Senior Principal, Network Engineering Architect

Senior Principal, Network Engineering Architect

Herndon, VA

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.

Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.

We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.

Position Summary

The J9HT Network Architect is responsible for the overall network architecture of the program. The Network Architect designs the program’s enterprise networking infrastructure, including cloud connectivity, software-defined networking (SDN), local and wide area networks (LAN/WAN), data centers, and network security systems. The Network Architect creates and communicates network infrastructure implementation and management plan with the team to ensure the network infrastructure is maintained. This role serves as the technical authority on network design, ensuring infrastructure is scalable, secure, highly available, and aligned with long-term business goals. The Network Architect shall closely work with Program Management ensuring technical deliverables meet customer goals and contractual obligations. They must also collaborate with the Program / Portfolio PMA on the solution and vision; ensuring alignment between J9HT and the broader portfolio vision.

This program focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining a managed, high-assurance software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) architecture designed to deliver a unified, high-performance network foundation. The Network Architect will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure network infrastructures that are integral to our cyber development platforms. The role requires deep expertise in network architecture, combined with a strong understanding of platform operations, cyber defense, and security protocols.

• Typically has a University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 7 years of prior relevant experience.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of architectural approaches for complex systems, platforms, or mission solutions within a program or technical domain.
• Applies strong technical and systems-level knowledge to support the integration of technologies, capabilities, and components into cohesive solutions.
• Collaborates with engineering teams and stakeholders to ensure architectural alignment with technical requirements and program objectives.
• Communicates with internal stakeholders and may participate in customer-facing technical discussions related to system design and integration.
• Provides architectural guidance on components or subsystems and supports the development of architectural standards, patterns, and practices.
• Requires advanced knowledge of relevant technologies and system design principles typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.

Contract Specific Qualifications

• Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Clearance
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience:
  • 7+ years of experience in network engineering and infrastructure design.
  • 3+ years in a senior or lead network architect capacity within an enterprise environment.
  • 3+ years experience in network engineering in support of federal agency.
• Core Technical Knowledge:
  • SDN Concepts & Platforms: Deep hands-on experience with SDN controllers and fabric architectures, such as Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, Open Virtual Network (OVN), or cloud-native software-defined networking.
  • Underlay & Overlay Networking: Strong understanding of overlay networks (VXLAN, NVGRE, Geneve) and controller-driven orchestration.
  • Cloud Connectivity: Solid understanding of hybrid cloud architectures, transit gateways, virtual private clouds (VPC/VNet), and direct connectivity solutions (AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute).
  • Government & Security Frameworks: Demonstrated knowledge of DoD/Federal security standards, including RMF, NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, and DISA STIG implementation.
  • Network & Hypervisor Virtualization: Experience with network virtualization and virtual switching across VMware (NSX, vSwitch/vDS) and Microsoft Hyper-V environments.
  • Routing & Switching: Advanced proficiency with traditional routing and switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS).
  • Enterprise Hardware: Hands-on experience with enterprise networking equipment (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Palo Alto, Fortinet).
  • Core Services: Deep familiarity with DNS, DHCP, IPAM, Load Balancing (F5, Citrix), and VPN technologies.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving, project management skills, and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Salary Range: $133,000 - $390,000

Pay Range

The posted pay range reflects the national salary range for this position and is provided to give candidates a general understanding of the compensation opportunity. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the requirements of the position and a variety of job-related factors, which may include geographic location, applicable Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant experience, skills and competencies, education, certifications, and the scope and responsibilities of the role.

Because this position may be performed in multiple locations and may be subject to different contract requirements, the salary ultimately offered may vary based on the applicable location and contract. The posted range is not a guarantee of a specific starting salary or an indication that an offer will be made at any particular point within the range.

Total Rewards

In addition to competitive base pay, Clarity provides a Total Rewards package designed to attract and retain exceptional professionals committed to excellence. Our benefits reflect the value we place on skilled individuals who drive our impact in critical digital missions.

At Clarity, a career means joining a high-performing team advancing vital work in the digital landscape. We encourage you to consider the total value of joining us - competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and resources that support your growth and impact.

Our Total Rewards package includes performance-based bonuses, extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, substantial paid time off and holidays, flexible work arrangements where possible, and a range of income protection benefits. We are committed to supporting your well-being, professional growth, and ability to contribute to essential digital missions.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.