, information security, technology service delivery, and advocacy.

As an industry leader, we are committed to partnering with state and local government and educational entities to deliver digital services, develop innovative and responsive solutions for business needs, and provide quality assurance for state government IT projects and services. Our success and legacy of service is reliant upon our highly talented, dedicated, and diverse workforce, for it is our individual cultural diversity, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and unique identities that spark our collaborative strength and innovative approach to serving the State of California.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). You must provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Each individual response must be numbered and include the full text of the numbered items prior to your response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. Limit your SOQ to a maximum of three (3) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font. Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and résumés do not take the place of the SOQ.

The SOQ serves as a key component of the examination and hiring process and will be used to evaluate your qualifications, as well as your written communication skills. The SOQ is considered a writing sample and must clearly reflect your own knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience. While tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) (e.g., ChatGPT), internet resources, or third-party reviewers may assist with research or preparation, by submitting your application you certify that your SOQ is your original work, written in your own words, and accurately represents your background and qualifications. Failure to submit an SOQ that is your own work, including the use of AI-generated or substantially AI-assisted responses that misrepresent your abilities, may result in disqualification from the examination or hiring process. If such misrepresentation is discovered after appointment, it may constitute dishonesty and could result in adverse action, up to and including dismissal from State service.
  1. Describe your experience designing, building, or operating on-premises or cloud-based AI/ML infrastructure used to fine-tune, evaluate, and serve models in a production environment. Describe how you have kept sensitive data in-state or in-environment while meeting generative AI risk and data-handling requirements.
  2. Describe your experience serving as the accountable lead for data architecture standards on a security platform, including reviewing or approving system design specifications such as entity relationship diagrams, data models, or database/lakehouse schemas. What was your process for ensuring design consistency across a team or organization?
  3. Describe your experience applying AI or machine learning capabilities to a security operation or threat detection workflow (e.g., automated alert triage, anomaly detection, analyst-assist tooling). What risks or limitations did you have to account for when introducing AI into that workflow, and how did you address them.


Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed state application (STD. 678) – For exam use only.

Please do NOT include your Social Security Number on any of the submitted documents.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/9/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Technology
Human Resources
Attn: Teresa Cuellar RPA 26-032/JC530287
Selection Services Unit
P.O. Box 1810
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Technology
Drop Off 2nd Floor Security
Human Resources
10860 Gold Center Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Teresa Cuellar RPA 26-023/JC530287
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications -

    Required. Please see “Special Requirements” section for further information.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Experience designing or supporting large-scale security data platforms, including multi-tenant or enterprise environments
  • Experience understanding of SIEM concepts, security telemetry, log management, and data correlation strategies
  • Experience using query languages or search engines to analyze high-volume security data (such as proficiency in KQL, SQL, or equivalent technologies)
  • Experience building or maintaining data pipelines, streaming ingestion frameworks, or ELT/ETL processes
  • Experience architecting data lake or lake house environments, including schema design and optimization
  • Experience applying machine learning or automation concepts within security operations workflows
  • Experience planning, implementing, or supporting on-premises or cloud-based AI/ML infrastructure
  • Experience integrating data from diverse security platforms such as endpoint protection, identity systems, network detection tools, or SIEM/SOAR technologies
  • Ability to translate complex technical data concepts to non-technical audiences
  • Experience leading technical teams or providing subject matter guidance in data architecture or security engineering
  • Analytical skills, including the ability to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and evaluate data quality issues
  • Experience developing or maintaining data governance frameworks, including access controls, auditing, and compliance documentation
  • Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple complex projects
  • Experience with scripting or programming languages commonly used for data processing (such as Python, R, or equivalent)

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://cdt.ca.gov/career-opportunities/job-openings/
Hiring Unit Contact:
Mathewose Hiabu
(916) 822-7311
mathewose.hiabu@state.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Melissa Carlin
(916) 460-9867
melissa.carlin@state.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Instructions

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Applicants who wish to submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State Application (STD. 678) revised 10/2023. The position number and job control number must be identified in the job title line of the STD 678 (these numbers will auto-populate in the job title of the STD 678 if submitting an electronic application through CalCareers Account). The hard copy application MUST be signed. Applicants who fail to submit the most current version of the STD. 678 may be disqualified.

Note: Applications MUST include the “From dates“ and “To” dates, “Hours Per Week”, and “Duties Performed” fields for all job listed in the “Employment History” fields, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles). Applications that are submitted blank will be considered incomplete. Reference to a resume in place of a description of the duties will not be accepted. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application information once it is submitted. For all other questions regarding your CalHR CalCareer account, you may contact the CalCareer Unit at (866) 844-8671.

The Fine Print

If you have questions about the State Hiring Process visit our Career Opportunities webpage at https://cdt.ca.gov/career-opportunities/state-hiring-process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job