IT Authentication Architect

SWJ Technology specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a IT Authentication Architect for a client in the automotive industry, specializing in car manufacturing. This role is a contractor position based in Spartanburg, SC that requires onsite presence. If you’re eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.

PURPOSE:
The IT Authentication Architect is responsible for the operation, administration, support, integration, and continuous improvement of enterprise authentication and credential management platforms.
This role provides advanced Level 3 support for Identity and Access Management (IAM), Multifactor Authentication (MFA), password management, and modern passwordless authentication technologies across cloud and on-premises environments. The IT Authentication Architect works closely with cybersecurity, infrastructure, application, service desk, and business teams to ensure secure, scalable, reliable, and user-friendly authentication services. The role will also contribute to the modernization of authentication capabilities through automation, API integrations, and emerging technologies such as passkeys and FIDO2.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide Level 3 support for enterprise authentication, IAM, MFA, and credential management services.
• Administer and troubleshoot Microsoft Entra ID, NetIQ Advanced Authentication, and directory-integrated authentication services.
• Support user lifecycle management, including onboarding, access changes, provisioning, entitlement updates, and offboarding.
• Support and troubleshoot modern authentication technologies, including MFA, FIDO2, WebAuthn, Passkeys, YubiKey, TOTP/HOTP, Mobile Push, and Windows Hello for Business.
• Administer enterprise password management solutions, including Bitwarden and KeePassXC, with a focus on credential security, access controls, vaulting, and auditing.
• Troubleshoot complex authentication issues, perform root-cause analysis, and support security investigations.
• Develop and troubleshoot authentication integrations using Postman, REST APIs, Microsoft Graph API, and JSON.
• Support application teams with IAM, SSO, and authentication integration requirements.
• Develop scripts and automation solutions using PowerShell, JavaScript, and/or Python to improve operational efficiency.
• Monitor authentication services, analyze logs, and create operational dashboards, KPIs, and reports using tools such as Splunk and Power BI.
• Contribute to authentication modernization, passwordless adoption, automation, and continuous service improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, application, service desk, and business teams to resolve issues and deliver secure authentication solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience supporting, implementing, and troubleshooting Multifactor Authentication (MFA) solutions.
• 5+ years of experience with Microsoft Entra ID and NetIQ Advanced Authentication.
• 10+ years of experience delivering complex MFA and authentication projects in large enterprise environments.
• 10+ years of experience taking technical products or solutions from concept and design through implementation and successful deployment.
• 10+ years of experience working in structured enterprise IT environments and standardized project delivery methodologies.
• Strong experience working with non-functional requirements, security requirements, scalability, availability, and operational support considerations.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Advanced to expert-level knowledge of NetIQ Advanced Authentication.
• Expert knowledge of Multifactor Authentication (MFA) technologies and concepts.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), including MFA, SSO, Conditional Access, Identity Governance, and user provisioning.
• Strong knowledge of FIDO2, WebAuthn, Passkeys, HOTP, TOTP, YubiKey, and Windows Hello for Business.
• Expert knowledge of authentication troubleshooting, debugging, root-cause analysis, and diagnostic methods.
• Strong knowledge of functional testing methodologies and test automation.
• Strong understanding of Identity & Access Management (IAM) and enterprise security.
• Advanced knowledge of password and credential management, including Bitwarden, KeePassXC, credential vaulting, and privileged credential handling.
• Advanced knowledge of APIs and integrations, including Postman, REST APIs, Microsoft Graph API, and JSON.
• Advanced scripting and automation skills using PowerShell, JavaScript, and/or Python.
• Strong experience with Splunk, log analysis, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Advanced knowledge of Power BI for operational reporting and dashboards.
• Strong understanding of Windows operating systems and basic Linux/Unix administration.
• Knowledge of databases and query languages such as PostgreSQL.
• Strong understanding of IT security and risk assessment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Experience with large-scale automotive or manufacturing IT environments.
• Experience supporting enterprise authentication platforms across both cloud and on-premises environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure and/or AWS security services.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum development and project delivery methodologies.
• Experience developing authentication and IAM automation solutions.
• Experience with Microsoft Graph integrations and identity-related APIs.
• Experience with AI-assisted automation, Microsoft Copilot, or similar productivity and development tools.
• Experience developing authentication-related dashboards, KPIs, and operational reporting.
• Industry certifications such as:
  • CISSP
  • SANS GIAC certifications, such as GSEC or GCWN
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
  • Other relevant IAM, cybersecurity, or cloud security certifications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.

FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE:

• Location: 90% Spartanburg, SC, 10% other company locations
• Schedule: Full Time
• Assignment Start: ASAP

DISCLAIMER:
This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.

SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., SWJ MACHINING and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.