Systems Architect, Advisor

Peraton•Germantown, MD

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Peraton is seeking an experienced Systems Architect to support a large-scale IT infrastructure program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This hybrid role reports directly to the Task Order Program Manager and serves as a senior technical authority across voice, video, network, firewall, telecommunications, and cellular domains. The Systems Architect independently drives architectural standards, evaluates and oversees subcontract performance, and develops enterprise-grade solutions across DOE facilities, exercising professional judgment that goes well beyond executing established procedures or following predefined technical scripts. This is a highly visible, cross-functional role that requires both deep engineering expertise and the ability to independently analyze complex requirements, develop original architectural approaches, and communicate strategic recommendations to government stakeholders, subcontractors, and peer architects. The role is not primarily task-based or process-driven; the Systems Architect is expected to create new methodologies, set technical direction, and make independent decisions across a broad and complex portfolio. The Systems Architect provides technical leadership and architectural oversight across multiple task orders simultaneously, applying independent judgment to prioritize competing demands, identify cross-task order dependencies, and ensure consistency of technical standards and solutions enterprise-wide.

Requirements

Must be a US Citizen
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical field required.
Proven experience supporting large-scale, enterprise-level infrastructure programs in a federal government environment.
Demonstrated experience developing original architectural diagrams and technical documentation (e.g., Visio, Lucidchart, or equivalent tools).
Experience with subcontract administration or vendor/subcontractor technical oversight.
Demonstrated proficiency in developing cost estimates for complex IT infrastructure projects, applying specialized analytical judgment.
Strong understanding of network protocols and technologies: TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, VLANs, QoS, IPSec, MPLS.
Experience with VoIP and unified communications platforms (e.g., Cisco Unified Communications Manager, voice gateways, SIP trunking).
Familiarity with firewall and network security platforms (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA/Firepower, Fortinet).
Knowledge of federal IT compliance frameworks.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to brief senior government officials and program leadership.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience supporting DOE or OCIO programs.
Experience with cellular and private wireless networks (LTE/5G, FirstNet, DAS systems).
Familiarity with video teleconferencing (VTC) systems and secure video infrastructure (e.g., Cisco Webex, Polycom, DISA DVCS).
Experience with structured cabling, fiber optic systems, and physical layer infrastructure planning.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
Cisco certifications: CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Collaboration, or CCIE.
CompTIA Security+

Responsibilities

Serve as a technical advisor to the Task Order Program Manager on all matters related to voice, video, network, firewall, telecommunications, and cellular infrastructure.
Provide architectural oversight and technical leadership across multiple concurrent task orders, independently managing competing priorities, resolving cross-task order technical dependencies, and ensuring consistent application of enterprise standards and solutions across all supported efforts.
Liaise directly with senior government leadership to build and maintain trusted working relationships, ensuring alignment between government priorities and program execution.
Independently collect, analyze, and distill technical and programmatic requirements from government stakeholders, translating complex and often ambiguous needs into original architectural solutions and project plans.
Prepare and deliver briefings to senior government officials and Peraton leadership, communicating program status, technical recommendations, risk posture, and strategic direction.
Lead the development and maintenance of enterprise architectural diagrams, reference architectures, and technical design documentation across all supported infrastructure domains.
Establish and enforce technical standards, baselines, and best practices for network and telecommunications systems across the DOE program.
Oversee subcontract administration activities, including independent technical evaluation of subcontractor deliverables, performance monitoring, and coordination with contracts and procurement teams; apply professional judgment to identify deficiencies and develop corrective action strategies.
Manage large-scale infrastructure projects from concept through completion, including independent scope definition, scheduling, resource planning, and risk management.
Develop detailed cost estimates for infrastructure upgrades, new installations, and lifecycle replacement activities; support Independent Government Cost Estimates and proposal efforts, applying specialized knowledge to produce original analytical work products.
Support custom installation planning and execution for specialized or non-standard infrastructure deployments across DOE facilities.
Collaborate with peer network architects and engineering teams to ensure cohesive, integrated solutions across voice, video, data, and security domains.
Coordinate with voice/VoIP, video conferencing, firewall/security, cellular/wireless, and project management teams to align technical approaches and resolve cross-domain dependencies.
Participate in technical reviews, architecture boards, and government working groups as a Peraton representative.
Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to DOE's infrastructure modernization objectives; develop independent assessments and recommendations for adoption.
Occasional travel to DOE field sites and national laboratories may be required.