Principal Architect & Systems Engineer

Va Tech Foundation•Arlington, VA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a seasoned Principal Architect & Systems Engineer with deep expertise in network and systems engineering, to support and lead a large transformational enterprise network infrastructure program. This leader will own the development of enterprise and mission network architectures and systems designs, ensure technical alignment across programs, and manage a team of network, cyber and systems engineers. The Principal Architect & Systems Engineer will drive the end-to-end architecture, oversee system integration, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative and resilient networking solutions. The Principal Architect & Systems Engineer will serve as the key technical leader coordinating with government and industry partners and stakeholders. This position reports to the programs Senior Program Manager within VT-ARC's Engineering Test and Evaluation Division (ETED). (Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required)

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
10+ years of experience in network and systems engineering, with at least 5+ year in architecture leadership roles.
Demonstrated ability to design, document, and deliver complex, secure, and scalable networked systems.
Hands-on experience with systems engineering processes, requirements management, interface control, integration, and test.
Strong knowledge of modern networking (routing/switching, VPNs, QoS, SD-WAN), identity/access, virtualization, and cloud/hybrid architectures.
Familiarity with architecture tools and frameworks (e.g., DoDAF/UPDM, MBSE/Cameo, architecture repositories).
Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to brief technical and executive audiences and sponsor stakeholders.
Experience with defense-based technology development contracts and classified working environments
Strong leadership, mentoring, team building and management skills.
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required

Nice To Haves

Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related engineering discipline.
15+ years of experience in network and systems architectures and/or engineering, with at least 3 years in a senior or principal role.
Experience with network performance monitoring and optimization tools.
Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCNP/CCIE, AWS/Azure Architect, INCOSE CSEP/ESEP) highly desirable.
Experience with secure architectures aligned to NIST, DISA STIGs, RMF, and Zero Trust principles.
Experience conducting and leading formal engineering reviews (SRR/SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

Architect, design, and implement advanced network solutions for enterprise environments.
Lead network transformation initiatives, from on-prem solutions to cloud integration and SD-WAN deployments.
Understand cutting-edge solutions and how to extend them into network design and implementation approaches.
Own the systems engineering lifecycle (concept through deployment), including requirements, design baselines, integration, verification/validation, and transition to operations.
Create and maintain architecture artifactssystem diagrams, interface control documents (ICDs), data flow maps, and technical presentations for stakeholders and leadership.
Guide engineers through design reviews (SRR/SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure technical rigor and traceability to requirements.
Manage a team of network, cyber and systems engineers: set priorities, mentor staff, conduct performance management, and build a high performing, collaborative culture.
Coordinate system integration and testing across labs and operational environments; troubleshoot complex issues and drive root cause analysis.
Ensure compliance with relevant security, interoperability, and performance standards (e.g., NIST, DISA STIGs), and with program constraints and deliverables.
Partner with Project Managers, Program Managers and Contracts/Finance to align architecture decisions with scope, schedule, budget, and risk posture.
Maintain accurate technical documentation and contribute to proposals, work plans, and technical reports.
Work closely with the onsite government and contractor technical team to develop capabilities to support end-to-end network and end user requirements