Federal Lead Systems Architect

Dell

McLean (VA)

Hybrid

USD 257,125 - 332,750

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Award-winning financial wellness tools

Generous leave for new parents and caregivers

Job summary

Dell is seeking a visionary Lead Solution Architect in McLean, Virginia to spearhead the design and integration of a next-generation private cloud ecosystem. This role involves leading technical teams to ensure adherence to stringent DoD/IC security standards and architecting SDN solutions.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in enterprise IT infrastructure, deep expertise in Linux and Windows Server, and a strong understanding of Cross Domain Solutions. This position offers a comprehensive compensation package based on experience.

Qualifications

10+ years of experience in enterprise IT infrastructure, with at least 3+ years in a Lead Architectural role.
Deep architectural expertise with enterprise Linux and Windows Server environments.
Advanced knowledge of networking and Software-Defined Networking (SDN).
Hands-on experience with bare-metal provisioning engines.
Proficiency with Git version control workflows and IaC tools.
Direct experience designing architectures incorporating Cross Domain Solutions.
Understanding of enterprise Unified Communications integration.
Experience working within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).

Responsibilities

Design and oversee on-premise private cloud architecture.
Architect and deploy Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solutions.
Define and champion a Git-centric deployment strategy.
Architect solutions that maintain strict data isolation and compliance.
Act as a key architectural leader within the SAFe framework.
Establish architectural standards adhering to federal frameworks.

Skills

Experience in enterprise IT infrastructure

Deep architectural expertise with Linux and Windows Server

Advanced knowledge of SDN and networking

Experience with automation and provisioning

Proficiency with Git and IaC tools

Knowledge of Cross Domain Solutions and federal security

Understanding of Unified Communications

Experience in Agile frameworks

Education

10+ years in IT infrastructure

3+ years in Lead Architectural role

Tools

Tinkerbell

Canonical MAAS

Python

Ansible

Terraform

OpenTofu

Job description

Security Clearance: Secret, TS/SCI required

Reports To:Program Manger

About the Role

Dell Federal is seeking a visionaryLead Solution Architectto spearhead the design, integration, and deployment of our next-generation, on-premise private cloud ecosystem. In this highly visible leadership role, you will be the technical authority responsible for harmonizing multiple disparate technology families—including diverse operating systems (Linux/Windows), storage arrays, software-defined networking, and unified communications (voice/video)—into a cohesive, secure, and resilient infrastructure.

You will lead the charge in shifting our infrastructure paradigms toward an Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and GitOps-driven deployment strategy, utilizing modern bare-metal provisioning platforms like Tinkerbell to automate from the silicon up. Because this platform serves mission-critical operations, you will design the environment to meet strict DoD/IC security standards, integrating Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) to ensure secure, controlled data transfer across multi-level security enclaves. Operating within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), you will align complex technical roadmaps with business objectives, guiding cross-functional agile teams from architectural design through execution.

Key Responsibilities

Private Cloud Architecture & Integration:Design and oversee the implementation of a highly available, multi-tenant on-premise private cloud capable of securely hosting both enterpriseLinuxandWindows Serverworkloads at scale.
Network Automation & SDN:Architect and deploySoftware-Defined Networking (SDN)solutions. Build and enforcenetwork automation stacksto transition legacy network management into fully programmable, code-driven network fabrics.
Bare-Metal & IaaS Automation:Architect automated provisioning workflows from bare-metal up to the hypervisor/OS layer using platforms such asTinkerbell, Canonical MAAS, or similar IaaS provisioning tools.
GitOps & Infrastructure as Code (IaC):Define, champion, and enforce a Git-centric (GitOps) deployment strategy. Ensure all infrastructure and OS-level configurations are version-controlled in Git and executed via automated, declarative CI/CD workflows.
Cross Domain & DoD/IC Security:Architect solutions that maintain strict data isolation and compliance across varying classification levels. Integrate and manageCross Domain Solutions (CDS)to facilitate secure, validated data transfer between distinct security domains/enclaves.
SAFe/Agile Technical Leadership:Act as a key architectural leader within our Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). Collaborate with Product Managers, Release Train Engineers, and Scrum Masters to define architectural runways, plan Program Increments (PI), and break down complex integrations into manageable epics and features.
Governance & Federal Compliance:Establish and enforce architectural standards, ensuring all designs (from the OS to the network layer) adhere to DoD/IC frameworks such as DISA STIGs, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and ICD 503/NIST SP 800-53 controls.

Required Qualifications

Experience:10+ years of experience in enterprise IT infrastructure, with at least 3+ years in a Lead Architectural role designing complex, high-security environments.
Operating Systems:Deep architectural and administrative expertise with enterpriseLinux distributions(e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu, Rocky Linux) andWindows Serverenvironments (Active Directory, Group Policy, Windows Core).
Networking & Automation:Advanced knowledge of enterprise routing/switching, firewalls, andSoftware-Defined Networking (SDN)(e.g., Cisco ACI, VMware NSX). Proven experience buildingnetwork automation stacksusing Python (Netmiko/NAPALM), Ansible, or similar automation tooling.
Automation & Provisioning:Hands-on experience with bare-metal provisioning engines (e.g.,Tinkerbell, MAAS) and core IaaS/PaaS automation.
Git & IaC Expertise:Advanced proficiency with Git version control workflows (GitOps) and IaC tools (e.g., Terraform, OpenTofu) integrated into secure CI/CD pipelines.
DoD/IC & Cross Domain Expertise:Direct experience designing architectures that incorporateCross Domain Solutions (CDS), guard technology, or unidirectional data diodes. Deep familiarity with federal security frameworks (RMF, NIST, ICD 503) and applying DISA STIGs.
Unified Communications:Understanding of integrating enterprise Unified Communications, including IP Telephony, VoIP, SIP trunking, and secure enterprise video conferencing solutions.
Agile Frameworks:Experience working in and leading technical initiatives within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) or similar large-scale agile environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Certifications:Certified SAFe Agilist (SA), TOGAF, or advanced technical security/networking certifications (e.g., CCIE, DevNet Professional, CISSP).
Cloud Parity:Experience designing on-premise solutions that offer "cloud-like" self-service capabilities and APIs to internal teams within an air-gapped environment.
Containerization:Familiarity with cloud-native technologies (Kubernetes, Docker, OpenShift) running on automated bare-metal or private cloud infrastructure.

Job Info