Amazon Web Services (AWS), Application Integration, Application Programming Interface (API), Architectural Services, Authentication, Cloud Computing, Consulting, Documentation, Ecosystems, Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), Enterprise Architecture, Home Automation, ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Identify Issues, Identity Data Management, Identity Federation, Internet Security, Machine Tool, Microsoft Product Family, Microsoft Windows Azure, OAuth, Onboarding, Operational Support, Project/Program Management, Python Programming/Scripting Language, SQL (Structured Query Language), Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Single Sign-On (SSO), Software Design, System Integration (SI), Technical Leadership, U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Willing to Travel
Job Title: Identity & Access Management Architect Okta Migration (Contract-to-Hire)/Senior Technical Program Manager
Location: Palo Alto, CA (hybrid preferred; remote considered for exceptional candidates)
Duration: 6 months initial term, with conversion to full-time employment possible based on performance
Year of experience:7+ Years
JOB DESCRIPTION
International travel will be required to Serbia
Job Summary
Client is seeking a hands-on IAM Architect to lead our enterprise workforce identity migration from Microsoft Entra ID to Okta (~1,800 users), targeting a federation cutover in Q3 2026. You will own the migration architecture end-to-end federation design, app integrations, cutover, and stabilization working alongside our internal Enterprise Cybersecurity team and an external implementation partner. Beyond the migration, you'll help build and operate our identity ecosystem, with the opportunity to contribute to a custom identity orchestration and governance platform. This is a 6-month contract with strong potential for conversion to a full-time role.
Key Responsibilities
Okta Migration & IAM Operations (core)
Lead technical architecture for the Entra ID to Okta workforce identity migration: federation design, app integration sequencing, cutover planning, rollback strategy, and hypercare
Design and build SSO/SAML/OIDC integrations across the enterprise application portfolio; architect multi-tenant deployment (separate US/EU tenants) to meet regional data requirements
Architect lifecycle management and provisioning workflows (HR-driven joiner/mover/leaver), including SCIM integrations
Define and implement MFA, adaptive authentication, and device assurance policies aligned to a zero-trust roadmap
Serve as technical counterpart to the implementation partner: review designs, challenge assumptions, hold delivery quality to standard
Maintain and operate the Okta environment post-cutover: policy tuning, integration onboarding, incident support, and operational runbooks
Produce audit-ready documentation for an ISO 27001 / TISAX-aligned control environment
Identity Orchestration & Governance (secondary)
Contribute to the design and build of a custom identity orchestration layer (Databricks or equivalent): attribute-driven provisioning, ABAC policy models, JIT privileged access, anomaly detection, automated deprovisioning, and audit/recertification capabilities
Support integration of identity and authorization event logs into the cybersecurity SIEM
Required Qualifications
7+ years in identity and access management, with 3+ years hands-on Okta experience building, deploying, and maintaining Okta Workforce Identity Cloud environments
At least one completed enterprise migration from Entra ID / Azure AD to Okta as architect or technical lead
Deep expertise in SAML, OIDC, OAuth 2.0, SCIM, and directory integration (AD/Entra ID hybrid scenarios)
Experience operating and administering Okta in production: policy management, app integrations, lifecycle workflows, troubleshooting
Experience designing MFA and adaptive access policies at enterprise scale
Strong documentation skills; able to produce audit-ready artifacts
Proven ability to work alongside system integrators while retaining architectural ownership
Preferred Qualifications
Okta Certified Consultant or Okta Certified Architect
Experience building custom identity automation or governance tooling using Python/SQL, event-driven pipelines, and APIs
Working knowledge of data platforms (Databricks, Spark, or comparable) for event ingestion and processing
Experience with ABAC/policy-based authorization models and JIT/ephemeral privileged access patterns in AWS
SIEM integration experience (log normalization, detection engineering for identity signals)
Familiarity with IGA platforms, PAM solutions, and enterprise password managers
Experience in regulated or automotive environments (TISAX, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53)
Engagement Details
Start date: ASAP; interviews conducted on a rolling basis
Reports to: Senior Manager, Enterprise Cybersecurity
Contract-to-hire: strong performers will be considered for a full-time Identity Engineering role at the conclusion of the initial term