Solution Architect - CNAPP

Description

About Upwind Security

Upwind Security is a rapidly growing, innovative cybersecurity firm specializing in Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP). We provide comprehensive security solutions that span the entire cloud application lifecycle, from build to runtime. Our mission is to secure the next generation of cloud infrastructure, helping businesses innovate without fear. We foster a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment, focused on excellence and customer success.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Solution Architect (SA) to join our expanding team in Tokyo, Japan. This role is pivotal in providing deep technical expertise throughout the sales cycle, ensuring successful proof-of-concepts (POCs), and architecting tailored CNAPP solutions for our enterprise clients. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in cloud security, DevSecOps, and modern cloud architecture, coupled with exceptional communication skills in Japanese and English.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Sales and Solution Design

• Serve as the primary technical resource for the Japan sales team, engaging directly with prospects and customers to understand their cloud security posture, challenges, and technical requirements.
• Design and present compelling, tailored Upwind Security CNAPP solutions, mapping product capabilities to specific customer security frameworks and business outcomes.
• Lead and execute all technical validation activities, including Proof-of-Concepts (POCs), pilots, and hands-on demonstrations, ensuring successful completion and clear articulation of value.
• Develop comprehensive solution architectures and technical proposals that integrate Upwind Security into the customer's existing cloud and CI/CD environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).

Expertise and Market Intelligence

• Maintain expert-level knowledge of the Upwind CNAPP platform, competitive landscape, and emerging trends in cloud-native security (e.g., KSPM, CIEM, CSPM, CWPP, shift-left security).
• Act as a trusted technical advisor, educating customers and partners on cloud security best practices, DevSecOps principles, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide valuable feedback to the global product management and engineering teams regarding regional technical requirements, feature requests, and competitive intelligence specific to the Japanese market.

Collaboration and Enablement

• Work closely with Account Executives (AEs) to develop account strategies, qualify opportunities, and accelerate technical closure.
• Assist in the technical enablement and training of channel partners (SIs, VARs) to ensure they can effectively position and deploy the Upwind Security solution.
• Create and refine technical sales collateral, including presentations, diagrams, deployment guides, and best practice documents tailored for the Japanese audience.

Requirements

• Experience: 10+ years in a customer-facing technical role (e.g., Sales Engineer, Solution Architect, Consultant) selling or supporting complex cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, or DevSecOps solutions.
• Domain Knowledge: Deep, hands-on experience with major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and a strong understanding of their security services and architectural best practices. Expertise in containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), serverless technologies, and modern CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab, GitHub Actions).
• Cloud Security Expertise: Proven knowledge of application security principles, cloud security frameworks, and CNAPP components (e.g., infrastructure-as-code scanning, vulnerability management, runtime protection).
• Language Proficiency: Native or equivalent professional fluency in Japanese (written and verbal) is essential for client engagement. Business-level fluency in English is required for technical documentation and collaboration with global teams.
• Cultural Acumen: Experience working effectively within the Japanese enterprise IT and security culture.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Certifications (e.g., AWS/Azure/GCP Solution Architect or Security, CISSP, Kubernetes) are a plus.

Desired Attributes

• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to articulate complex technical topics simply and effectively.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable operating autonomously in a dynamic start-up environment.
• Strong presentation skills, capable of leading technical discussions with developers, security engineers, and C-level executives.
• Willingness to travel within Japan (up to 25%) as required for customer engagements.

Why Join Upwind Security?

• Be a key technical leader in establishing our market presence in Japan.
• Work with a cutting-edge CNAPP technology that is revolutionizing cloud security.
• Competitive salary, bonus structure, and stock options.