IT Architect

Intelligent Waves is seeking an experienced IT Architect with extensive expertise in enterprise systems engineering, architecture, and systems integration. The ideal candidate will serve as the lead technical authority for the program, partnering directly with the IT Program Manager to drive the architecture, design, integration, and execution of complex engineering initiatives. This individual will be responsible for translating mission and operational requirements into scalable, secure, and effective technical solutions while guiding the engineering team through successful implementation efforts. The role requires a strong problem solver who can make sound technical decisions, lead cross-functional engineering activities, and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

Please note: This position is pending contract approval.

Travel: 25%.** **Travel is expected (for contingency and surge operations) Travel will be reimbursed based on GSA Per Diem rates and DoD Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

Clearance Requirement:** **Secret

Intelligent Waves delivers mission-focused multi-domain operational expertise and innovation to the Government through high-impact technology solutions in cybersecurity, data science, enterprise network & systems engineering, software development, and cognitive human performance.

ANYTIME. ANYWHERE. ANY DOMAIN.

Since 2006, we have proudly served federal agencies including the Department of Defense. Our ability to operate globally in a wide range of environments, coupled with our deep understanding of customer needs and requirements, enables us to provide cost-effective solutions to support the most complex missions.

Adherence to all customer site protocols is mandatory for employees.

Responsibilities

Engineering Team Leadership Set architectural direction, define quality standards, and mentor engineers to ensure consistent, mission-aligned delivery across the team.

Solution Architecture Design and document enterprise IT architectures - compute, storage, networking, and software stack - across multi-site environments, driving hardware and software modernization.

Systems Engineering & Integration Lead requirements analysis, integration, testing, and verification to ensure solutions meet DoD/Air Force standards and transition successfully to operations.

Stakeholder Engagement Align technical solutions with program requirements by partnering with the IT Program Manager, customer stakeholders, and DoD mission partners.

T echnical Planning Build and maintain technology roadmaps and configuration baselines across program sites, including hardware refresh cycles and software lifecycle planning.

Cybersecurity Integration Ensure all solutions meet RMF compliance by embedding security into architecture and integration processes in coordination with the cybersecurity team.

Network Architecture Own network architecture design - connectivity, segmentation, and transport - ensuring full alignment with the overall solution architecture.

Technology Innovation Evaluate and recommend hardware and software technologies to improve capability and performance; stay current on infrastructure trends, DevSecOps, and containerization.

Technical Documentation Produce architecture documents, configuration standards, integration plans, and design decision records to support handoff to integration and operations teams.

Risk Management Identify technical risks across hardware, software, and integration domains and develop mitigation strategies to protect schedule, performance, and mission outcomes.

Clearance & Education

• Active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Enterprise IT Architecture & Leadership

• 10+ years of progressive experience in IT systems engineering, systems integration, enterprise architecture, or related technical disciplines supporting DoD or government environments

• Proven experience serving as the lead technical design authority (IT Architect or equivalent) supporting complex, multi-site enterprise IT programs

• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams through the full solution lifecycle, including architecture, integration, implementation, testing, deployment, and operational sustainment

• Experience supporting fast-paced, mission-focused environments with evolving operational priorities

Enterprise Infrastructure

• Strong background designing enterprise infrastructure architectures including compute, storage, networking, hardware platforms, and software stacks

• Experience designing, administering, and supporting enterprise Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL/CentOS) environments

• Experience with VMware vSphere or equivalent enterprise virtualization platforms

• Experience with enterprise storage solutions, backup architectures, and disaster recovery strategies

• Experience with configuration management, systems integration planning, and architecture documentation

Networking & Identity Management

• Strong understanding of enterprise networking including routing, switching, network segmentation, firewall architectures, and secure communications

• Experience with Active Directory, LDAP, and Identity & Access Management (IAM) architectures

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Experience supporting DoD cybersecurity frameworks, including RMF and ATO processes

• Experience implementing or maintaining compliance with DISA STIGs, CIS Benchmarks, and other enterprise security standards

Preferred Qualifications

Clearances & Certifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance

• Relevant industry certifications such as CISSP, CCNP, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent

Modern Infrastructure & DevSecOps

• Experience with container platforms including Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenShift

• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform and Packer

• Experience supporting DevSecOps environments and CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, Artifactory, or similar technologies

• Familiarity with Elastic Stack technologies including Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana (ELK)

Specialized DoD Experience

• Experience supporting DoD spectrum warfare, electronic warfare, or mission data management programs

• Experience working within SAP/SAR network environments

• Experience designing and integrating classified or air-gapped network architectures

• Familiarity with DDIL (Disconnected, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited) communications architectures