Chief Systems Architect (SME) TS/SCI

Leidos; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 126,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Chief Systems Architect to lead innovative solutions in a complex intelligence program. This role involves overseeing systems architecture, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and mentoring technical teams. You will drive cloud strategies and ensure scalable, secure, and resilient architectures while collaborating with senior leadership. If you are passionate about technology and thrive in dynamic environments, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on mission-critical projects.

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of experience in Systems Architecture or related roles.
• Strong understanding of scalable microservices architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and design of high-performance capabilities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define system requirements.

Skills

Systems Architecture

Cloud Computing

Microservices

Java

Python

Problem-Solving

Communication

Agile DevSecOps

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

AWS

Azure

Google Cloud

Docker

Kubernetes

Jenkins

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. Further, our employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development, while experiencing rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Your most important work is ahead.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, then keep reading. Leidos is seeking a Chief Systems Architect for a complex, large-scale intelligence program. In this role, you will lead and oversee the planning and development of overall systems architectures, drive and perform analysis of alternatives to ensure the Government properly architects' business and mission solutions using optimum systems and services. Our customer provides strategic intelligence, warfighter support, indications and warning, safety of navigation, foundation data, humanitarian and disaster relief, special event planning, and homeland defense.

Our Chief Systems Architect is a leader of cultural and technology change. The system architectures require cloud strategies and driving adoption of cloud-based solution; methodologies for building and operating highly available, scalable services; emphasis on continual process improvement through automation and introduction of resilient and self-healing applications and workflows. Product line documentation and baseline management are also core to the responsibilities of this leadership role.

We are seeking a servant leader who has the technical depth and interpersonal communication skills necessary to inspire, lead, direct, and develop sound/resilient architectural solutions for this complex program, while interfacing and building relationships with senior customer and leidos internal leadership, alike.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture and design of scalable, high-performance exploitation capabilities within the IC utilizing the latest in containerization, container orchestration, microservices, hybrid cloud technologies, machine learning, and generative AI
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define system requirements and translate them into architectural solutions
• Develop and implement architectural guidelines, standards, and best practices
• Oversee the integration of new technologies and systems into the existing and new infrastructure
• Ensure the security, scalability, and sustainability of all system architectures
• Mentor and guide technical teams, fostering innovation and excellence
• Evaluate and recommend tools, technologies, and processes to ensure high-quality system delivery
• Maintain and forward-looking perspective on industry trends and emerging technologies
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers to maintain high coding standards
• Document model development processes, results, and best practices for knowledge sharing and reproducibility
• Assist in creating technical documentation and presentations to communicate findings and progress to stakeholders
• Ensure security best practices are integrated into the development lifecycle, including compliance with data protection regulations

Basic Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's Degree and 12 - 15 years of prior relevant experience or Masters Degree with 10 - 13 years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• 7+ years of experience in Systems Architecture or similar role in complex, large-scale environment
• Must have an active TS/SCI with ability to obtain a polygraph to be considered for this position
• In-depth knowledge of system architecture, design patterns, and best practices
• Proficiency in cloud computing, distributed systems, and microservices architecture
• Experience with SpringBoot and Java microservices
• Strong understanding of UI/UX and full-stack development
• Strong understanding of security, compliance, and data privacy standards
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to navigate and adapt to complex technical challenges
• Exceptional communication and presentation capabilities
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or Java
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
• Familiarity with Agile DevSecOps practices and tools likes Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes
• Familiarity with machine learning and generative AI including tools and frameworks
• Possess effective communication and be able to collaborate with Customers, and cross-functional teams, document technical processes, and present solutions to stakeholders.
• Must be able to prioritize tasks effectively, manage deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new technologies and methodologies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in computer science, Data Science, Engineering or related field and 10+ years of prior relevant experience.
• 10+ years in systems architecture with leadership roles
• Extremely strong understanding of scalable microservices architectures in a Kubernetes environment
• Experience with REACT for web user interfaces and Django/Python for backend services
• Completed certifications in system architecture, cloud, or network solutions (AWS, Cisco, IBM, VMware, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to drive technological innovation within an organization
• Recognized expert technologist with 10+ year experience in mission software solutions related to data science, machine learning, or other similar technology
• Agile-based knowledge and skill, including experience with Scrum Ceremonies and work management tools (e.g., (JIRA, Confluence).
• Familiarity with AI/ML models to process and analyze large datasets
• Previous IC or DoD program/project work experience

Original Posting:
April 14, 2025
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $126,100.00 - $227,950.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.