Solutions Architect – Growth Strategy & Opportunities #1783723

Network Designs; Bloomington (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement matching

Paid leave

Professional development

Health and wellness programs

Job summary

Network Designs, based in the United States, is seeking a Solutions Architect to shape and architect compelling technical solutions for federal opportunities. The role involves leading the development of technical solutions, collaborating with SMEs, and driving proposal strategies.

You must have extensive experience in solution architecture, especially in secure communications and cybersecurity. Competitive benefits include health, dental, vision insurance, and comprehensive retirement matching.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in solution architecture or systems engineering within the federal or government sector.
• Proven track record of leading solution architecture for federal or DoD contract pursuits.
• Exceptional skills in architecture modeling and technical writing.

Responsibilities

• Shape compelling technical solutions for federal opportunities.
• Drive the narrative for proposal artifacts, ensuring alignment with customer needs.
• Architect and develop solutions that articulate delivery value and compliance.

Skills

Technical Communication

Solution Architecture

Cybersecurity

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Visio

Draw.io

Job description

About NDi

Network Designs, Inc. (NDi) is a leading Federal contractor that specializes in designing, developing, and delivering information technology and network solutions for government customers. Founded in 1985, NDi's firmly defined core values have driven all aspects of the business, which have been paramount to our company's success and the establishment of an enjoyable workplace atmosphere. At NDi, we believe that our people are the cornerstone of our success, and we value collaboration, career growth, and winning ideas. Military Veterans Encouraged to Apply.

Job Description

The Solutions Architect will be a critical driver for NDi's Growth Office, responsible for shaping and architecting compelling technical solutions for federal opportunities. Serving as the technical focal point during the capture and proposal phases, you will translate complex customer requirements into integrated, compliant, and highly differentiated solutions.

In this role, you will support capture strategy through technical solutioning and discriminators, coordinate subject matter experts (SMEs) and delivery teams, and play a pivotal role in scaling NDi's architecture capabilities to support multiple parallel pursuits.

Authority & Scope

This role leads development of the technical solution baseline for assigned pursuits, including the proposed architecture and technology stack, from early capture through proposal submission. The position also recommends staffing approaches and Level of Effort (LOE) assumptions in coordination with pricing and management.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Active Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain one, is highly desired
• This is a hybrid position in McLean, Virginia, with domestic travel as required to support capture and regional opportunities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• 15+ years in solution architecture or systems engineering within the federal/government or defense sector, with direct experience supporting contract proposals and delivery.
• Domain Expertise: Proven track record of leading solution architecture for federal or DoD contract pursuits, specifically in secure communications and networking; cybersecurity, Zero Trust, and secure infrastructure; enterprise IT operations and infrastructure; enterprise applications, modernization, and DevSecOps; and data and information management.
• Framework Knowledge: Strong understanding of federal architectures, frameworks (e.g., NIST, CSfC, Zero Trust, ITIL), and strict security/compliance requirements.
• Technical Communication: Exceptional skills in architecture modeling, diagramming (Visio, Draw.io, or similar), and technical writing.

Desired Attributes

• Strategic Thinker: You look at the big picture regarding mission outcomes and value propositions but can easily dive into technical details and solution trade-offs.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: You thrive in a growth-focused environment and are comfortable navigating ambiguity, shifting priorities, and multiple simultaneous pursuits.
• Collaborative Facilitator: You have strong interpersonal skills, easily leading workshops with SMEs to align teams, drive consensus, and deliver actionable outputs.
• Exceptional Communicator: You can clearly and persuasively articulate complex architectures to both highly technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Reports to: Chief Solution Architect / Growth Office Leader
• Key Collaborators: Capture Managers, BD Leads, Proposal Managers, Delivery/Operations Leads, SMEs, and Partner/Alliance teams.

Responsibilities

Capture & Proposal Strategy

• Engage Early: Review customer requirements and RFP/RFI drafts, analyzing mission context, competitive landscapes, and regulatory/technical constraints.
• Shape the Solution: Develop concepts that align NDi's capabilities (secure comms, DevSecOps, data management, cyber operations) with the customer's specific mission needs.
• Drive the Narrative: Translate architecture into compelling proposal artifacts, including technical volume text, intuitive diagrams (solution flows, tech stacks, staffing models), oral presentation narratives, and Q&A responses.
• Ensure Integration: Guarantee the solution story remains consistent and integrated across management, staffing, and transition/execution volumes.

Solution Design & Delivery

• Architect Solutions: Develop high-level and detailed solution architectures that articulate how NDi will deliver value, differentiation, scalability, and strict security compliance.
• Define Execution: Develop staffing approaches, labor mix, skill composition, and LOE assumptions in coordination with pricing and delivery.
• Bridge the Gap: Work closely with delivery and operations teams post-award to transition the proposed solution, capture key assumptions and risks, and foster a feedback loop for continuous improvement.

Leadership & Innovation

• Facilitate Collaboration: Lead architectural working sessions with SMEs, delivery leads, partners, and business development (BD) stakeholders to refine solutions and mitigate risks.
• Scale the Capability: Maintain a repository of reusable architectures, reference solutions, boilerplates, graphics, and lessons learned to streamline future proposals.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Monitor emerging domain technologies (e.g., AI/ML, Zero Trust, cloud/edge, cyber-resiliency) and package these innovations as core differentiators.
• Build the Bench: Act as a mentor and coach to junior solution architects and technical leads within the growth office.

How We Measure Success

• In this role, success is evaluated by your ability to:
• Effectively support multiple concurrent pursuits without sacrificing quality.
• Improve technical volume quality and evaluator responsiveness, directly contributing to measurable win outcomes.
• Reduce disconnects between the proposed technical approaches and post-award executability.
• Develop accurate LOE and staffing assumptions that align with pricing strategies and ensure successful delivery.
• Systematically improve the reuse of approved artifacts, reference architectures, and boilerplate materials to increase proposal efficiency.

Compensation and Benefits

At NDi, we value our team and are committed to retaining top talent by offering competitive benefits and compensation packages. Our employee benefits package includes comprehensive health, dental, vision, pet, and legal insurance. Our corporate benefits include 401(k) retirement matching, paid leave, paid holidays, and health and wellness programs. In addition, we provide employer-paid life and disability insurance, professional development, education benefits, and much more to ensure our team has the resources they need to thrive on and off the job.

Veterans First Commitment

As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), NDi is dedicated to hiring veterans and providing a supportive work environment that honors their service while recognizing the unique skills and experiences they bring to our organization.

Our Commitment

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.