Expert Level Software Architect

Peraton•Chantilly, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an Expert Software Architect to lead the design and delivery of scalable, secure, and mission-driven software solutions across enterprise environments. This role is responsible for defining high-level architecture strategies, guiding technical standards, and driving innovation across cloud, platform, and application services. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise across enterprise architecture domains and plays a key role in shaping IT modernization efforts, supporting model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and aligning technical solutions with strategic mission objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, IT, or related STEM field
18+ years of relevant Software Architecture experience can be considered in lieu of degree
18+ years' of experience across business, data, application, and technology architecture domains
Proven experience designing enterprise architectures, including current/future state and technical roadmaps
Strong background in cloud technologies, open-source solutions, and system integration
Experience with modern architectures (microservices, APIs, service-oriented design) and DevSecOps practices
Deep understanding of cloud service models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS)
Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain SCI and pass a polygraph

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related STEM field
Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., DoDAF, TOGAF, FEAF)
Hands-on experience with cloud-native development, containerization, and API-driven systems
Familiarity with enterprise architecture modeling tools
Experience supporting federal or NGA-related missions and systems
Knowledge of graph databases (Neo4j), Cypher query language, and graph data science concepts
Experience with AI/ML-enabled architectures or knowledge graph implementations
Strong documentation skills with the ability to establish architecture best practices
Demonstrated ability to evolve from hands-on technical roles into enterprise-level architecture leadership

Responsibilities

Lead the design and evolution of enterprise-level software architectures supporting complex systems and mission applications
Develop and maintain enterprise architecture (EA) artifacts that define current and future state environments, including transition roadmaps
Partner with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to define solution architectures, technical requirements, and development roadmaps
Design and promote modern architectures, including microservices, APIs, and loosely coupled systems
Establish and enforce architectural standards, best practices, and governance across development teams
Drive cloud adoption and modernization efforts across SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS environments
Build prototypes and integration models to validate emerging technologies and solutions
Support DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD pipeline design, automation, and security integration (SAST, DAST, container scanning)
Develop architecture artifacts that clearly communicate system structure, behavior, and workflows to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Conduct gap analyses between current and target architectures and define actionable transition strategies
Support Agile development teams with architectural guidance across system integrations and cloud migration efforts
Design and implement enterprise data visualization and reporting solutions for leadership and stakeholders
Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for executive decision-makers
Collaborate across programs to integrate architecture products and ensure alignment with enterprise goals
Design and maintain graph database solutions (Neo4j), including data modeling, schema design, and performance optimization