Senior IT Security Design Specialist

ADGA Group is a Canadian-owned defence and security company that provides integrated, mission-critical technical solutions to Government and industry, specializing in C5ISRT, simulation and training, cyber and infrastructure security, and program delivery. With nearly 60 years of experience, ADGA supports federal clients and Canada’s intelligence and enforcement agencies through embedded teams, advisory services, and full project execution, applying deep operational expertise and innovation to strengthen national safety, resilience, and sovereignty. Guided by a strong social mandate, the company creates meaningful employment for veterans of the CAF and RCMP and other professionals committed to public service, while fostering a safe, inclusive, and agile workplace that supports career development, professional growth, and impactful work across Canada.

We are seeking an experienced IT Security Design Specialist to support complex defence and government security initiatives. The successful candidate will provide expert-level security architecture, engineering, analysis, and advisory support across a broad range of enterprise IT and cyber security environments. This role requires deep technical expertise in secure architecture design, network security, risk analysis, and Government of Canada security frameworks and standards.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience working within secure, enterprise-level environments and is capable of supporting senior stakeholders through technical analysis, reporting, architecture development, and cyber security advisory services.

The IT Security Design Specialist will:

• Review, analyze, and apply enterprise architecture methodologies, frameworks, and models such as TOGAF, FEAF, BTEP, GSRM, Zachman, UMM, and related frameworks.
• Assess and apply a broad range of security technologies across multiple systems, architectures, hardware platforms, and software environments.
• Review and apply secure IT architectures, communication standards, and security protocols including IPSec, SSL, SSH, S-MIME, and HTTPS.
• Analyze and apply security controls across all layers of the OSI and TCP/IP models.
• Evaluate emerging market and technology trends and incorporate findings into architecture roadmaps and security solution designs.
• Apply Government and industry best practices related to network zoning, segmentation, and defence-in-depth principles.
• Analyze IT security tools, techniques, statistics, and operational security data.
• Develop security advisories, technical reports, architecture documentation, options analyses, and risk assessments.
• Provide security architecture design and engineering support for enterprise IT initiatives.
• Conduct data security designation and classification studies.
• Develop and distribute tailored IT security alerts and advisories from both open and closed sources.
• Support departmental IT Security and Cyber Protection Program activities.
• Develop and deliver IT Security Design training materials for stakeholders and DND personnel.
• Brief senior managers and stakeholders on IT security design considerations, risks, and recommendations.
• Perform additional related security engineering and advisory tasks as required.

Candidates must possess one of the following:

• Engineering or Science degree from a recognized Canadian university.
• International Engineering or Science degree accredited by CICIC, WES, or University of Toronto Comparative Education Services; or
• Minimum two-year diploma or certificate in an Information Management / Information Technology (IM/IT) discipline from a recognized college.

In addition, candidates must possess at least one of the following certifications:

• CISM
• CRISC
• CISSP

Proof of education equivalency, diploma, degree, or certification will be required.

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Minimum ten (10) years of experience within the last twenty (20) years working as an IT Security Design Specialist.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience within the last ten (10) years reviewing, analyzing, and applying a broad range of security technologies across enterprise systems and architectures.
• Experience with at least two (2) of the following:
  • Directory standards such as X.400, X.500, and SMTP
  • Operating systems including Microsoft, Unix, Linux, and Novell
  • Networking protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and Telnet
  • Network routers, multiplexers, switches, DNS, and NTP
• Minimum five (5) years of experience providing security architecture design and engineering support.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience conducting data security designation and classification studies.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience analyzing security data and producing advisories and reports.

Desired Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills
• Experience supporting defence, government, or highly regulated environments
• Ability to communicate complex security concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong understanding of cyber security governance, risk, and compliance principles

Security Clearance: Secret Clearance & Controlled Goods Program (CGP) eligibility required

If you require accommodations during any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are happy to work with you to meet your needs.

*Our recruitment systems include artificial intelligence–enabled tools; however, AI is not used to screen, evaluate, or make decisions about applicants for this role.

*Unless otherwise stated, all job postings reflect a current vacancy at the time of publication.

Work-Life Balance  

We strongly support a healthy and productive work-life balance. This starts with a flexible approach to work, and policies designed to support employees through their day-to-day routines and major life events. For example, we offer a Maternity/Parental Top-Up (up to 52 weeks) and a Reservist Leave Top-Up (up to 180 days). 

Belong@ADGA  

ADGA continuously strives to integrate advanced Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) approaches and practices into our work culture. Our employee-based DEI Committee explores activities and invites discussions that foster an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and heard.

Compensation  

Above and beyond our commitment to offer a competitive base salary, ADGA has a company-wide profit-sharing plan for all full-time and part-time employees.

Comprehensive Benefits and Total Rewards  

We offer a comprehensive benefit program, providing employees with the choice between base or enhanced plans. Depending on the plan, ADGA pays for Health & Dental, a Health Spending Account, Short-Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, and a Telemedicine service. Also offered: discounts on gym memberships, 5,000+ perks through Perkoplis, a Deferred Profit Sharing Plan, and access to a wide range of other employee-centric services and savings programs.