Systems Architect (TS/SCI with Poly Required)

GCI; Tysons (VA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

GCI is seeking a hands‑on Systems Architect (TS/SCI with Poly) in Tysons, VA, to lead architecture across cloud and on‑prem environments. You will document current state, design future architectures, and implement end‑to‑end transformations while owning system reliability and security.

The ideal candidate partners across infrastructure, platform, DevSecOps, and data teams, delivering scalable, secure solutions for mission‑critical operations and analytics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT or related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical training, or work/military experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on systems engineering across network, compute, storage, operating systems, middleware, databases, and applications.
• Analyze and document as‑is infrastructure, platform, and application architectures.
• Lead cloud and on‑prem system implementations, migrations, and upgrades.
• Ensure systems meet availability, scalability, performance, security, and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with Software Engineers, Data Scientists, and Data Analysts to produce clear technical documentation.

Skills

Enterprise networking

Storage technologies

Linux administration

PKI/AuthN-AuthZ

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Hybrid/infrastructure design

Relational databases

NoSQL databases

Web services & APIs

Event-based messaging systems

Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, AnS

CI/CD (Jenkins/GitHub Actions)

Security hardening

Monitoring tools (Prometheus, Grafana)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

PowerShell

CloudFormation

Jenkins

Job description

Systems Architect (TS/SCI with Poly Required)

Job Category: IT Infrastructure and Operations

Requisition Number: SYSTE002321

• Full-Time
• On-site
• Salary Range : $164,382.40 USD to $274,518.40 USD

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

GCI embodies excellence, integrity and professionalism. The employees supporting our customers deliver unique, high-value mission solutions while effectively leverage the technological expertise of our valued workforce to meet critical mission requirements in the areas of Data Analytics and Software Development, Engineering, Targeting and Analysis, Operations, Training, and Cyber Operations. We maximize opportunities for success by building and maintaining trusted and reliable partnerships with our customers and industry.

At GCI, we solve the hard problems. As a Systems Architect , a typical day will include the following duties:

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a hands‑on Systems Architect (SME) with deep expertise across infrastructure, platforms, and application ecosystems spanning cloud and on‑premises environments. This role requires a proven practitioner who can analyze existing (“as‑is”) systems and applications, document current state architectures, design future‑state solutions, and implement system enhancements or technology transformations end‑to‑end.

The ideal candidate is a technical leader and doer, not just an advisor – someone who can seamlessly collaborate across infrastructure, platform, application, DevSecOps, information systems security, and data teams while maintaining ownership of system reliability, performance, scalability, and security.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT or related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical training, or work/military experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

Candidates must demonstrate hands‑on experience in all the following areas:

Infrastructure & Platforms

• Enterprise networking (e.g., routing, switching, firewalls, load balancers, DNS)
• Storage technologies (e.g., SAN, NAS, object storage)
• Linux (Redhat, CentOS) operating systems (administration, hardening, automation)
• IdAM – Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) hands‑on for AuthN and AuthZ

Cloud & On‑Prem Technologies

• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, and/or GCP)
• Hybrid and on‑prem infrastructure design and integration
• Cloud networking, identity, security, and cost optimization

Data & Application Platforms

• Relational and NoSQL databases – relational (e.g., Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server) and NoSQL (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra, DynamoDB, Redis) databases
• Web services, APIs, and middleware
• Event‑based messaging systems (e.g., SQS, SNS, RabbitMQ)
• Infrastructure as Code – Scripting & Automation: Python, Bash, PowerShell, Terraform, Ansible, or CloudFormation
• Configuration management and scripting (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python, etc.)CI/CD integration with infrastructure and platforms (e.g., Jenkins, Gitlab CI/CD, GitHub Actions, GitOps, ArgoCD)
• Security best practices and system hardening
• Monitoring & Incident Response: Proficiency with tools like Prometheus, Grafana, Splunk, ELK Stack, CloudWatch
• Ability to create:
• To‑be architecture and detailed engineering designs
• Implementation and migration plans

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Observability and monitoring tools (e.g., logging, metrics, tracing)
• Zero Trust and modern security architectures
• Data analytics, AI/ML platform exposure
• Experience supporting production or mission‑critical environments
• Relevant certifications (e.g., cloud, systems, security, or architecture)
• Knowledge of machine learning platforms (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, SageMaker)
• Familiarity with big data ecosystems (e.g., Hadoop, Databricks, Snowflake, Google, BigQuery)
• Strong background in ITIL processes and agile methodologies

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform hands‑on systems engineering across network, compute, storage, operating systems, middleware, databases, and applications
• Analyze and document as‑is infrastructure, platform, and application architectures
• Work with the System Architect and Cloud Architect to create the detail engineering designs for modernization, optimization, and transformation initiatives
• Lead and execute cloud and on‑prem system implementations, migrations, and upgrades
• Ensure systems meet availability, scalability, performance, security, and compliance requirements
• Integrate infrastructure and platforms with DevOps and DevSecOps pipelines
• Troubleshoot complex, cross‑stack issues spanning infrastructure, platforms, and applications
• Collaborate effectively with:
• Software Engineers
• Data Modelers, Data Scientists, and Data Analysts
• Produce clear technical documentation, diagrams, standards, and runbooks
• Serve as a technical authority and escalation point for complex system issues
• Communication Skills:
• Ability to brief executives clearly and translate technical issues into business impact
• Ability to work across organizations (internal and IC) to implement complex solutions

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Recognized SME with deep, hands‑on technical expertise
• Strong systems thinker with the ability to see and engineer across the full stack
• Comfortable operating at both strategic architecture and tactical implementation levels
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and non‑technical teams
• Proven ability to own complex systems from design through production

*A candidate must be a US Citizen and requires an active/current TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

Preferred

Bachelor of Science or better in Computer Science or related field.

10 years:

Demonstrated work related experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.