Senior Systems Architect - Cloud

Overview

SENIOR SYSTEMS ARCHITECT - CLOUD (NAUT):

Bowhead seeks a Senior Systems Architect - Cloud to support our customer on the Nautical contract in the Arlington, VA area. This position requires on-site presence due to work requirements and will not entertain work from home capabilities.

• Strategic Architecture Leadership:
  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.
• Cloud Platform Architecture:
  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.
• Security Integration & Compliance:
  Implement and maintain security controls compliant with NIST, FISMA, DoD Directive 8140, and DoD security frameworks while ensuring operational continuity throughout migration processes.
• Legacy System Assessment:
  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.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  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.
• Technical Documentation & Reporting:
  Create and maintain detailed architectural documentation, migration plans, security compliance reports, and prepare contingency plans while identifying/recommending GOTS/COTS software applications for program tracking.
• Project Management & Oversight:
  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.
• Infrastructure Management:
  Oversee development/coordinate technical solutions ensuring compatibility within the customers infrastructure while maintaining accountability for all IT assets through ITEC Team oversight.
• Personnel Supervision:
  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.
• Risk Management & Process Improvement:
  Identify and mitigate technical and security risks, recommend life cycle management processes for automated information systems, and develop cost-efficiency strategies.
• Governance Participation:
  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 experience working with DoD systems and understanding of military operational requirements, specifically with the customers 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 (NIST: OV-PM-002) and Work Role 632 (NIST: SP-SYS-002).

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:

• Required:
  
  CompTIA Security+ and AWS Solutions Architect Professional or Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Desired: CISSP, SABSA, DAWIA PM Practitioner, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), FITSP-D, GIAC Cloud Security Automation (GCSA), GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF), (ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds on occasion.
• Must be able to stand and…