Enterprise Architect

DSA Inc.; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

DSA Inc. is seeking a Lead Enterprise Architect in Arlington, Virginia. This role will serve as the technical authority responsible for architecting and guiding the implementation of enterprise IT solutions. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience in software development or IT engineering.

Additionally, the position requires experience in federal environments and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Benefits include a supportive work environment and a commitment to workplace diversity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in software development or IT engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in network architecture and design.
• Demonstrated experience designing enterprise IT architectures within federal environments.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain enterprise technology strategy and target architecture.
• Lead conceptual and logical design of enterprise systems and services.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders to define functional and technical requirements.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field

Job description

All hired employees are expected to have experience with Microsoft Copilot and/or an approved equivalent AI solution.

The Lead Enterprise Architect serves as the technical authority and subject matter expert responsible for architecting, designing, and guiding implementation of enterprise IT solutions across the CISA environment. This role leads development of enterprise technology strategy, target architectures, and system designs to enable secure, scalable, and interoperable capabilities aligned with mission requirements.

The Lead Enterprise Architect partners with stakeholders to ensure solutions are standards‑based, compliant, and aligned with DHS enterprise architecture and security requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Architecture Leadership

• Define and maintain enterprise technology strategy and target architecture
• Establish architecture frameworks, standards, and governance models
• Ensure alignment with DHS Enterprise Architecture (HLS EA) and agency policies

Solution Architecture & Design

• Lead conceptual and logical design of enterprise systems and services
• Develop and maintain System Design Documents (SDDs) and supporting architecture artifacts
• Ensure solutions are scalable, interoperable, and secure

Requirements Analysis & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with Government stakeholders to define functional and technical requirements
• Translate mission needs into architecture and design solutions
• Facilitate alignment across engineering, operations, and business stakeholders

Technology Strategy & Innovation

• Evaluate emerging technologies and develop recommendations for adoption
• Conduct trade studies and support technology evaluation efforts
• Guide modernization initiatives (e.g., cloud adoption, enterprise services integration)

Business Case Development

• Develop business cases and conduct Return on Investment (ROI) analyses
• Advise Government on technology investment decisions
• Support prioritization of enterprise initiatives

Engineering & Implementation Oversight

• Provide architectural guidance during engineering and implementation activities
• Ensure solutions comply with security controls (NIST, DHS 4300A) and mission requirements
• Review and approve design artifacts (DDD, TRD) prior to transition to operations

Standards, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with:
  • DHS Security Policies and SELC processes
  • Section 508 accessibility requirements
  • Federal data, security, and interoperability standards
• Enforce architecture governance and configuration management processes

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
• Additional experience may substitute for formal education (per Government guidance)

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in software development or IT engineering
• Minimum 5 years of experience in network architecture and design
• Demonstrated experience designing enterprise IT architectures within federal environments

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting DHS, CISA, or other federal civilian agencies
• Experience with enterprise cloud architectures and hybrid environments
• Familiarity with Agile and Scrum methodologies
• Experience integrating application development, network, and cloud solutions

Key Competencies

• Enterprise architecture strategy and governance
• Systems integration and interoperability
• Cloud and network architecture design
• Technology evaluation and innovation
• Stakeholder collaboration and executive communication

Work Environment & Requirements

• Ability to support classified environments up to Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Coordination with Government stakeholders across multiple locations
• Support both on‑site and approved remote work environments in accordance with contract requirements

Many of DSA's positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. DSA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. DSA is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. DSA requires background checks, where permitted, by law. DSA is an E‑Verify Employer.