Lead Solution Architect

Lead Solution Architect Location: Chantilly, VA Work Type: Onsite Remote Work: NO We are seeking a Lead Enterprise IT Systems Architect to serve as the sole architectural authority. This role owns the enterprise technical vision and is responsible for designing, integrating, modernizing, and governing all systems across the program. The architect will define architectural standards, ensure mission alignment, and drive secure, automated, and scalable solutions across all technology domains. Responsibilities: • Serve as the single enterprise architect for the entire program, establishing and governing architecture standards and technical direction. • Develop and maintain enterprise architectures aligned with mission and operational requirements. • Architect and optimize solutions across key technologies, including: • VDI: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, Azure Virtual Desktop • Identity & Messaging: Active Directory, Azure AD, Exchange • Storage: NetApp ONTAP • Unified Communications: VoIP and collaboration platforms • Operating Systems: Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) • Lead automation and orchestration initiatives using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), CI/CD pipelines, and configuration management tools such as Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell DSC, and Git-based workflows. • Design secure, scalable architectures across on-premises, cloud, hybrid, and classified environments. • Ensure compliance with RMF, NIST 800-series controls, STIGs, Zero Trust architecture principles, and DoW cybersecurity requirements. • Conduct technical assessments, develop modernization strategies, and produce enterprise roadmaps and transition plans. • Create and maintain authoritative architecture deliverables, including diagrams, data flows, interface specifications, and reference designs. • Collaborate with government leadership, cybersecurity teams, engineering teams, and operations personnel to guide and validate architecture decisions. • Provide senior-level oversight for major engineering initiatives and ensure alignment with enterprise architecture standards and mission priorities. Required Qualifications: • Active TS/SCI security clearance with CI Polygraph (required). • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field. • At least 10+ years’ experience with five plus (5+) years of specialized design experience with large-scale enterprise IT services, cloud-native computing/adoption (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google, Oracle), system architecture, software integration, DevSecOps, and Service Oriented Architecture/Infrastructure (SOA/SOI) of similar size, scope, and complexity • Proven track record in designing resilient architectures, including redundancy assessments, risk mitigation, integration with infrastructure (e.g., DoW or enterprise environments), strong communication, stakeholder management, and the ability to translate requirements into technical solutions • Demonstrated experience designing and integrating large-scale, multi-technology enterprise environments using: • Citrix and Azure VDI platforms • Active Directory, Azure AD, Exchange • NetApp storage solutions • Unified Communications platforms • Windows Server and RHEL • Strong experience with automation and orchestration, including IaC, CI/CD pipelines, and enterprise configuration management. • Broad technical expertise across networking, cloud architectures (IL2–IL6), virtualization, identity services, data flows, and cybersecurity. • Deep understanding of RMF, NIST controls, STIGs, DoWAF, and Zero Trust principles. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to brief senior DoW stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications: Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional or Azure Solutions Architect Expert, CISSP, Citrix Architect, NetApp NCIE/NCIP, RHEL, TOGAF, IaC-related certifications, ITILv4, COBIT, ISO standards and Department of War Architecture Framework (DoWAF) • Experience supporting classified environments (e.g., SIPR, JWICS) or major defense acquisition programs. Ideal Candidate Attributes Highly autonomous, technically authoritative, mission-driven, and capable of leading enterprise-wide architectural strategy, modernization, and automation efforts across diverse technologies and stakeholders. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Requires TS/SCI CI Polygraph clearance. Compensation and Benefits Salary Range: $170,000 - $230,000/yr (Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, skills, education, certifications, seniority, and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.) Benefits: Gridiron offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), disability & ADD insurance, life and pet insurance to eligible employees. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Gridiron’s benefits programs. Gridiron IT Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status. Gridiron IT is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area that supports our clients' missions throughout the United States. Gridiron IT specializes in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies. Our capabilities include IT Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Software Integration & Development, Data Solution & AI, and Enterprise Applications. These capabilities are backed by Gridiron IT's experienced workforce and our commitment to ensuring we meet and exceed our clients' expectations.