Network Architect SME

SAIC; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Restaurant d'entreprise

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Network Architect SME to support the DCSA One IT program, delivering highly secured enterprise network solutions for national security operations. You will design end-to-end LAN/WAN, data centre, cloud and hybrid connectivity, align with NIST, FedRAMP, RMF, and ZTA, and work with IAM, encryption, and MFA.

You will mentor architects, lead modernization of legacy infrastructure, evaluate emerging technologies like 5G, AI-driven monitoring, and quantum-safe cryptography, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or related field.
• 14+ years of progression in designing and maintaining large-scale enterprise networks.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Expertise in routing, switching, QoS, and network virtualization.
• Experience with cloud architectures and secure hybrid networks.
• DoD/DISA 8500.2, STIG familiarity is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced, scalable enterprise network architectures aligned to mission and compliance.
• Design end-to-end LAN/WAN, data center, cloud, and hybrid connectivity with IAM and encryption.
• Lead modernization efforts and mentor other architects and engineers.
• Collaborate in a DevSecOps model to integrate automation, monitoring, and analytics.

Skills

Routing protocols (BGP/OSPF/EIGRP)

Network virtualization (VXLAN/MPLS)

Zero Trust security

Cloud architectures (AWS/Azure/Google)

CCIE certification

Security+ CE

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/IT/Engineering

Tools

AWS

Azure

Google Cloud

VMware NSX

Job description

Description

Make a difference for national security by joining a team of dedicated IT professionals who will sustain, modernise and transform the enterprise IT capabilities of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The Air Force, Space and Intelligence Business Group of SAIC is seeking a Network Architect SME to support a transformational infrastructure program for DCSA.

SAIC is proud to be supporting DCSA in safeguarding our nation's information. DCSA is the designated oversight authority on the accreditation of classified facilities, information systems, and the insider threat program. This involves security oversight of more than 10,000 companies and approximately 13,000 facilities involved in classified work throughout the DoD and 31 Federal agencies.

Specifically, on the DCSA One IT program, SAIC will provide an enterprise IT solution that delivers highly secured and adaptable IT infrastructure, provides customer support, an cutting-edge technologies that support operations and advance the DCSA mission under a single IT environment (i.e., One IT).

Job Description

• Develop advanced, scalable, and resilient enterprise network architectures that align with mission objectives and regulatory requirements, including NIST, FedRAMP, RMF, and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) frameworks.
• Design end-to-end solutions, including LAN/WAN, data centre, cloud, and hybrid network connectivity, ensuring integration with identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and multi-factor authentication protocols.
• Conduct capacity planning to ensure scalability, assess emerging technologies, and future-proof infrastructure for mission-critical operations.
• Develop secure network designs and enforce adherence to security standards and best practices in classified environments.
• Work closely with cybersecurity experts to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to network infrastructure, ensuring compliance with all relevant policies, directives, and certifications (e.g., DoD 8500.2, DISA STIGs).
• Engineer and implement advanced security technologies such as Next‑Generation Firewall (NGFW), intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPS), encryption, software‑defined networking (SDN), and micro‑segmentation.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor, providing thought leadership to government stakeholders concerning network strategy, architecture planning, and modernisation efforts.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams within a DevSecOps model to integrate automation, monitoring, and analytics‑driven insights into network operations.
• Mentor and lead other architects, engineers, and operations staff to expand technical knowledge and foster innovation within the team.
• Lead efforts to modernise legacy infrastructure, ensuring seamless migration paths to next‑generation technologies, cloud solutions, and application‑based network management.
• Analyse and optimise network performance through advanced diagnostic tools and methodologies, including packet analysis, latency measurement, and real‑time traffic monitoring.
• Implement software‑defined solutions such as SD‑WAN for improved performance, security, and operational flexibility.

Emerging Technology Evaluation:

• Lead the evaluation and adoption of emerging network technologies such as 5G integration, AI‑driven network monitoring, satellite communications, and quantum‑safe cryptography to meet mission requirements.
• Anticipate technological trends and provide actionable recommendations on how new innovations can be aligned with evolving demands and security landscapes.
• Provide detailed documentation, including technical designs, standard operating procedures, network diagrams, and executive‑level presentations.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences, ensuring stakeholders are well‑informed and engaged in the decision‑making process.

Qualifications

It is required that the Network Architect SME have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or a related field.
• Fourteen (14) or more years of progressive experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining large‑scale enterprise network architectures, including classified environments.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Deep expertise in routing and switching protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), Quality of Service (QoS), and network virtualization (e.g., VXLAN, MPLS).
• Proven leadership experience managing cross‑functional teams and large government network modernisation programs.
• Experience with cloud architectures and secure hybrid network implementations (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) or equivalent
• Security+ CE (CISSP, Certified Information Systems Security Professional highly desired)
• Additional certifications like AWS Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, Azure Solutions Architect, or VMware NSX highly desired.
• Position may require some on‑site presence at secure facilities.
• Occasional travel may be required for program meetings and deployments.
• May involve working in high‑pressure environments to address mission‑critical deadlines.

Desired Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of modern network security practices, secure enclave operations, and compliance requirements for sensitive government environments.
• Expertise in implementing Zero Trust network models and advanced identity management solutions.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as Machine Learning (ML)‑driven network management tools, edge computing, and quantum encryption.
• Examples of delivering innovative, mission‑focused solutions under time‑sensitive conditions.
• Strong cross‑team communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.