Principal Network Architect / Technical SME

Principal Network Architect / Technical SME

The Principal Architect serves as the senior technical authority responsible for developing and architecting enterprise network solutions for our government client in regard to Network Modernization. This role leads the technical strategy, solution development, and proposal responses while ensuring alignment with Department of Air Force (DAF) requirements and industry best practices.

Required Certifications & Clearance

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
• CCIE or equivalent senior-level networking certification i.e. JCNIE
• CompTIA Security+ CE (active)
• DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level III compliant
• Ability to obtain/maintain Secret or Top Secret clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)

Years of Experience

• Minimum 15 years of enterprise network architecture experience
• Minimum 10 years of experience with DoD/military networks
• Minimum 8 years of experience leading technical solutions for large government contracts

Core Responsibilities: Technical Leadership

• Serve as the primary technical authority for network architecture and engineering decisions
• Lead development of technical solutions that meet or exceed Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• Provide technical oversight across all program phases including site surveys, design, implementation, and operations
• Guide the evolution of technical solutions to accommodate future requirements like Zero Trust Architecture
• Ensure solutions align with Joint Chiefs of Staff, DoD, DISA, and DAF requirements

Solution Development

• Architect comprehensive network solutions incorporating:
• Wired and wireless infrastructure
• IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack implementations
• Network security controls and monitoring
• High availability and redundancy
• Performance optimization
• Capacity planning
• Future scalability
• Develop technical approaches for both NIPRNet and SIPRNet environments
• Ensure solutions meet cybersecurity requirements including RMF controls
• Incorporate requirements for flightline operations and mission-critical systems

Technical Response Development

• Lead development of technical volumes for government proposals
• Author key technical documentation including:
• System/Subsystem Design Documents (SSDD)
• Network architecture diagrams (OV-1, OV-2, SV-1, SV-2)
• Technical approaches and methodologies
• Bills of Material (BOM)
• Implementation plans
• Testing strategies
• Ensure technical solutions are clearly articulated and substantiated

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as senior technical representative in client meetings
• Present technical solutions to government stakeholders
• Lead technical interchange meetings and design reviews
• Interface with vendor partners on solution components
• Coordinate with other contract teammates on integrated solutions

Innovation & Strategy

• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies
• Recommend innovative solutions to enhance network capabilities
• Develop strategies for integrating new requirements like:
• Zero Trust Architecture
• Network Authentication Controls
• Software Defined Networking
• Network Automation
• Guide evolution of solutions to meet future needs

Team Leadership

• Mentor junior architects and engineers
• Review and approve engineering deliverables
• Lead technical training and knowledge sharing
• Guide professional development of technical staff
• Foster culture of engineering excellence

Required Skills & Knowledge: Technical Expertise

• Enterprise network architecture and engineering
• Network security and cybersecurity controls
• Wireless network design and implementation
• IPv4/IPv6 networking
• Quality of Service (QoS) implementation
• High availability design
• Network monitoring and management
• Outside plant and inside plant infrastructure
• Military/DoD network requirements
• Cybersecurity frameworks (RMF, NIST, etc.)
• Network automation and orchestration
• Cloud and hybrid architectures

Professional Skills

• Outstanding written and verbal communication
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent technical writing and documentation
• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Strong presentation and client interaction skills
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills

Travel Requirements

• Must be willing to travel up to 25% to military installations including OCONUS locations
• Must be able to work in secure facilities
• Must be able to deploy to support critical operations if required

Performance Expectations

• Develop innovative technical solutions that exceed customer requirements
• Deliver high-quality technical documentation and deliverables
• Meet aggressive project timelines and deadlines
• Maintain high level of customer satisfaction
• Drive continuous improvement in technical capabilities
• Mentor and develop junior technical staff
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies

Work Environment

• Mix of office, remote, and on-site work as required
• Access to classified facilities and systems
• Fast-paced environment with competing priorities
• Matrix organization requiring coordination across multiple teams