Lead Architect - Secret Clerarance Required

• Travel is required up to 50%

• Job Summary:

The lead architect should be able to define project objectives, create implementation plans, coordinate resources, manage timelines, and mitigate risks throughout the implementation lifecycle. This position requires an understanding of Zero Trust architectures, SASE frameworks, and SD-WAN technologies. The candidate should be familiar with industry standards, protocols, and best practices related to these areas. Having a strong background in network architecture, security protocols, and infrastructure design is crucial. The lead architect should have experience in implementing secure network solutions, including firewalls, routers, VPNs, encryption, intrusion detection systems, and authentication mechanisms. Knowledge of cloud platforms and services is important, familiarity with cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is valuable. Should be well-versed in SD-WAN concepts, including traffic routing, load balancing, Quality of Service (QoS), and WAN optimization. Experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM) principles for authentication, authorization, and access control including designing and implementing IAM solutions, technologies like single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and privilege management. The lead architect should be able to collaborate with stakeholders, present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences and provide guidance to the implementation team. They should also be able to align business requirements with technical solutions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design, configure, and test network solutions per scope of customer projects.

• Perform troubleshooting and support activities as part of project delivery.

• Lead or participate in discovery and design workshops.

• Support physical installation of network and security devices, either in person or remotely.

• Lead network assessment projects and provide oversight for Engineering staff members in the development and presentation of findings and recommendations.

• Communicate progress and status of deliverables to customer and technical project teams.

• Maintain technical acumen and apply as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10 years of network/security implementation and/or management experience required.

• Strong understanding of network routing and switching protocols required.

• Demonstrated experience with WAN and backbone network protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS, etc.) required.

• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical issues in an easy-to-understand manner.

• Active Secret clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with next generation firewall technology (Palo Alto, Check Point, Fortinet, Versa etc.).

• Experience with cloud (AWS, Azure, GC, etc.) network and/or security.

• Certificates within network/security domain (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, PCNSE, etc.).

• U.S. Air Force experience a plus.

• Familiarity with DISA's guidelines, such as Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and Security Requirements Guides (SRGs).

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information Systems.