Principal Architect & Systems Engineer

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research and development organization is seeking a Principal Architect & Systems Engineer in Arlington, VA. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in network and systems engineering and architecture leadership. Key responsibilities include designing advanced network solutions and managing a diverse team of engineers. The position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and a background in classified environments. Join a team committed to excellence and innovation in technology solutions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in network and systems engineering, with at least 5+ years in architecture leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of modern networking, virtualization, and cloud/hybrid architectures.
• Experience with defense-based technology development contracts and classified working environments.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and implement advanced network solutions.
• Lead network transformation initiatives, including cloud integration.
• Manage a team of network, cyber and systems engineers.

Skills

Network and systems engineering

Architecture leadership

Communication skills

Team leadership

Security compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

DoDAF/UPDM

CIBS certification

AWS/Azure Architect

Job description

Join to apply for the Principal Architect & Systems Engineer role at Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation.

About Us

VT-ARC, a technical services and applied research company, has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Integral to our success is our staff’s enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done. We foster a culture where every employee’s contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment. VT-ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients and such achievement is recognized through service/merit awards. Moreover, we promote a sense of community larger than VT-ARC alone, where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country.

About You

We are seeking a seasoned Principal Architect & Systems Engineer with deep expertise in network and systems engineering, to support and lead a large transformational enterprise network infrastructure program. This leader will own the development of enterprise and mission network architectures and systems designs, ensure technical alignment across programs, and manage a team of network, cyber and systems engineers. The Principal Architect & Systems Engineer will drive the end-to-end architecture, oversee system integration, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative and resilient networking solutions. The Principal Architect & Systems Engineer will serve as the key technical leader coordinating with government and industry partners and stakeholders. This position reports to the program’s Senior Program Manager within VT-ARC's Engineering Test and Evaluation Division (ETED). (Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required)

Duties/Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and implement advanced network solutions for enterprise environments.
• Lead network transformation initiatives, from on-prem solutions to cloud integration and SD-WAN deployments.
• Understand cutting‑edge solutions and how to extend them into network design and implementation approaches.
• Own the systems engineering lifecycle (concept through deployment), including requirements, design baselines, integration, verification/validation, and transition to operations.
• Create and maintain architecture artifacts—system diagrams, interface control documents (ICDs), data flow maps, and technical presentations for stakeholders and leadership.
• Guide engineers through design reviews (SRR/SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure technical rigor and traceability to requirements.
• Manage a team of network, cyber and systems engineers: set priorities, mentor staff, conduct performance management, and build a high‑performing, collaborative culture.
• Coordinate system integration and testing across labs and operational environments; troubleshoot complex issues and drive root cause analysis.
• Ensure compliance with relevant security, interoperability, and performance standards (e.g., NIST, DISA STIGs), and with program constraints and deliverables.
• Partner with Project Managers, Program Managers and Contracts/Finance to align architecture decisions with scope, schedule, budget, and risk posture.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and contribute to proposals, work plans, and technical reports.
• Work closely with the onsite government and contractor technical team to develop capabilities to support end‑to‑end network and end‑user requirements.

Required Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in network and systems engineering, with at least 5+ year in architecture leadership roles.
• Demonstrated ability to design, document, and deliver complex, secure, and scalable networked systems.
• Hands‑on experience with systems engineering processes, requirements management, interface control, integration, and test.
• Strong knowledge of modern networking (routing/switching, VPNs, QoS, SD-WAN), identity/access, virtualization, and cloud/hybrid architectures.
• Familiarity with architecture tools and frameworks (e.g., DoDAF/UPDM, MBSE/Cameo, architecture repositories).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to brief technical and executive audiences and sponsor stakeholders.
• Experience with defense-based technology development contracts and classified working environments
• Strong leadership, mentoring, team building and management skills.

Desired Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related engineering discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in network and systems architectures and/or engineering, with at least 3 years in a senior or principal role.
• Experience with network performance monitoring and optimization tools.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCNP/CCIE, AWS/Azure Architect, INCOSE CSEP/ESEP) highly desirable.
• Experience with secure architectures aligned to NIST, DISA STIGs, RMF, and Zero Trust principles.
• Experience conducting and leading formal engineering reviews (SRR/SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and managing multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.

Primary Work Location

Work is to be performed fully onsite in Arlington, VA

Special Work Conditions

• Occasional CONUS travel may be required; up to 15%
• Possible travel to OCONUS locations; up to 10%

Security

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation

VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3), non‑profit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Tech’s multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. With unique access to the broad and rich research enterprise found at Virginia Tech, VT-ARC forms multi‑disciplinary teams to apply innovative solutions to the real‑world problems that strain our social, political, industrial, and economic foundations.

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov.