Principal solution architect – security

The Principal Solution Architect – Security is a field-based technical pre-sales leader responsible for designing complex security solutions for public-sector and commercial customers, with primary regional support for the Southeast. This role owns technical solution development from discovery through architecture, bills of materials, statements of work, estimation, pricing, and customer-facing pre-sales support. The role partners closely with sales and the Security Solutions Executive while remaining the more technically focused resource.

What you will do

• Lead the design of complex security solutions for public-sector and commercial customers, with primary support for state and local government opportunities in the Southeast.
• Translate customer business, security, compliance, and technical requirements into sound and commercially viable solution architectures.
• Personally develop bills of materials, statements of work, estimates, pricing, and supporting technical documentation for pre-sales pursuits.
• Lead technical discovery, architecture workshops, solution reviews, and customer-facing presentations.
• Partner closely with the Security Solutions Executive, sales leaders, delivery teams, and security vendors to shape and advance opportunities.
• Develop security assessments, advisory services, optimization plans, technology health checks, and deployment approaches.
• Review solution scope, assumptions, dependencies, and delivery risk before proposals are finalized.
• Build strategic relationships with key security partners and maintain broad technical expertise across the security stack.
• Mentor Solution Architects and sellers on architecture quality, pre-sales execution, and customer engagement.
• Support regional customer and vendor activity and travel within the Southeast as needed.

What we expect of you

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Senior or principal-level experience in security solution architecture, technical pre-sales, consulting, or post-sale delivery.
• Demonstrated experience personally creating bills of materials, statements of work, estimates, pricing, and customer-ready solution designs.
• Broad security expertise across multiple domains rather than knowledge limited to one product or vendor.
• Ability to balance technical architecture with customer-facing pre-sales and commercial requirements.
• Strong written, presentation, facilitation, and relationship-building skills with technical and executive audiences.
• Public-sector experience is helpful but not required; strong commercial security architecture backgrounds are also relevant.
• Relevant security and partner certifications are preferred.
• Residence east of the Mississippi is preferred to support the Southeast region; West Coast candidates are not targeted for this role.
• Ability to travel within the region as needed; exact travel expectations will be confirmed during the hiring process.

Pay range

$165,200 - $231,120 depending on experience and skill set

Annual bonus target of 25% subject to terms and conditions of plan

Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/

Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials

CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization. We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances—not replaces—human creativity and decision-making. You don’t need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work.

Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that’s curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what’s possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.

About Us

CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities.

As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what’s next. Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.