About this role

Join AT&T and help secure one of the world's largest and most complex networks. The Chief Security Office (CSO) is responsible for protecting AT&T's networks, services, applications, and customers through industry-leading cybersecurity capabilities and strategic security architecture.

The Palo Alto Cybersecurity Architect will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for the architecture, strategy, governance, and modernization of AT&T's Palo Alto Networks security platforms. This role will drive enterprise-wide security initiatives including next-generation firewalls, Advanced Threat Prevention, DNS Security, WildFire, SSL Decryption, URL Filtering, Panorama, Strata Cloud Manager, and integration with security analytics platforms. The architect will partner closely with engineering, operations, cloud, compliance, application, and executive stakeholders to develop scalable security solutions that reduce risk while enabling business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Security Architecture & Strategy

- Develop and maintain enterprise security architectures for Palo Alto Networks technologies.
- Define target-state architectures, technology standards, security patterns, and design principles.
- Lead evaluation, proof-of-concept testing, and adoption of emerging security technologies.
- Drive modernization efforts focused on platform consolidation, automation, and operational efficiency.
- Establish architectural guardrails, governance standards, and technology roadmaps.
- Design resilient High Availability (HA) solutions and scalable policy frameworks.
- Develop deployment standards and best practices for large-scale firewall environments.
- Guide migration strategies from legacy security technologies to Palo Alto platforms.
- Define baseline security controls and enforcement models.
- Support PCI, NIST, ISO 27001, SOC, and regulatory requirements.
- Perform threat modeling and security risk assessments.
- Establish metrics and KPIs demonstrating security effectiveness and risk reduction.

Job Contribution: An expert in their field, applying broad business knowledge and strategic insight surrounding emerging trends and technologies to solve complex problems and drive organizational results. Leads critical, high-impact projects and designs/implements innovative business strategies. Works with minimal oversight, frequently consulting senior leadership and influencing executive decisions. Serves as a mentor and assists others with challenging issues. Supervisor: No

TCP Career Step Differentiator: Manages and leads very complex cybersecurity work and is an expert in a specific cyber area. Creates plans that impact large organizations, multiple very complex applications/system, etc.

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) desired in Computer Science or Cybersecurity. 7+ years of related experience.

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) desired in Computer Science or Cybersecurity. 7+ years of related experience. Certification is required in some areas.


Our Principal Cybersecurity jobs earn between $155,400.00 - $261,100.00 USD Annual. Not to mention all the other amazing rewards that working at AT&T offers. Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education/training.

Joining our team comes with amazing perks and benefits:

- Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
- 401(k) plan
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Caregiver Leave
- Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected
- Adoption Reimbursement
- Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
- Life and Accidental Death Insurance
- Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Extensive employee wellness programs
- Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone

Weekly Hours:
40

Time Type:
Regular

Location:
Charlotte, North Carolina, Dallas, Texas

Salary Range:
$155,400.00 - $261,100.00

AT&T and its subsidiaries are committed to equal employment opportunity. All hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions remain merit-based and free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made. Click here to learn more or request an application accommodation here .