Cloud Security Expert

Cloud Security Expert

Posted 2 weeks ago by IO Associates

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Negotiable
Undetermined
Hybrid
England, UK
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Access Controls Akamai Amazon Web Services (AWS) Application Programming Interface (API) AWS Certified Security Specialty Azure Kubernetes Service Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Cloud Computing Cloud Technology Computer Science Cyber Security Data Encryption DDoS Mitigation Digital Transformation Domain Name System (DNS) Servers Encryption Kubernetes Microsoft Azure Security Information And Event Management (SIEM) Security Strategies Stakeholder Engagement Stakeholder Management Terraform

Summary: The Cloud Security Expert role is a freelance position focused on leading the security of high-performance computing environments for a Defence client. The expert will leverage Akamai Edge solutions to protect classified infrastructure while ensuring compliance with various security standards. This role is critical for safeguarding national security priorities through advanced defence systems. Candidates must possess active DV, eDV, or UKIC clearance and extensive experience in cyber security and HPC engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and implement security strategies for HPC environments and defence systems, integrating Akamai Edge solutions for DDoS mitigation, WAF, and API protection.
  • Secure cloud-based HPC workloads (eg, AWS Nitro Enclaves, Azure Confidential Computing) and related systems in classified/STRAP-level environments.
  • Drive cyber security certifications (eg, NCSC Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO27001, NIS2) to meet MOD compliance and operational requirements.
  • Conduct risk assessments and audits for HPC and system infrastructure, implementing zero-trust models, encryption, and access controls.
  • Collaborate with defence stakeholders, primes, and vendors to deliver secure, resilient HPC solutions.
  • Configure and optimise Akamai Edge tools (eg, EdgeWorkers, Bot Manager) to protect defence APIs and data flows.
  • Provide technical briefings to senior defence stakeholders on HPC security and compliance.
  • Leverage NCSC and UKIC intelligence to mitigate emerging cyber threats to HPC and defence systems.
  • Mentor technical teams to embed secure practices in HPC and system operations.

Key Skills:

  • Active DV, eDV, or UKIC clearance (essential; must be current and verifiable).
  • 8+ years in cyber security or HPC engineering, with 4+ years in defence, intelligence, or HMG environments.
  • Proven experience securing HPC environments and defence systems in classified settings.
  • Expertise in Akamai Edge solutions (eg, Kona Site Defender, Edge DNS, EdgeWorkers) for DDoS, WAF, and API protection.
  • Strong knowledge of Government frameworks (eg, JSP 440/604, NCSC guidelines, HMG Security Policy Framework).
  • Experience achieving cyber security certifications (eg, NCSC, ISO27001, NIS2) to support compliance objectives.
  • Proficiency in cloud security for HPC (eg, AWS, Azure, GovCloud) and tools like Terraform, Kubernetes, or SIEM.
  • Professional certifications (eg, CISSP, CISM, AWS Certified Security Specialty, Akamai Edge Security Specialist, ISO27001 Lead Implementer) highly desirable.
  • Strong technical and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience briefing senior defence leaders.
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field (eg, Computer Science, Engineering, or related; Master's preferred).
  • Uncompromising integrity and discretion in handling classified and sensitive defence data and systems.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: undetermined

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: IT

Detailed Description From Employer:

Cloud Security Expert - Freelance (Contract) - DV/eDV/UKIC Cleared

Location: United Kingdom, Hybrid
Position: Freelance/Contract, 12months +
Clearance: Active DV, eDV, or UKIC required

About the Role

PRG is partnering with a Defence client to recruit an exceptional DV, eDV, or UKIC-cleared Cloud Security Expert for a freelance role within a critical cyber and digital transformation programme. You will lead the security of high-performance computing (HPC) environments and associated systems, leveraging Akamai Edge solutions (eg, Kona Site Defender, Edge DNS, App & API Protector) to protect classified infrastructure. Using your expertise in compliance and cloud security, you will ensure alignment with their Digital Strategy, JSP 440/604, NCSC, ISO27001, and NIS2 standards to safeguard mission-critical operations. This is a pivotal opportunity to secure advanced defence systems and drive compliance for national security priorities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and implement security strategies for HPC environments and defence systems, integrating Akamai Edge solutions for DDoS mitigation, WAF, and API protection.
  • Secure cloud-based HPC workloads (eg, AWS Nitro Enclaves, Azure Confidential Computing) and related systems in classified/STRAP-level environments.
  • Drive cyber security certifications (eg, NCSC Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO27001, NIS2) to meet MOD compliance and operational requirements.
  • Conduct risk assessments and audits for HPC and system infrastructure, implementing zero-trust models, encryption, and access controls.
  • Collaborate with defence stakeholders, primes, and vendors to deliver secure, resilient HPC solutions.
  • Configure and optimise Akamai Edge tools (eg, EdgeWorkers, Bot Manager) to protect defence APIs and data flows.
  • Provide technical briefings to senior defence stakeholders on HPC security and compliance.
  • Leverage NCSC and UKIC intelligence to mitigate emerging cyber threats to HPC and defence systems.
  • Mentor technical teams to embed secure practices in HPC and system operations.

What We are Looking For

  • Active DV, eDV, or UKIC clearance (essential; must be current and verifiable).
  • 8+ years in cyber security or HPC engineering, with 4+ years in defence, intelligence, or HMG environments.
  • Proven experience securing HPC environments and defence systems in classified settings.
  • Expertise in Akamai Edge solutions (eg, Kona Site Defender, Edge DNS, EdgeWorkers) for DDoS, WAF, and API protection.
  • Strong knowledge of Government frameworks (eg, JSP 440/604, NCSC guidelines, HMG Security Policy Framework).
  • Experience achieving cyber security certifications (eg, NCSC, ISO27001, NIS2) to support compliance objectives.
  • Proficiency in cloud security for HPC (eg, AWS, Azure, GovCloud) and tools like Terraform, Kubernetes, or SIEM.
  • Professional certifications (eg, CISSP, CISM, AWS Certified Security Specialty, Akamai Edge Security Specialist, ISO27001 Lead Implementer) highly desirable.
  • Strong technical and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience briefing senior defence leaders.
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field (eg, Computer Science, Engineering, or related; Master's preferred).
  • Uncompromising integrity and discretion in handling classified and sensitive defence data and systems.

Why Join This Project?

  • Lead HPC and system security for a critical defence client, driving national security excellence.
  • Enjoy remote work with regular travel to secure defence sites.
  • Contribute to high-impact defence projects with a lasting impact on UK security and capability.

Next Steps:

If interested, please send your most recent CV

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