Explore senior cyber range architect jobs and discover a career at the forefront of cybersecurity training and preparedness. A Senior Cyber Range Architect is a master builder of complex, simulated digital worlds used for training, research, and testing. These professionals design, implement, and maintain sophisticated cyber ranges—realistic, isolated network environments that mimic real-world IT, OT (Operational Technology), and cloud infrastructures. Their core mission is to create a dynamic and secure sandbox where cybersecurity professionals can safely hone their offensive and defensive skills, test new technologies, and validate security postures against sophisticated threat scenarios without risk to live networks. Typical responsibilities for individuals in these senior roles encompass the entire lifecycle of the cyber range. They architect the overall network topology, integrating a diverse array of physical and virtual components, from servers and network switches to firewalls, routers, and specialized devices like ICS/SCADA systems and IoT sensors. They determine baseline configurations and automate the provisioning and orchestration of these environments using tools like Ansible, Python, and Bash scripting to enable rapid deployment and reset. A critical part of the job involves developing and integrating realistic training scenarios, including replicating adversary tactics and creating vulnerable services for trainees to defend or exploit. They are also responsible for the ongoing operation, security hardening, and performance monitoring of the range, ensuring its availability and fidelity for critical exercises. The typical skill set required for senior cyber range architect jobs is both broad and deep. Candidates generally possess extensive experience in network architecture, with expert knowledge of routing, switching, VLANs, VPNs, and DNS. Proficiency with multiple hypervisors (VMware, KVM) and operating systems (Windows Server, Linux distributions) is standard. A strong background in cybersecurity fundamentals is essential, including an understanding of attack vectors, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques. Given the complexity of the environments, skills in automation, configuration management, and scripting are non-negotiable to achieve efficiency and scalability. Senior roles often require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, along with several years of hands-on experience in cyber range, test bed, or similar complex lab environments. Relevant industry certifications in cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP) and cloud platforms are highly valued. Ultimately, professionals pursuing senior cyber range architect jobs are strategic enablers of cyber readiness. They translate training objectives into technical reality, building the immersive battlegrounds where the next generation of cyber defenders is forged. Their work is pivotal for organizations aiming to proactively strengthen their resilience against an ever-evolving threat landscape.
