Principal Network Architect / Technical SME

Job Description

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

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