Principal Solutions Architect

ICF • Reston, VA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

ICF is seeking a Principal Solutions Architect who leads with strategy, wins with credibility, and shapes how federal agencies modernize. This is a senior, customer-facing role for someone who thrives at the intersection of technical authority and business development — someone who can define a modernization vision in the boardroom, drive it through a proposal, and make it real through delivery. You bring deep federal market knowledge, a track record of winning competitive work, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling narratives for both mission leadership and technical teams. You don't just respond to opportunities — you help create them. This position is based in the Washington, DC area and follows a hybrid work model, targeting a minimum of two days per week in ICF's HQ Reston, VA office.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in federal IT modernization, with deep familiarity with enterprise platforms (ServiceNow, Salesforce, Appian) and cloud environments (AWS, Azure).
• 5+ years as a named technical contributor on winning federal proposals, with hands-on experience leading solutioning, capture strategy, and competitive solicitations.
• 5+ years engaging directly with federal agency stakeholders at a senior level — shaping requirements, presenting solutions, and building long-term client relationships.
• 5+ years applying AI, automation, and cloud-native architectures to federal mission environments, including GenAI integration.
• Strong command of federal compliance frameworks including FISMA, NIST, DevSecOps, and ATO processes.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain Public Trust, Secret, or Top-Secret clearance based on client needs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience building proofs of concept, prototypes, or technical demos in support of competitive solicitations.
• Familiarity with microservices, containerization, and legacy modernization using cloud-native approaches.
• Experience with pricing support, basis of estimates, and key personnel documentation for federal proposals.

Responsibilities

• Lead solution architecture and technical strategy for high-priority federal pursuits across DHS, DoS, and DoD — owning the technical narrative from capture through award.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to agency stakeholders, developing modernization roadmaps and influencing requirements upstream of solicitation.
• Drive proposal efforts as a senior technical voice: leading solutioning sessions, authoring technical volumes, and ensuring ICF's approach is differentiated and defensible.
• Govern architecture decisions across active programs, providing technical oversight and ensuring delivery quality, security, and innovation.
• Engage executive and mission leadership at client agencies — translating technical complexity into strategic value.
• Develop thought leadership content including white papers, strategic briefs, and capability narratives that strengthen ICF's position in target markets.
• Mentor and lead technical staff, building a culture of excellence across modernization programs.
• Help shape and expand ICF's AI, cloud, and digital modernization offerings across the federal civilian and defense markets.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees