Chief Systems Engineer, Architect Lead

DMI; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 156,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Virtual health visits

Commuter perks

Pet insurance

Entertainment discounts

Job summary

DMI is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer, Architect Lead to serve as the senior technical advisor for systems engineering and technical innovation. You will design solutions to complex application and network problems, and perform systems management across an enterprise system of systems, guiding modernization and security-driven modernization initiatives.

The role requires leadership in software-defined networking, Zero Trust, and cloud architecture, with strong executive briefing skills and a

Qualifications

• 5+ years as enterprise IT architect or engineer in large, multi-network environments.
• Experience briefing senior leaders or executives on technical topics.
• “Available to start on the Project Start Date and willing to sign a Letter of Commitment.”

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior technical advisor to customer leadership for systems engineering and innovation.
• Design and develop solutions to complex application problems and network concerns.
• Guide systems management and integration across an enterprise system of systems.
• Lead modernization of network and data center environments with SDN, app-centric infra, and Zero Trust.
• Shape enterprise architecture for cloud systems and DevSecOps stack.
• Advise on buy vs build for off-the-shelf vs custom solutions.
• Deliver executive-level technical briefings to senior customer personnel.

Skills

Cloud security cert

Cloud platform certs

ITIL certification

DoDI 8570.01 IASAE Level III (CISSP-IS

Education

5+ years in enterprise IT architecture

1+ year briefing executives

Job description

DMI is a leading provider of digital services and technology solutions, headquartered in Tysons Corner, VA. With a focus on end-to-end managed IT services, including managed mobility, cloud, cybersecurity, network operations, and application development, DMI supports public sector agencies and commercial enterprises around the globe. Recognized as a Top Workplace, DMI is committed to delivering secure, efficient, and cost-effective solutions that drive measurable results. Learn more at www.dminc.com

About The Opportunity

DMI, LLC is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer, Architect Lead to join us. The Chief Systems Engineer, Architect Lead is the senior technical advisor to customer leadership for systems engineering and technical innovation. This person designs and develops solutions to complex application, system administration and network problems, and performs systems management and integration across an enterprise system of systems.

The role leads modernization. The customer is redesigning its network and data center environments around software-defined networking, application-centric infrastructure routing, virtual switching and routing, and Zero Trust networking, and is absorbing responsibilities previously handled by other organizations. The Lead guides those decisions and explains them to senior leaders, so strong executive briefing skills matter as much as architecture depth.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as senior technical advisor and subject matter expert to customer leadership for systems engineering and technical innovation.
• Design and develop solutions to complex application problems, system administration issues, and network concerns.
• Perform systems management and integration across an enterprise system of systems and its supporting infrastructure.
• Guide network and data center modernization, including software-defined networking, application-centric infrastructure routing, virtual switching and routing, and Zero Trust networking.
• Shape enterprise architecture for cloud systems and services and for a DevSecOps technology stack that supports fully digital, paperless business processes.
• Advise on when to buy or modify commercial off-the-shelf products and when to build custom solutions.
• Deliver executive-level technical briefings and presentations to senior customer personnel.

Qualifications

Education and Years of Experience

• Enterprise IT architect or engineer on large, multi-network environments: 5+ yrs (within last 8)
• Experience briefing senior leaders or executives on technical topics: 1+ yr (within last 5)

Required Skills & Certifications

• At least one cloud security (e.g., CompTIA, Cloud Security Alliance) or cloud-related technology certification (e.g., MS, VMware, IBM, AWS, Google).
• Two or more cloud platform certifications (e.g., MS, VMware, IBM, AWS, Google).
• Any ITIL certification
• Possession of a DoDI 8570.01 IASAE Level III certification (Current CISSP-ISSAP or CISSP-ISSEP certification)
• Met the DoD Manual (DoDM) 8140 Foundation Qualification - Advanced Standard
• Available to start on the Project Start Date and willing to sign a Letter of Commitment.

Citizenship Status Required: Must be a U.S. Citizen

Physical Requirements: None required for this position.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Minimum Salary Rate
$156,300

Median Salary Rate
$195,375

Working at DMI

DMI Is a Diverse, Prosperous, And Rewarding Place To Work. Our Culture Is Shaped By Five Core Values That Guide How We Work, Grow, And Succeed Together

• Do What’s Right - We lead with honesty and integrity.
• Own the Outcome - We take responsibility and deliver.
• Deliver for Our Customers - We are relentless about delivering value.
• Think Bold, Act Smart - We innovate with purpose.
• Win Together - We collaborate and celebrate our success.

These values aren’t just ideals—they show up in how we support every part of your well-being:

• Convenience/Concierge - Virtual health visits, commuter perks, pet insurance, and entertainment discounts that make life easier.
• Development - Annual performance reviews, tuition assistance, and internal career growth opportunities to help you thrive.
• Financial - Generous 401(k) matches, life and disability insurance, and financial wellness tools to support your future.
• Recognition - Annual awards, service anniversaries, referral bonuses, and peer-to-peer shoutouts that spotlight your achievements.
• Wellness - Healthcare coverage, wellness programs, flu shots, and biometric screenings to support your health.

DMI values employees for their talents and contributions, and we take pride in helping our customers achieve their goals. Because when we live our values, we all win together.

Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. US citizenship may be required for some positions.

Job ID: 2026-29031