Forward Deployed Security Architect

Forward Deployed Security Solution Architect

About TENEX: Redefining AI-Native Cybersecurity
TENEX isn't just another cybersecurity company; we're an AI-native, automation-first, built-for-scale Managed Detection and Response (MDR) powerhouse. We act as a force multiplier for defenders, equipping organizations with unparalleled threat detection, rapid response, and continuous protection. Our mission is to revolutionize the AI-Native MDR landscape, and we're doing it with a team of industry experts deeply rooted in cybersecurity, automation, and AI-driven solutions.

We're a fast-growing startup, backed by top-tier investors including Crosspoint Capital Partners, Shield Capital, DTCP (formerly Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners), Deepwork Capital, and the Florida Opportunity Fund, with our seed round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). Joining TENEX means stepping onto the ground floor of a well-funded, high-potential venture. As an early employee, you won't just witness our culture; you'll play a meaningful role in defining and building it. This is a unique opportunity with limited risk and unlimited upside.

Culture is paramount at TENEX.AI. Discover our collaborative, community-driven spirit and commitment to in-person work at culture.tenex.ai. We thrive in a high-performance environment built on integrity, innovation, and an unwavering drive to protect our customers.

This role is ideal for cybersecurity professionals in the Phoenix, AZ, Sarasota, FL, or Kansas City, MO metro areas, or those eager to relocate and immerse themselves in our dynamic team.

Your Mission: FDE Security Solution Architect
As a Forward Deployed Security Solution Architect at TENEX, you are the technical vanguard, a critical force multiplier for our clients and our SE&A team. You'll move beyond conventional solution engineering to design robust security architectures, lead high-stakes advisory engagements, and serve as the senior technical escalation point across your assigned security domains. This role demands both visionary leadership and deep, hands-on technical expertise to elevate the entire team's quality and impact.

Key Responsibilities & Impact:

**Architectural Visionary:** Design and validate cutting-edge security architectures across one or more assigned domains: Cloud, AI Security, Network, Endpoint, and Identity. Make critical tool selection, integration, and configuration recommendations leveraging platforms like Wiz, SCCE, Defender for Cloud (Cloud); WitnessAI, ModelArmor, Purview (AI Security); ExtraHop, CEP (Network); ENT.AI, Defender for Endpoint, Thinkst Canary (Endpoint); and Defender for Identity (Identity).
**Executive Advisory Leader:** Lead and execute high-stakes advisory engagements, including board briefings, strategic security roadmap presentations, BC/DR reviews, and vendor risk assessments, guiding our clients at the highest levels.
**Technical Authority:** Serve as the ultimate technical escalation point for complex engineering and advisory challenges within the team, providing clarity and resolution.
**Strategic Partner:** Collaborate closely with Field CISOs, nurturing executive-level customer relationships and contributing to long-term strategic security planning.
**Methodology Innovator:** Identify repeatable patterns and best practices from customer engagements, actively contributing to and evolving team-wide methodologies and playbooks.
**Pre-Sales Catalyst:** Provide expert technical support for pre-sales conversations and solution scoping, helping define and articulate TENEX's value.
**Mentor & Developer:** Champion the growth of our team by mentoring Security Solution Engineers and fostering the technical development of the entire SE&A organization.

What You Bring:
Technical & Industry Expertise:

**Proven Experience:** 5+ years in information security, with significant, demonstrable experience in security advisory or architecture roles.
**Architectural Mastery:** Demonstrated expertise in designing security architectures across one or more key domains: cloud, AI, network, endpoint, and identity.
**Executive Presence:** Experience leading executive-level advisory engagements, including impactful board briefings and strategic security roadmap development.
**Compliance Acumen:** Strong familiarity with leading compliance frameworks such as SOC 2, NIST, ISO 27001, and CMMC.
**Sales Partnership:** A track record of successful collaboration with sales teams on solution design and pre-sales technical conversations.
**Leadership & Mentorship:** Proven experience in mentorship and leading technical teams.

Soft Skills:

**Action-Oriented Problem Solver:** Exceptional problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, coupled with a proactive bias toward action.
**Exceptional Communicator:** Outstanding customer-facing communication and collaboration abilities, capable of translating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
**Startup Adaptability:** The ability to thrive and excel in a fast-paced, high-performance startup environment.
**Passion for Innovation:** A deep passion for cybersecurity, automation, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Education & Certifications:

**Educational Foundation:** Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
**Valued Certifications:** Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, GIAC certifications, Google Cloud Professional, Microsoft SC-200/AZ-500, or AWS Certified Solutions Architect are a significant plus.

Why TENEX? Elevate Your Career. Build the Future.

**Cutting-Edge Innovation:** Work daily with groundbreaking AI-driven cybersecurity technologies and next-generation security platforms.
**Elite Collaboration:** Join a talented, innovative team dedicated to continuously improving security operations and setting new industry standards.
**Competitive Rewards:** Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
**Unrivaled Growth:** Be part of a culture committed to professional growth and development, with unparalleled opportunities to expand your expertise across AI, cybersecurity, and engineering.
**Define the Landscape:** This is a greenfield opportunity to build something entirely new. TENEX's Forward Deployed Engineering organization is charting the course for how enterprise security is delivered at scale. Your contributions will directly shape the future.