Senior Solution Architect | Security (Chicago) at Trace3

Who is Trace3? Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate. Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it! Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco. Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology? Come Join Us! Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the “big picture.” We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems. Juice - The “Stuff” it takes to be a Needle Mover We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like. Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it’s due and demonstrate transparency. We “bring the weather” by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us. JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Solutions Architect, Security is a client-facing strategist and pre-sales leader who helps organizations define and execute their cybersecurity journey. Aligned to Trace3’s Central Region and working closely with the corporate Security Solutions practice, this individual will play a pivotal role in shaping client outcomes, driving pipeline growth, and contributing to Trace3’s go-to-market success. This senior-level role blends deep technical mastery in cybersecurity architecture with the business acumen to influence executive security strategy, design resilient solutions, and connect security decisions to business risk and value. The ideal candidate moves effortlessly between whiteboarding a modern security solution, presenting a resilience roadmap to executives, and helping regional sales teams capture and advance opportunities. SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • Serve as a trusted cybersecurity advisor to clients, guiding strategy and solution architecture through consultative, outcome-based engagement. • Lead client discovery and assessment sessions to capture business requirements, define success criteria, and translate needs into actionable solution recommendations. • Evaluate cybersecurity architectures for feasibility, scalability, risk, and alignment with organizational goals. • Design and recommend cybersecurity solutions across client environments (Endpoint Security (EDR/XDR), Email Security, DLP, Cloud Security (DSPM/CSPM), IAM) • Develop and deliver executive-ready presentations, proposals, Statements of Work (SOWs), and technical documentation that clearly communicate Trace3’s value and differentiation. • Produce level-of-effort estimates, solution pricing inputs, and clean presales-to-delivery handoffs to ensure client success and delivery readiness. • Collaborate with Cloud, Infrastructure, and Data teams to design converged solutions that span Trace3’s broader technology portfolio. • Partner with the Security Solutions practice to refine GTM strategy, offerings, and practice positioning for the Central region. • Drive pipeline creation and growth through proactive client engagement, opportunity qualification, and strategic pursuit support. • Build and maintain referenceable client relationships, ensuring long-term trust and measurable outcomes. • Lead workshops, demos, proofs-of-value (POVs), rapid assessments and thought leadership sessions to educate and inspire clients. • Provide mentorship and enablement to regional architects, advisors, and account teams to elevate technical competency and sales effectiveness. • Contribute to Trace3’s market presence through public speaking, events, and content development that reinforce thought leadership. REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: • 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity with at least 3–5 years in a pre-sales, client advisory, or consulting capacity. • Proven ability to evaluate, modernize, and architect enterprise security solutions across on-prem and cloud environments (e.g., EDR/XDR, email security, DLP, IAM, cloud security). • Hands-on proficiency with modern security, such as leading EDR/XDR, email security, DLP, IAM, and cloud security platforms (CSPM/DSPM/CNAPP) or similar. • Strong understanding of and adjacent technology domains (Cloud, Infrastructure, and data). • Demonstrated success driving pipeline and supporting sales cycles from opportunity qualification and solution design through proposal, presentation, and closure. • Exceptional executive communication, storytelling, and relationship-building • Experience creating high-quality deliverables, including architecture diagrams, proposals, and Statements of Work. • Strong business acumen and ability to connect security investments to tangible business outcomes and ROI. • Prior experience working for a consulting or technology organization in a client-facing capacity. • Ability to operate independently, manage multiple priorities, and lead cross-functional teams. • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field. • Relevant certifications (CISSP/CSSP, AWS/Azure/GCP Security Architect) highly desired. Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ. Certain positions may also be eligible for variable incentive compensation, such as bonuses or commissions, that is not included in the base salary.Estimated Pay Range$165,000—$180,000 USD The Perks • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability • Competitive Compensation • Training and development programs • Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages • Collaborative and cool culture • Work-life balance and generous paid time off Our Commitment At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture. As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email [Upgrade to PRO to see contact]. ***To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.