Cloud Systems Architect - SME

UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Part time

Job summary

A defense contracting firm in Arlington, VA seeks a Cloud Systems Architect to lead architectural design and implementation of cloud-native solutions for Department of Defense applications. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, extensive experience in cloud architecture, and a strong understanding of security compliance. On-site presence is mandatory, and candidates must hold a Top Secret clearance. This part-time position offers the opportunity to work in a crucial role for military operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 16+ years of systems architecture experience.
• 8+ years specifically in cloud architecture.
• 5+ years managing 10+ personnel for IT and cybersecurity.
• Minimum 5 years of experience with DoD systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and implementation of cloud-native solutions.
• Design end-to-end cloud architecture strategies.
• Implement and maintain security controls compliant with federal standards.
• Interface with customers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Expert knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, GCP)

Proficiency in containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)

Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)

Strong understanding of microservices architecture and API design

Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices

Familiarity with database migration strategies

Experience with Cryptonet Management Workstation (CMW)

Meets the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework KSATs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Apply for the Cloud Systems Architect - SME role at UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies. This position is open for the Nautical contract in Arlington, VA and requires on-site presence. Remote work is not an option.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and implementation of cloud‑native solutions for mission‑critical Department of Defense applications, driving strategic migration of legacy DoD systems to secure cloud environments while ensuring compliance with federal security standards.
• Design and oversee end‑to‑end cloud architecture strategies across AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, and other FedRAMP‑authorized cloud platforms for complex DoD legacy system migrations.
• Implement and maintain security controls compliant with NIST, FISMA, DoD Directive 8140, and DoD security frameworks while ensuring operational continuity throughout migration processes.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of existing DoD applications and J6 IT processes to determine optimal migration pathways and identify corrective actions for hardware, software, and business management procedures.
• Interface with the customer and external stakeholders in working groups, technical exchange meetings, and other forums while providing technical guidance to development teams and junior architects.
• Create and maintain detailed architectural documentation, migration plans, security compliance reports, and contingency plans while identifying/recommending GOTS/COTS software applications for program tracking.
• Chair/co‑chair meetings and working groups on behalf of government representatives, resolve problems, allocate resources, manage personnel, and monitor performance to meet contract requirements.
• Oversee development/coordinate technical solutions ensuring compatibility within the customer’s infrastructure while maintaining accountability for all IT assets through ITEC Team oversight.
• Provide daily control and supervision of assigned personnel, provide planned replacement information at least 15 calendar days prior to replacement, and provide information within 24 hours of unplanned replacements.
• Identify and mitigate technical and security risks, recommend lifecycle‑management processes for automated information systems, and develop cost‑efficiency strategies.
• Participate in J6 IT Governance processes and identify/assign C4IT support personnel for Projects & Portfolio Managers to meet J6 timelines.

Additional Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, or related field from an ABET‑accredited or CAE‑designated institution; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 16+ years of systems architecture experience with 8+ years specifically in cloud architecture and minimum 5 years managing 10+ personnel for IT and/or cybersecurity efforts.
• DoD Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience working with DoD systems and understanding of military operational requirements, specifically with the customer’s infrastructure.
• Technical Skills:
  • Expert knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, GCP) with emphasis on government cloud environments.
  • Proficiency in containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation).
  • Strong understanding of microservices architecture and API design.
  • Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices.
  • Familiarity with database migration strategies and data architecture.
  • Experience with Cryptonet Management Workstation (CMW) and crypto status communication protocols.
  • Framework compliance: meets the Core and Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities TASKS (KSATs) defined in the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework for Work Role 802 and 632.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Leadership experience: Previous experience leading large‑scale enterprise architecture initiatives and managing cross‑functional teams.
  • Programming knowledge: Proficiency in Python, Java, or other enterprise programming languages.
  • Government experience: Experience with FedRAMP, ATO processes, and government compliance frameworks.
• Certification Requirements:
  • Required: CompTIA Security+ and AWS Solutions Architect Professional or Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
  • Desired: CISSP, SABSA, DAWIA PM Practitioner, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), FITSP‑D, GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA), GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF), (ISC)² Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP).
• Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to lift 25 pounds on occasion.
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods.
  • Must be able to twist, bend, and squat periodically.
• Security Clearance Requirements: Must maintain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and SAP eligibility. This position is open only to U.S. citizens and does not allow remote work.

Seniority Level

• Director

Employment Type

• Part‑time

Job Function & Industry

• Engineering and Information Technology
• IT Services and IT Consulting