Lead Systems Engineer / Solutions Architect (DoD)

Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer / Solutions Architect (DoD)

Location: Fort Meade, MD (Onsite)

Duration: 6 Months Contract to Hire on W2

Client: Direct Client

Industry: Defense & Space

Kindly Note: Must hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

Position Overview

• We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Engineer / Solutions Architect (DoD) to support a large-scale Department of Defense (DoD) enterprise environment at Fort Meade, Maryland. In this role, you will provide technical leadership, strategic planning, architecture development, systems engineering guidance, and enterprise integration support across complex communications, networking, cloud, and data center environments.
• The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience supporting mission-critical DoD systems, developing enterprise architectures, advising senior leadership, and driving modernization initiatives across both legacy and emerging technology platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and strategic recommendations for enterprise IT operational design, systems engineering, and architecture initiatives.
• Analyze existing environments to recommend and develop future-state enterprise system architectures, technical designs, integration strategies, and implementation roadmaps.
• Drive modernization efforts involving cloud technologies, enterprise communications systems, network infrastructure, and data center services.
• Review and contribute to technical proposals, engineering documentation, architectural assessments, and technology recommendations.
• Identify communication service requirements and translate operational needs into scalable technical solutions, ensuring alignment with leadership vision and strategic objectives.
• Identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network, infrastructure, and system issues across enterprise environments.
• Develop and deliver executive-level briefings, strategic reports, roadmaps, and technical presentations for General Officers, Senior Executives, and key decision-makers.
• Provide technical consultation to engineers, architects, operational teams, and government stakeholders using Agile, SAFe, and ITIL service management methodologies.

Qualifications / Skills Required

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in enterprise IT, systems engineering, network architecture, infrastructure engineering, cloud technologies, or related technical disciplines.
• Proven experience supporting large-scale Department of Defense (DoD) or other highly regulated enterprise environments.
• Working knowledge of Joint Publication (JP) 5-0 and enterprise-level strategic planning methodologies.
• Working knowledge of Continuous Process Improvement (CPI), Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), and ITIL 4 service management principles.
• Strong knowledge of LAN, CAN, WAN, hybrid cloud environments (including IaaS and PaaS migration), enterprise communications systems, data centers, server infrastructure, and large-scale networking architectures.
• Knowledge of DoD enterprise services, cybersecurity controls, communications platforms, network protection technologies, and data security best practices supporting mission-critical operations.
• Proven experience authoring and reviewing CONOPS, technical documentation, engineering artifacts, training plans, and strategic reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts for both technical teams and executive audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively within fast-paced DoD environments.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Must hold an active Top Secret security clearance.
• Must possess at least one of the following active certifications:
• Cloud / Platform: Microsoft certifications (Azure, Data & AI, Dynamics 365, Modern Workplace, Business Applications), Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), VMware, Oracle.
• Cisco Certifications.
• ITIL 4 Foundation Level / IT Service Management, PMP, Agile / Scrum.
• Certified Information Systems Security Manager (CISM) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).