Unified Communications (UC) Architect

General Dynamics IT; Washington (District of Columbia, WA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics IT is seeking a Unified Communications (UC) Architect to lead the technical design and implementation of large-scale, global network operations and modernization efforts for the U.S. Department of State.

The role oversees 24x7 worldwide operations, security integration, service management, and customer engagement across regions. The candidate will define the enterprise architecture, drive modernization, and mentor staff while collaborating with senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of technical experience.
• US citizenship required.
• Security+ or DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification.
• CISSP credential.
• CCIE Collaboration.
• Experience with large-scale network modernization.
• Experience with SDN/SD-WAN and cloud networking.
• Experience with major vendors (Cisco, Palo Alto, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with DT and Program Director on defining outputs, outcomes, and adoption framework for project creation and implementation.
• Lead team providing steady‑state support for current UC operations, preparing for a modernization journey.
• Define and evolve the enterprise architecture, strategy, and roadmap for network capabilities, aligning solutions with business, technology, and cybersecurity objectives.
• Design secure, scalable, and automated and AI‑augmented solutions for provisioning, monitoring, and operational support.
• Establish governance frameworks, lifecycle controls, and operational standards for hardware, process, and procedure.
• Develop architecture artifacts, implementation guidance, metrics, and telemetry driven reporting that promote consistency, automation, resiliency, and operational excellence.
• Serve a trusted advisor, technical leader, and mentor across the program, collaborating with other senior technical leaders and mid‑to‑junior‑career staff.

Skills

Collaboration

Enterprise IT

Job description

Job Type

Type of Requisition: Pipeline

Clearance

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess: Top Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret

Public Trust

Public Trust/Other Required: None

Job Family

IT Infrastructure and Operations

Job Qualifications

• Skills: Collaboration, Enterprise IT, System Security Certifications: None


• Experience: 10 + years of related experience


• US Citizenship Required: Yes

Job Description

The Unified Communications (UC) Architect will lead the technical design and implementation of large‑scale, global network operations and modernization contract supporting the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Technologies (DT). This role oversees 24x7 worldwide network operations, modernization activities, security integration, service management, and customer engagement across all geographic regions.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Collaborate with DT and Program Director on defining outputs, outcomes, and adoption framework for project creation and implementation


• Leading team providing steady‑state support for current environment UC operations, preparing for a modernization journey


• Define and evolve the enterprise architecture, strategy, and roadmap for network capabilities, aligning solutions with business, technology, and cybersecurity objectives as it aligns with UC infrastructure with the department


• Design secure, scalable, and automated and AI‑augmented solutions for provisioning, monitoring, and operational support


• Establish governance frameworks, lifecycle controls, and operational standards for hardware, process, and procedure.


• Develop architecture artifacts, implementation guidance, metrics, and telemetry driven reporting that promote consistency, automation, resiliency, and operational excellence.


• Serve a trusted advisor, technical leader, and mentor across the program, collaborating with other senior technical leaders and mid‑to‑junior‑career staff

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Active TS/SCI clearance


• Bachelor's Degree in a related technical discipline


• Minimum of 10 years' technical experience


• Security+ or DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification


• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)


• CCIE Collaboration


• Demonstrated experience with large and/or complex network modernization efforts


• Demonstrated experience with designing and implementing network solutions incorporating load balancing, route, switch, firewalls, congestion and prioritization management, and micro segmentation.


• Deep understanding of and previous experience with Zero Trust Architecture, NIST frameworks, and other government standards and compliance frameworks.


• Deep understanding of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), SD-WAN, container networking, virtualization platforms, and other cloud focused network technologies.


• Previous experience with one or more industry leading vendors such as Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Juniper, HPE, Avaya, or similar.


• Previous experience with enterprise WiFi design and implementations, including mesh solutions.


• Previous experience with Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and/or Google Cloud Platform (GCP)


• Experience integrating workflows and automation solutions with ITSM platforms such as ServiceNow


• Experience with DevOps, Infrastructure as Code (IaC, Python, Git, and/or other applicable technologies

WHAT'S NICE TO HAVE, BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Experience working within a government enterprise environment


• Demonstrated understanding of Natural Language Processing (NLP) implementation and concepts of intent-based architecture


• Previous experience with low bandwidth, high latency locations and solutions


• Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) or similar vendor certification.


• One or more of the following Microsoft certifications: Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100), Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104), Microsoft Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305), Microsoft AI-centric professional certifications or Applied Skills


• AWS Certified Advanced Networking and/or AWS Certified Security


• Technical certifications from other industry leaders in the network or security segment

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE

• Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities


• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals


• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off


• Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Explore an enterprise IT career at GDIT and you'll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your desire to drive operations forward.

The likely salary range for this position is $186,542 - $252,380. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of th