Principal AI Security Architect

Who are we?

At Finastra, we’re a global leader in financial services software, dedicated to expanding access to financial services and shaping what’s next for the industry. Our technology powers mission‑critical solutions across Lending, Payments and Universal Banking, supporting over 7,000 customers, including 80% of the world’s top 50 banks, in more than 110 countries.

We are seeking a principal-level AI Security Architect to define our enterprise AI/ML security architecture across data, model, and infrastructure layers. The individual will partner with AI COE, product, engineering, compliance, and operations to ensure safe, resilient, and compliant AI solutions. This role requires both strategic leadership and hands-on technical depth in AI security architecture, adversarial ML defenses, DevSecOps, and incident response.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Architecture & Roadmap

• Primary AI Security SME for the CISO organization.

• AI Security SME supporting AI COE, providing expert guidance on AI security architecture, policies, and standards.

• Establish reference architectures (e.g. RAG, MCP, agents, tenancy/orchestration), with standardized patterns for identity, access, data protection, and plugin safety.

• Integrate AI security controls and requirements into enterprise architecture patterns and overlays, ensuring secure-by-design principles are applied.

• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of AI security tools, working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external partners.

• Stay current with advancements in AI/ML security, threat landscapes, and emerging technologies; proactively adapt frameworks and controls accordingly.

• Stay ahead of evolving AI threats and recommend cutting-edge security solutions by conducting research and innovation.

Governance, Compliance & Risk

• Converts AI risks into actionable controls, KPIs, and board‑level narratives.

• Participate in and support audits, compliance reviews, and incident response as it relates to AI systems.

• Partner to develop and enforce AI security policies, including compliance with emerging standards (e.g., NIST AI RMF).

Threat Modeling & Controls

• Perform AI threat modeling and risk assessments to identify, prioritize, and mitigate security risks related to AI/ML initiatives.

DevSecOps for AI

• Ensure alignment of AI security practices with organizational strategy and regulatory requirements.

• Integrated security controls into AI/ML lifecycle (data collection, model training, deployment).

• Embed security automation into AI CI/CD and ensure continuous validation for drift, bias, and robustness.

Incident Response & Resilience

• Create playbooks for AI-specific incident response (e.g., model compromise, data exfil via prompts, malicious fine-tuning)

• Drive red-team/blue-team exercises for AI systems and coordinate independent architecture reviews across product lines.

Required Qualifications Use your skills to make an impact

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Information Security, Engineering, or related field.

• Proven progressive experience in information security, with focus on AI/ML security.

• Deep expertise in AI/ML architecture, model security, AI threat modeling, and AI risk assessment methodologies.

• Proven experience in AI security tool evaluation, selection, and integration.

• Demonstrated understanding of enterprise security frameworks, secure software development lifecycle, and regulatory compliance requirements for regulated global FinTech company.

• Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Relevant security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCSP, Certified AI Security Professional) preferred.

• Experience developing and delivering code using modern CI/CD delivery methodologies.

Desired Skills

• Experience with Azure ML, Azure OpenAI, Microsoft/GitHub Copilot security patterns; integration with Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Defender, Purview for data protection and governance.

• Completed independent architecture reviews and red‑team exercises for flagship AI features, closed priority findings within SLA.

We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we stand for:

Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, subject to local regulations and business priorities. Benefit from hybrid working arrangements and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.

Well‑being: Access confidential one‑to‑one support through our Employee Assistance Program, connect with our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and take part in monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive—inside and outside of work.

Health & Financial Security: Medical, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, lifestyle, and other benefits.*

Sustainability: Paid time off for volunteering and donation‑matching opportunities to support causes that matter to you.

Inclusion: Get involved in our inclusion communities, such as Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, and Women@Finastra—open to everyone who wants to participate and contribute.

Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.

Recognition: Take part in our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and share your voice through regular employee surveys that help shape our culture and ways of working.

*Specific benefits may vary by location.

At Finastra, each individual is unique—bringing their own ideas, perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and experiences. We learn from one another, value what makes us different, and create an environment where everyone feels included, supported, and able to be their authentic selves.

Be unique. Be exceptional. Help us make a difference at Finastra.

Applicants for this position need to be located in posted location or their immediate surrounding areas. Due to the requirements of this position, this job posting is not available for, and Finastra will not be considering any applicants who currently reside in New York City or California.