Principal transportation solutions architect

job summary:
Randstad is seeking a Principal Transportation Solutions Architect for a premier client in Washington, DC, to lead the technical design and integration of a 24/7 mission-critical operational ecosystem. This is a high-impact, hands-on role designed for a veteran engineer turned architect who bridges the gap between complex technical design and real-world transport operations (rail, transit, or aviation). Acting as an independent consultant, you will partner directly with operational stakeholders-such as dispatchers, controllers, and planners-to map As-Is/To-Be workflows and deliver execution-grade, fault-tolerant architectures spanning IT/OT boundaries, real-time data streaming lakehouses, and cloud-hybrid platforms.

location: Washington, Washington, D.C.
job type: Contract
salary: $75 - 85 per hour
work hours: 9am to 5pm
education: Bachelors


responsibilities:

End-to-End Solutioning: Own the architecture and technical design for complex, multi-system operational ecosystems, ensuring seamless connectivity across scheduling, dispatch, crew management, and asset maintenance.

Process & Workflow Modeling: Conduct structured business process analysis, including process mapping, gap analysis, and workflow decomposition, to align technical design with physical operational realities.

Architectural Artifact Creation: Produce rigorous, execution-grade artifacts including solution design documents, integration maps, API contracts, non-functional requirement matrices, and Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) that engineering teams can build against without ambiguity.

Data & Integration Engineering: Design robust integration patterns utilizing event-driven architecture, REST/GraphQL APIs, pub/sub streaming (Kafka), and real-time operational data pipelines.

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement: Interface directly with front-line operational staff to ground technical decisions in actual workflow contexts, while supporting RFP/RFQ inputs, vendor evaluations, and architecture governance.

qualifications:
Experience Baseline: 10+ years of progressive IT/technology experience, featuring a strict foundation in hands-on engineering delivery (application development, systems integration, or data platforms) before moving into architecture. Note: Advisory-only candidates will not be competitive.

Domain Expertise: 5+ years as a Solutions or Enterprise Architect with demonstrated ownership of complex transportation operations (rail, transit, or airlines); familiarity with safety-adjacent, low-latency rail environments is a major plus.

Technical Depth: Deep command of cloud and hybrid platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) designed for 24/7 high availability, reliability, and fault tolerance.

Advanced Data Ecosystems: Familiarity with lakehouse architectures (Databricks, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog) and AI/ML-enabled operations, such as predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, or scheduling optimization.

Consulting Mindset: Proven experience in a contractor or consulting engagement model; ability to deliver independently, manage scope, communicate blockers proactively, and maintain elite artifact quality without close supervision.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.


Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).


This posting is open for thirty (30) days.