Cybersecurity Enterprise Architect

Cybersecurity Architect

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

Work with a team of experts to architect, design, and lead the implementation of enterprise-scale cybersecurity solutions that protect critical infrastructure, data, and AI-enabled systems across complex, multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP). This role serves as a key architect and evangelist for secure digital transformation, ensuring consistent and scalable protection strategies across traditional, cloud-native, and AI-driven platforms. Provides both deep technical leadership and strategic influence across the organization, mentoring teams and driving innovation in both security architecture and emerging technology adoption.

Job Responsibilities

• Architect and implement secure-by-design cybersecurity components in enterprise-wide systems, including those incorporating AI / ML technologies across cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), hybrid environments and on-prem infrastructure.
• Define and enforce architectural standards for secure cloud adoption, container security, identity and access management (IAM), network segmentation, and integration of AI models, services, and data pipelines into business processes and products.
• Design cybersecurity strategies that integrate AI / ML components securely, addressing risks such as model poisoning, adversarial inputs, and data exposure.
• Lead the secure integration of AI into cloud-native platforms and DevSecOps pipelines, including AI model deployment, governance, and monitoring.
• Address complex challenges in security, integration, interoperability, and multi-cloud or hybrid platforms, including secure AI lifecycle management.
• Act as a technical expert on security architecture for traditional systems and next-gen platforms using generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and machine learning.
• Serve as a technical expert in security architecture, including cloud workload protection, cloud security posture management (CSPM), and compliance alignment.
• Collaborate with IT, CloudOps, Security, Data Science, and business units to ensure secure system design aligned to enterprise goals.
• Lead security architecture reviews and cloud adoption efforts, including migrations, SaaS evaluations, and third-party integrations.
• Influence strategic direction by communicating the value and necessity of cybersecurity architectureincluding emerging AI riskacross leadership, IT, and business lines.

Additional Responsibilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Security or related field and / or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

Competencies Skills / Knowledge / Abilities :

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K / student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion / creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military / veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.