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# Lead Network Architect

- **Company:** AMERICAN SYSTEMS
- **Location:** Ashburn, VA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $159,600.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Complex Networks, Computer Networks, Data Centers, Internetworking, Interoperability, Network Architecture, Network Service, Network Administration, Release Management, Cloud Services, Zero Trust Network Access, Wide Area Networks, Cloud-native Network Functions (CNF), Computer Networking Systems, Google Cloud, HybridCloud, Information Technology, 3-tier Architectures, Cisco
- **Published:** November 3, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9283797/lead-network-architect

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Networking, Telecommunications, or a related technical field.
 * Experience supporting large federal agencies or other mission-critical enterprise networks, including geographically distributed field sites and 24x7 operations.
 * Experience with cloud service providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and/or Google Cloud Platform; TIC 3.0, FedRAMP, and cloud network migration experience.

Security Clearance

 * Ability to obtain Public Trust, Preferred Secret/Top Secret Clearance

Certifications

 * Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification

Pay Transparency Statement

## Description

We are seeking a Lead Network Architect to serve as the subject-matter expert for enterprise network architecture and engineering supporting a large, geographically distributed federal network. The successful candidate will lead architecture and design efforts; develop business cases and analyses of alternatives; advise government stakeholders on network strategy; and recommend solutions to complex architecture, performance, resiliency, security, cloud, and operational challenges. This role will help design and evolve secure, scalable, high-performing network services across field sites, data centers, colocations, cloud and hybrid-cloud environments, while ensuring alignment with agency's enterprise architecture, technical standards, security policies, and mission requirements., * Lead enterprise network architecture and engineering activities across the full lifecycle, from requirements analysis and conceptual design through implementation, operations, modernization, and technology refresh.

 * Establish and maintain network architecture standards; develop, review, and maintain System Design Documents, topology diagrams, logical designs, network taxonomies, and other architecture artifacts for new and existing network solutions.
 * Conduct requirements analysis and analyses of alternatives; evaluate performance, availability, resiliency, interoperability, security, operational efficiency, total cost of ownership, and compliance with agency's policies.
 * Develop business cases and return-on-investment analyses for new network technologies and services, including lifecycle, sustainment, supply-chain, cost, risk, and mission-value considerations.
 * Research and evaluate emerging technologies; recommend solutions for enterprise networking, SDN, SD-WAN, cloud connectivity, colocation, network management, automation, monitoring, and technology refresh.
 * Guide engineering and implementation of SDN and SD-WAN solutions, including policy-based routing, multiple network transports, standardized configurations, automation, and centralized troubleshooting.
 * Support testing, patching, release management, change control, field-site implementation, as-built documentation, and Tier 3 escalation activities; perform or direct root-cause analysis for complex network incidents.
 * Architect secure and resilient connectivity to commercial, private, and hybrid cloud environments; support cloud migration and ensure alignment with FedRAMP, agency's security requirements, and applicable TIC 3.0 capabilities.
 * Integrate security controls and Zero Trust principles into architecture and engineering decisions; collaborate with ISSOs, ISSMs, cybersecurity personnel, and stakeholders to address vulnerabilities, audit findings, RMF requirements, and ATO/ATT documentation.