Data Center Architect SME
About The Position
The SME Data Center Architect supports the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) Task Force Raptor, a White House-directed effort to modernize, secure, and harden the C6ISR enterprise supporting the President. This expert-level position evaluates Department of War (DoW) data center infrastructure for upgrade, modernization, or replacement and provides authoritative guidance on facility infrastructure, systems architecture, and compliance with DoW and industry standards. The role supports mission-critical communications capabilities and is performed onsite within the National Capital Region. The architect assesses existing facilities, power and cooling systems, space utilization, network architecture, cabling, redundancy, TEMPEST/EMSEC, and connectivity. The role applies relevant industry standards and DoW requirements, documents risks and deficiencies, and produces technically justified recommendations and modernization plans. The architect collaborates with facility managers, network engineers, program leadership, and other stakeholders.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship.
- Active TS/SCI security clearance with Yankee White eligibility.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
- At least 10 years of experience in data center design, operations, or infrastructure evaluation.
- Expert knowledge of data center power distribution, UPS systems, generator backup, and electrical infrastructure.
- Comprehensive understanding of Uptime Institute Tier Standards I–IV and data center certification processes.
- Proficiency in evaluating network architecture, including structured cabling, fiber optics, and connectivity standards.
- Experience with DoW IT infrastructure requirements, security protocols, and compliance frameworks.
- Strong analytical and documentation skills, including the ability to produce detailed technical assessment reports.
- Strong presentation and interpersonal skills, including effective communication with senior leadership at all levels.
- Extensive senior-level experience.
Nice To Haves
- 15 or more years of experience in data center design, operations, or infrastructure evaluation.
- Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD) or Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS) certification.
- Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) or Certified Data Centre Specialist (CDCS) certification.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Experience supporting WHCA or White House support operations.
- Expertise in HVAC systems, air-cooled and liquid-cooled solutions, containment strategies, and thermal management.
- Knowledge of TIA-942 Data Center Standards and BICSI data center design principles.
- Familiarity with federal Data Center Optimization Initiative (DCOI) requirements and cloud migration strategies.
- Experience with critical infrastructure risk assessment and business continuity planning.
- Background in DoW communications systems and classified network environments.
- Master's degree in a relevant technical discipline.
- Previous program management or technical leadership experience on large-scale infrastructure projects.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of DoW data center facilities to evaluate upgrade feasibility versus replacement requirements.
- Analyze power systems, physical space utilization, and cooling/HVAC capacity to assess operational sustainability and scalability.
- Evaluate network architecture and underlying systems, including cabling infrastructure, redundancy configurations, TEMPEST/EMSEC, and connectivity frameworks.
- Apply Uptime Institute Tier classifications, TIA-942, and applicable DoW requirements and industry best practices.
- Develop detailed assessment reports and technically justified recommendations for upgrade paths or facility replacement strategies.
- Collaborate with facility managers, network engineers, program leadership, and other stakeholders to align findings with mission requirements.
- Identify operational risks, gaps, and deficiencies and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Provide expert consultation on data center modernization roadmaps and implementation planning.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
