Lead Network Architect

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training. We are seeking a Lead Network Architect to serve as the subject-matter expert for enterprise network architecture and engineering supporting a large, geographically distributed federal network. The successful candidate will lead architecture and design efforts;

develop business cases and analyses of alternatives; advise government stakeholders on network strategy; and recommend solutions to complex architecture, performance, resiliency, security, cloud, and operational challenges. This role will help design and evolve secure, scalable, high-performing network services across field sites, data centers, colocations, cloud and hybrid-cloud environments, while ensuring alignment with agency’s enterprise architecture, technical standards, security policies, and mission requirements.

• Lead enterprise network architecture and engineering activities across the full lifecycle, from requirements analysis and conceptual design through implementation, operations, modernization, and technology refresh.
• Establish and maintain network architecture standards; develop, review, and maintain System Design Documents, topology diagrams, logical designs, network taxonomies, and other architecture artifacts for new and existing network solutions.
• Conduct requirements analysis and analyses of alternatives; evaluate performance, availability, resiliency, interoperability, security, operational efficiency, total cost of ownership, and compliance with agency’s policies.
• Develop business cases and return-on-investment analyses for new network technologies and services, including lifecycle, sustainment, supply‑chain, cost, risk, and mission‑value considerations.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies; recommend solutions for enterprise networking, SDN, SD‑WAN, cloud connectivity, colocation, network management, automation, monitoring, and technology refresh.
• Guide engineering and implementation of SDN and SD‑WAN solutions, including policy-based routing, multiple network transports, standardized configurations, automation, and centralized troubleshooting.
• Support testing, patching, release management, change control, field‑site implementation, as‑built documentation, and Tier 3 escalation activities; perform or direct root‑cause analysis for complex network incidents.
• Architect secure and resilient connectivity to commercial, private, and hybrid cloud environments; support cloud migration and ensure alignment with FedRAMP, agency’s security requirements, and applicable TIC 3.0 capabilities.
• Integrate security controls and Zero Trust principles into architecture and engineering decisions; collaborate with ISSOs, ISSMs, cybersecurity personnel, and stakeholders to address vulnerabilities, audit findings, RMF requirements, and ATO/ATT documentation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Networking, Telecommunications, or a related technical field.
• Experience supporting large federal agencies or other mission‑critical enterprise networks, including geographically distributed field sites and 24x7 operations.
• Experience with cloud service providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and/or Google Cloud Platform; TIC 3.0, FedRAMP, and cloud network migration experience.

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain Public Trust, Preferred Secret/Top Secret Clearance

Certifications

• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $/Yr.

- USD $/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

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