Principal Network Architect / Technical SME

Position Overview
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

N-OVATION Technology Group jobs

Principal Network Architect / Technical SME