Description
JOB TITLE: Principal Nuclear Cyber Security Architect
REQ ID: NUC00EZ
DEPARTMENT: 844 Cyber Security
LOCATION: Wolf Creek Clyde Cessna
PAY GRADE: 17B
$116,200-154,900
Scheduled Work Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Additional hours as required)
Summary of Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Nuclear Cyber Security Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for defining, designing, and overseeing cybersecurity architecture across nuclear generation environments, including operational technology (OT), industrial control systems (ICS), and supporting IT systems. This role ensures alignment with regulatory requirements (e.g., NRC, NEI, NERC CIP where applicable) and drives secure-by-design principles across critical infrastructure. This position serves as the advisory technical authority on nuclear cybersecurity strategy, architecture, and risk posture, partnering with engineering, operations, compliance, and IT to protect nuclear assets from emerging cyber threats.
Major responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Architecture & Leadership
Define and maintain the cybersecurity architecture for nuclear systems, including plant OT, ICS, SCADA, and supporting digital infrastructure in accordance with the Wolf Creek Security Plan and implementing procedures
Serve as the technical authority for architecture and as an advisory technical authority for engineering decisions
Lead development of long-term cybersecurity strategy aligned to nuclear regulatory and operational requirements
Provide guidance on secure system integration, modernization, and digital transformation initiatives
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
Ensure compliance with applicable frameworks such as:
o NRC Cyber Security Rule (10 CFR 73.54)
o NEI 08-09 / related guidance
o NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
o Other federal or industry standards
Interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into technical controls and architecture
Support audits, inspections, and regulatory engagements as the subject matter expert (SME)
Cyber Risk & Security Engineering
Lead cyber risk assessments for nuclear systems and critical digital assets
Define and evaluate defense-in-depth architectures, segmentation strategies, and access controls
Oversee design and implementation of:
o Network segmentation (zones/conduits)
o Endpoint and system hardening controls
Evaluate and approve security architecture for new technologies and vendor solutions
Operational Technology (OT) Security
Act as the lead architect for ICS/OT cybersecurity frameworks and controls
Ensure secure configuration and lifecycle management of:
o Digital instrumentation and control (I&C) systems that fall into the scope of the Nuclear Cyber Security Program
o Plant systems and networks
Partner with plant engineering and operations to ensure minimal operational disruption while implementing controls that fall within the scope of the Nuclear Cyber Security Program
Incident Preparedness & Response
Provide architectural guidance for incident detection, response, and recovery capabilities in nuclear environments
Support cyber incident investigations and forensic analysis as needed
Ensure alignment of architecture with resilience and continuity requirements
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Nuclear engineering teams, Plant operations leadership, IT security and enterprise architecture teams, Compliance and regulatory affairs
Communicate complex cybersecurity concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including executive leadership
Innovation & Industry Engagement
Stay current with emerging cyber threats, technologies, and nuclear industry trends
Represent the organization in industry working groups, regulatory forums, and peer exchanges
Drive continuous improvement and adoption of best-in-class cybersecurity practices
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Engineering, Computer Science or related field is required; masters degree preferred.
At least twenty years of progressive technology experience in cybersecurity, with significant focus on OT/ICS environments required.
Must demonstrate expert level proficiency in the following areas:
Nuclear cybersecurity or similarly regulated critical infrastructure
ICS/SCADA systems and architectures.
Network segmentation and secure design principles
Cyber risk management frameworks (NIST, ISO, etc.)
Nuclear regulatory cybersecurity requirements
Certifications such as: CISSP, CISM, GICSP (Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional) or SABSA, TOGAF (architecture frameworks) are highly preferred
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
Strategic thinking and architecture leadership
Deep technical expertise in OT/ICS cybersecurity
Regulatory interpretation and application
Risk-based decision-making
Influencing and stakeholder engagement at senior levels
Strong communication and documentation skills
Licenses, Certifications, and/or Testing:
Certifications such as: CISSP, CISM, GICSP (Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional) or SABSA, TOGAF (architecture frameworks) are highly preferred
Successful candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Working Conditions:
Must live within an approximate 1 hour driving distance of the plant to support on site work. Must be able to work independently after initial on-boarding/training. Virtual work from home Mondays. In office Tuesday through Thursday.
Evergy has a clear mission - To empower a better future. Evergy chooses to live this mission by valuing People First. We know that to lead the responsible energy transition and provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable service to our customers and communities, we need a team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We are committed to building a team where everyone - regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status - has a voice and can bring their best every day. Evergy is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.
The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Shift Standard
Job Field: IT Infrastructure
Req ID: NUC00EZ
