Lead Systems Architect - TS/SCI with Polygraph

We are seeking a Lead Systems Architect to serve as the sole architectural authority for a major Department of Defense program. This role owns the enterprise technical vision and is responsible for designing, integrating, modernizing, and governing all systems across the program. The architect will define architectural standards, ensure mission alignment, and drive secure, automated, and scalable solutions across all technology domains.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the single enterprise architect for the entire program, establishing and governing architecture standards and technical direction.
• Develop and maintain enterprise architectures aligned with mission and operational requirements.
• Architect and optimize solutions across key technologies, including:
  • VDI: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, Azure Virtual Desktop
  • Identity & Messaging: Active Directory, Azure AD, Exchange
  • Storage: NetApp ONTAP
  • Unified Communications: VoIP and collaboration platforms
  • Operating Systems: Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
• Lead automation and orchestration initiatives using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), CI/CD pipelines, and configuration management tools such as Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell DSC, and Git-based workflows.
• Design secure, scalable architectures across on-premises, cloud, hybrid, and classified environments.
• Ensure compliance with RMF, NIST 800-series controls, STIGs, Zero Trust architecture principles, and DoD cybersecurity requirements.
• Conduct technical assessments, develop modernization strategies, and produce enterprise roadmaps and transition plans.
• Create and maintain authoritative architecture deliverables, including diagrams, data flows, interface specifications, and reference designs.
• Collaborate with government leadership, cybersecurity teams, engineering teams, and operations personnel to guide and validate architecture decisions.
• Provide senior-level oversight for major engineering initiatives and ensure alignment with enterprise architecture standards and mission priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance with CI Polygraph (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in systems engineering or enterprise architecture within DoD or federal environments.
• Demonstrated experience designing and integrating large-scale, multi-technology enterprise environments using:
  • Citrix and Azure VDI platforms
  • Active Directory, Azure AD, Exchange
  • NetApp storage solutions
  • Unified Communications platforms
  • Windows Server and RHEL
• Strong experience with automation and orchestration, including IaC, CI/CD pipelines, and enterprise configuration management.
• Broad technical expertise across networking, cloud architectures (IL2–IL6), virtualization, identity services, data flows, and cybersecurity.
• Deep understanding of RMF, NIST controls, STIGs, DoDAF, and Zero Trust principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to brief senior DoD stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as CISSP, Security+, AWS/Azure Architect, Citrix Architect, NetApp NCIE/NCIP, RHEL, TOGAF, or IaC-related certifications.
• Experience supporting classified environments (e.g., SIPR, JWICS) or major defense acquisition programs.

Ideal Candidate Attributes
Highly autonomous, technically authoritative, mission-driven, and capable of leading enterprise-wide architectural strategy, modernization, and automation efforts across diverse technologies and stakeholders.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

• 401K with company match
• Comprehensive health and wellness packages
• Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career
• Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
• Cutting-edge technology you can learn from
• Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays

At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.

• Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
• Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore an enterprise IT career at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your desire to drive operations forward.