Cloud Systems Architect - SME

Apply for the Cloud Systems Architect - SME role at UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies
. This position is open for the Nautical contract in Arlington, VA and requires on-site presence. Remote work is not an option.

• Lead architectural design and implementation of cloud‑native solutions for mission‑critical Department of Defense applications, driving strategic migration of legacy DoD systems to secure cloud environments while ensuring compliance with federal security standards.
• Design and oversee end‑to‑end cloud architecture strategies across AWS Gov Cloud, Azure Government, and other FedRAMP‑authorized cloud platforms for complex DoD legacy system migrations.
• Implement and maintain security controls compliant with NIST, FISMA, DoD Directive 8140, and DoD security frameworks while ensuring operational continuity throughout migration processes.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of existing DoD applications and J6 IT processes to determine optimal migration pathways and identify corrective actions for hardware, software, and business management procedures.
• Interface with the customer and external stakeholders in working groups, technical exchange meetings, and other forums while providing technical guidance to development teams and junior architects.
• Create and maintain detailed architectural documentation, migration plans, security compliance reports, and contingency plans while identifying/recommending GOTS/COTS software applications for program tracking.
• Chair/co‑chair meetings and working groups on behalf of government representatives, resolve problems, allocate resources, manage personnel, and monitor performance to meet contract requirements.
• Oversee development/coordinate technical solutions ensuring compatibility within the customer’s infrastructure while maintaining accountability for all IT assets through ITEC Team oversight.
• Provide daily control and supervision of assigned personnel, provide planned replacement information at least 15 calendar days prior to replacement, and provide information within 24 hours of unplanned replacements.
• Identify and mitigate technical and security risks, recommend lifecycle‑management processes for automated information systems, and develop cost‑efficiency strategies.
• Participate in J6 IT Governance processes and identify/assign C4IT support personnel for Projects & Portfolio Managers to meet J6 timelines.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems, or related field from an ABET‑accredited or CAE‑designated institution;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 16+ years of systems architecture experience with 8+ years specifically in cloud architecture and minimum 5 years managing 10+ personnel for IT and/or cybersecurity efforts.
• DoD
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum 5 years of experience working with DoD systems and understanding of military operational requirements, specifically with the customer’s infrastructure.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  
  • Expert knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS Gov Cloud, Azure Government, GCP) with emphasis on government cloud environments.
  • Proficiency in containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Cloud Formation).
  • Strong understanding of microservices architecture and API design.
  • Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and Dev Sec Ops  practices.
  • Familiarity with database migration strategies and data architecture.
  • Experience with Cryptonet Management Workstation (CMW) and crypto status communication protocols.
  • Framework compliance: meets the Core and Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities TASKS (KSATs) defined in the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework for Work Role 802 and 632.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Leadership experience:
    Previous experience leading large‑scale enterprise architecture initiatives and managing cross‑functional teams.
  • Programming knowledge:
    Proficiency in Python, Java, or other enterprise programming languages.
  • Government experience:
    Experience with FedRAMP, ATO processes, and government compliance frameworks.
• Certification Requirements:
  • Requir…