Network Architect

VTG Defense; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

VTG Defense is seeking an experienced Network Architect to design, standardize, and evolve enterprise-scale cloud and network architectures for a government program. You will define roadmaps, develop scalable, secure solutions, and lead architecture initiatives across multi-cloud environments.

The role requires a Top Secret Clearance with Polygraph, a BS or MS in CS or related field, and extensive experience in network and systems engineering, automation, and modern programming languages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• Minimum of 11 years of experience in network engineering, systems engineering, or architecture roles.
• Strong experience with Python, Java, automation, and systems design.
• Experience with cloud technologies including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, IBM, and Oracle.
• Experience designing scalable enterprise-level systems and network architectures.
• Knowledge of modern programming and scripting languages such as Python, JavaScript, and Bash.
• Experience with configuration management tools such as Puppet, Salt, Terraform, or Chef.
• Experience with container technologies including Docker and Kubernetes.
• Ability to work independently and drive technical initiatives to completion.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain enterprise network and cloud architecture standards across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, IBM, and Oracle environments
• Develop high-level system specifications and architecture models supporting complex enterprise applications
• Provide strategic direction and roadmap development for enterprise network and system architecture evolution
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design scalable, secure, and automated infrastructure solutions
• Evaluate emerging technologies and assess their impact on enterprise architecture and mission requirements
• Support the full Systems Engineering Lifecycle (SELC) for infrastructure and network modernization initiatives
• Develop and maintain architecture documentation, standards, and reference models
• Integrate automation, infrastructure-as-code, and configuration management practices into architectural designs
• Support development of future-state enterprise technology strategies aligned to customer mission goals
• Ensure alignment of network and system architectures with security, performance, and operational requirements

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Network Architect to support a mission-focused government program by designing, standardizing, and evolving enterprise-scale cloud and network architectures. The ideal candidate will provide strategic direction for complex multi-cloud environments, define architecture roadmaps, and develop scalable, secure solutions across modern enterprise computing systems.

What will you do?

• Design and maintain enterprise network and cloud architecture standards across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, IBM, and Oracle environments
• Develop high-level system specifications and architecture models supporting complex enterprise applications
• Provide strategic direction and roadmap development for enterprise network and system architecture evolution
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design scalable, secure, and automated infrastructure solutions
• Evaluate emerging technologies and assess their impact on enterprise architecture and mission requirements
• Support the full Systems Engineering Lifecycle (SELC) for infrastructure and network modernization initiatives
• Develop and maintain architecture documentation, standards, and reference models
• Integrate automation, infrastructure-as-code, and configuration management practices into architectural designs
• Support development of future-state enterprise technology strategies aligned to customer mission goals
• Ensure alignment of network and system architectures with security, performance, and operational requirements

Do you have what it takes?

• Must have a Top Secret Clearance with Polygraph
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
• Minimum of 11 years of relevant experience in network engineering, systems engineering, or architecture roles
• Strong experience with Python, Java, automation, and systems design
• Deep understanding of cloud technologies including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, IBM, and Oracle
• Experience designing scalable enterprise-level systems and network architectures
• Strong knowledge of modern programming and scripting languages such as Python, JavaScript, and Bash
• Experience with configuration management tools such as Puppet, Salt, Terraform, or Chef
• Experience working with container technologies including Docker and Kubernetes
• Ability to work independently and drive technical initiatives to completion

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills:

• Experience with automated testing frameworks and practices
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Knowledge of SecDevOps principles and iterative development environments
• Experience with web application frameworks such as Django or Ruby on Rails
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) methodologies
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
• Strong experience supporting enterprise-scale architecture modernization efforts