Systems & Security Technical Lead

Location: Toronto, ON, Hybrid
Language: Strong English communication skills required, both written and spoken
Background Check Requirement: Successful completion of an employment background check

About the Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to lead systems and security strategy within a mission-driven, public sector research environment focused on the global impact of technology. You will play a critical role in safeguarding sensitive systems, data, and research, while shaping security practices that support innovation, academic freedom, and public interest work.

Working closely with senior leadership, IT partners, and security stakeholders, you will balance strategic oversight with hands-on technical leadership. Your work will directly support researchers, faculty, and staff who rely on secure, resilient systems to advance complex and high-impact initiatives in a collaborative, values-driven setting.

What’s In It for You
You will join a workplace that values trust, autonomy, and thoughtful problem-solving. This is an environment where your expertise is respected and your voice influences long-term technology and security decisions.

You will gain exposure to complex, real-world security challenges, work alongside highly skilled professionals, and contribute to work that has global relevance. Ongoing learning, collaboration, and balance are actively supported.

Your Responsibilities

• You’ll lead the strategic and tactical planning of systems security, privacy, and risk management across servers, applications, and network services.
• In this role, you’ll design, implement, and continuously improve information security standards, controls, and best practices.
• You’ll oversee access controls, monitoring, incident response, and forensic audits for compromised or high-risk systems.
• You’ll act as a technical project lead for security-focused initiatives involving confidential or restricted information.
• You’ll collaborate with internal and external partners to assess risks, review controls, and strengthen service reliability.
• You’ll educate and advise the broader community through training, guidance, and clear security communication.

Skills and Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science or Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
• 6+ years of experience in an Information Technology environment, including at least 2 years with a strong focus on Information Security.
• Broad, in-depth knowledge of current and emerging technologies across computing and networking, with the ability to apply industry best practices.
• IT security certifications completed or in progress are considered an asset, with experience in high-performance computing and advanced networking highly desirable.
• Proven expertise in client and server application deployment, support, and activity tracking, along with a strong understanding of IT architecture and security methodologies.
• Experience auditing systems for compliance and risk, and developing information security standards, guidelines, and control frameworks (PCIDSS, PA-DSS, etc.).
• Comprehensive knowledge of TCP/IP networking and client-server architecture and protocols.
• Hands-on experience administering enterprise-level Unix or Linux server environments, with strong scripting skills using shell and interpreted languages such as Bash and Python.
• Experience configuring and supporting databases and database-backed applications, including SQL Server and MySQL, and using network and security analysis tools.
• Extensive experience with intrusion detection and prevention, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing, as well as deploying security technologies such as anti-virus, anti-spam, and DDoS protection.
• Demonstrated expertise in virtualized environments, access control technologies such as LDAP and Kerberos, VPNs, encryption, firewalls, and certificate authorities.
• Experience running penetration testing and vulnerability scanning (Metasploit, Nessus, etc.).
• Strong understanding of network configuration, hardware and next-gen firewall/IPS technologies (Cisco ASA, Juniper, Fortinet, Palo Alto)
• Expert level understanding of the following access control technologies – LDAP and Kerberos.
• Expert knowledge of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
• Expert knowledge of Encryption technologies at network, file and file-system levels.
• Strong understanding of cryptographic certificates and the operation of certificate authorities
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences and deliver security awareness training.

Note from the Hiring Manager
“We’re looking for someone who is deeply curious, security-minded, and comfortable navigating complex environments. If you enjoy building trust, setting strong standards, and working closely with people who care about impact, this role will be incredibly rewarding.”

Why Partner with Altis
If you’ve never worked with a staffing agency before, we make it easy. We work with top employers across Canada who have great jobs to fill, each vetted and verified by our team. When you apply for a job with Altis, we get to know you as a candidate and learn what your strengths are. Then, if you’re a solid match, we handle all the logistics, advocating for you as a candidate for the role, providing access to coaching and connecting you directly with the hiring manager. And rest assured, all our services are free of cost for candidates.

We appreciate the time and effort all applicants invest in their submissions. Please note that only candidates shortlisted for this role will be contacted directly. However, your profile will remain under consideration for future opportunities that align with your experience and career goals. All qualified applicants will receive fair consideration for employment. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities including those who identify as women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. If you require an accommodation, please review our accessibility policy and reach out to our accessibility officer with any questions. Our human recruiters review all applications and always make the final hiring decision. On occasion, we also use AI-assisted tools to help review applications.