Senior Principal Engineer - Cybersecurity (Hybrid - Seattle)

Job Description

Role Summary

Visionary enterprise security leader defining organizational direction and industry-leading practices for platform security across Nordstrom's technology ecosystem. Establishes foundational security principles, strategic roadmaps, and governance frameworks that shape how Nordstrom secures platforms at scale, including emerging technologies, multi-cloud environments, and next-generation computing paradigms. Serves as the organization's foremost authority on platform security architecture with influence extending across technology and business leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define and evangelize the long-term platform security vision aligned with enterprise technology strategy and business objectives
• Establish organization-wide platform security principles, standards, and governance frameworks that influence technology decisions at the highest levels
• Drive Executive level platform security strategy discussions, translating complex technical security concepts into business risk and opportunity
• Lead cross-functional security transformation initiatives that fundamentally reshape how Nordstrom approaches platform security

Enterprise Architecture & Innovation

• Architect enterprise-wide security solutions for emerging and disruptive technologies (genAI, edge computing, decentralized systems)
• Develop comprehensive reference architectures and security patterns that become organizational standards across all technology domains
• Pioneer innovative security approaches that position Nordstrom as an industry leader in platform security practices
• Influence vendor roadmaps and industry standards through thought leadership and strategic partnerships

Risk & Business Impact

• Quantify and communicate platform security investments in terms of business risk reduction, revenue protection, and competitive advantage
• Develop sophisticated security measurement frameworks that demonstrate clear ROI and business value to executive leadership
• Lead security risk modeling for enterprise-critical platform decisions with multi-million dollar business implications
• Balance security requirements with business velocity, establishing practical risk-based approaches for the organization

Organization & Talent Development

• Mentor Principal Engineers, Architects, and senior technical leaders across cybersecurity and technology organizations
• Build and elevate platform security engineering capability across Nordstrom through advisory, coaching, and knowledge sharing
• Represent Nordstrom externally through speaking engagements, publications, and industry collaboration
• Influence hiring strategies and organizational design for platform security capabilities

Example Projects or Deliverables

• Enterprise security architecture strategy for quantum-ready cryptographic transitions across all platforms
• Organization-wide security frameworks for responsible AI deployment with integrated risk management
• Multi-year platform security roadmap with business case justification
• Industry-recognized thought leadership (conference presentations, whitepapers, patents) on emerging platform security challenges
• Cross-industry collaboration initiatives establishing platform security standards or best practices

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years in cybersecurity with 5+ years leading enterprise-level security architecture initiatives
• Demonstrated track record of defining security strategy that influenced organizational direction at Fortune 500 or equivalent scale
• Proven ability to drive consensus and adoption of security standards across diverse technical and business stakeholders
• History of mentoring senior technical talent and elevating organizational security capabilities
• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity or related field; Master's Degree strongly preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Published thought leadership (patents, peer-reviewed publications, industry presentations) in platform security
• Experience advising C-suite or Board of Directors on technology security strategy
• Track record of influencing industry standards or vendor security capabilities
• Experience in regulated retail, financial services, or similarly complex enterprise environments

Technical Expertise:

Strategic Technologies

• Enterprise security architecture frameworks (SABSA, O-ESA, TOGAF)
• Advanced threat modeling and risk quantification methodologies
• Zero Trust arc