Lead Azure Architecture SME

General Dynamics Information Technology; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics Information Technology seeks an Azure Architecture SME – Lead to design, govern, and implement secure, scalable Azure cloud solutions for government customers. You will provide technical leadership across networking, identity, and infrastructure automation, and guide complex migrations using Azure Site Recovery.

You will develop architect diagrams, deliver technical presentations, oversee Entra architecture for enterprise environments, and mentor staff while ensuring DISA STIG

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a closely related technical field.
• 10+ years of related experience; 5+ years in database and data management preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in Azure IL5/IL6 environments.
• CompTIA Security+ required for DoD 8570.01M IAT II; other certs a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end Azure architecture design, producing diagrams and docs.
• Lead architectural discussions and solution deep dives with government customers.
• Oversee migrations using Azure Site Recovery, including failover testing and cutover operations.
• Manage replication traffic over ExpressRoute/VPN; design and isolate VNETs for test/validation.
• Serve as point of contact for Azure networking issues and guide technical direction.
• Ensure secure connectivity between cloud and on-prem while maintaining performance and resiliency.
• Lead implementation of Azure networking components (VNets, NSGs, firewall, VPN/ExpressRoute).
• Design and manage Entra architecture, including identity governance and cross-tenant integrations.

Skills

Azure IL5/IL6 environments

Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra Monitor

Azure networking (VNets, NSGs, routing

ExpressRoute/VPN

CI/CD concepts

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Ansible/PowerShell scripting

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

Tools

Terraform

Bicep

ARM templates

Azure DevOps

GitHub Actions

Visio

Job description

The Azure Architecture SME – Lead is responsible for architecting, designing, and guiding the implementation of secure, scalable, and high-performing Azure cloud solutions. This role provides technical leadership, problem‑solving expertise, and hands‑on support across networking, identity, infrastructure automation, and cloud‑to‑on‑prem integrations. The SME will develop architect diagrams, lead complex migrations using Azure Site Recovery, deliver technical presentations to government customers, and design and drive implementation of Entra architecture for enterprise environments.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design of end-to-end Azure architecture, producing detailed architect diagrams utilizing VISIO and technical documentation.
• Lead technical presentations, architectural discussions, and solution deep dives with government customers and stakeholders.
• Lead and conduct the migration planning and execution using Azure Site Recovery, overseeing dependency mapping, failover testing, and cutover operations.
• Manage and optimize replication traffic over ExpressRoute/VPN; design and isolate VNETs for test and validation to support migration readiness.
• Serve as the point of contact for all Azure networking issues, leading problem‑solving efforts, guiding architecture decisions, and advising leadership on technical direction.
• Ensure secure and reliable connectivity between cloud and on‑prem environments while maintaining optimal performance, resiliency, and availability.
• Lead, design, implement, and manage Azure networking components including virtual networks, subnets, NSGs, Azure Firewall, VPN/ExpressRoute, load balancers, and routing topologies.
• Lead security hardening and protection of infrastructure across cloud and on‑prem environments while supporting system and workload migrations.
• Design and lead implementation of Microsoft Entra architecture, including identity governance, conditional access, role management, and cross‑tenant integrations.
• Build and manage Azure infrastructure using DevOps practices and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, Bicep, ARM templates, Azure DevOps, and GitHub Actions.
• Mentor and collaborate with System Administrators on account administration, VM configuration, monitoring implementation, patch management, and operational support.
• Oversee all system changes and ensure compliance with DISA STIGs, hardening guidelines, and relevant organizational controls for each VM or server.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

• 10+ years of related experience required, with at least 5+ years of preferred experience in database and data management.
• 5+ years Azure IL5/IL6 environments

Required Certification(s):

• CompTia Security+ is required to satisfy DoD 8570.01M requirements for IAT Level II
• Other work-dependent certifications a plus

Required Skills:

• Experience with design and development of network solutions in an Azure IL5 and IL6 environment
• Experience using Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Entra Monitor
• Extensive knowledge of Azure Network Design and establishing Entra architecture
• Strong Azure networking skills: VNets, NSGs, routing, Azure Firewall, load balancing, and ExpressRoute/VPN
• Understanding of CI/CD concepts and secure pipeline development in controlled cloud environmentsAdvanced knowledge using Ansible or PowerShell scripts

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with two or more of the areas outlined below is preferred but not required:

• Experience with Azure Migration solutions
• Experience with Cloud based Database systems
• Experience using MS Visio for updating diagrams
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments
• Experience working in Federal or State government environments

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess activeSecret or higher clearanceand maintain as a condition of employment
• US Citizenship required

LOCATION:

Hybrid in Washington, D.C.; on-site work at least three days a week at customer location will be required

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE

At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.

• Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
• Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Explore a career in software development at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your dedication to advancing innovation.

#TechModernization