IT Architect

Intelligent Waves is seeking an experienced, senior-level IT engineer to serve as the lead technical authority for the program. This is explicitly a senior engineering role: candidates are evaluated on hands-on architecture and engineering experience, not on whether a prior job title included the word “Architect.” Working directly with the IT Program Manager, this person will drive the architecture, design, integration, and execution of complex engineering initiatives, translating mission and operational requirements into scalable, secure, and effective technical solutions while guiding the engineering team through successful implementation.

The role requires a strong problem solver who can make sound technical decisions, lead cross-functional engineering activities, and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

 

Please note: This position is pending contract approval.

 

Location: Eglin AFB, FL Travel: 25% – travel is expected for contingency and surge operations. Reimbursed based on GSA Per Diem rates and DoD Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Clearance Requirement: Secret

Intelligent Waves delivers mission-focused multi-domain operational expertise and innovation to the Government through high-impact technology solutions in cybersecurity, data science, enterprise network & systems engineering, software development, and cognitive human performance.

 

ANYTIME. ANYWHERE. ANY DOMAIN.

 

Since 2006, we have proudly served federal agencies including the Department of Defense. Our ability to operate globally in a wide range of environments, coupled with our deep understanding of customer needs and requirements, enables us to provide cost-effective solutions to support the most complex missions.

Adherence to all customer site protocols is mandatory for employees.

Engineering Team Leadership Set architectural direction, define quality standards, and mentor engineers to ensure consistent, mission-aligned delivery across the team.

 

Solution Architecture Design and document enterprise IT architectures — compute, storage, networking, and software stack — across multi-site environments, driving hardware and software modernization.

 

Systems Engineering & Integration Lead requirements analysis, integration, testing, and verification to ensure solutions meet DoD/Air Force standards and transition successfully to operations.

 

Stakeholder Engagement Align technical solutions with program requirements by partnering with the IT Program Manager, customer stakeholders, and DoD mission partners.

 

Technical Planning Build and maintain technology roadmaps and configuration baselines across program sites, including hardware refresh cycles and software lifecycle planning.

 

Cybersecurity Integration Ensure all solutions meet RMF compliance by embedding security into architecture and integration processes in coordination with the cybersecurity team.

 

Network Architecture Own network architecture design — connectivity, segmentation, and transport — ensuring full alignment with the overall solution architecture.

 

Technology Innovation Evaluate and recommend hardware and software technologies to improve capability and performance; stay current on infrastructure trends, DevSecOps, and containerization.

 

Technical Documentation Produce architecture documents, configuration standards, integration plans, and design decision records to support handoff to integration and operations teams.

 

Risk Management Identify technical risks across hardware, software, and integration domains and develop mitigation strategies to protect schedule, performance, and mission outcomes.

• 8–10+ years of progressive experience in IT systems engineering, systems integration, enterprise architecture, or related technical disciplines supporting DoD or government environments.
• Hands-on experience designing and owning enterprise IT architectures across compute, storage, networking, and software platforms in multi-site environments.
• Demonstrated ability to perform architecture-level responsibilities as a Senior Engineer, Lead Engineer, SME, Architect, or equivalent. A formal “Architect” job title is not required.
• Experience with systems integration planning, configuration management, technical documentation, and architecture documentation.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical direction, ownership, or mentorship to other engineers. Formal people-management or team-lead experience is not required.

• Experience designing, administering, integrating, or supporting enterprise Windows Server environments.
• Experience designing, administering, integrating, or supporting Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) / CentOS environments.
• Experience with enterprise virtualization technologies, including VMware vSphere or equivalent platforms.

• Strong understanding of enterprise network architecture, including:
  • Routing and switching
  • Network segmentation
  • Firewall architecture
  • Multi-site network integration
• Experience with enterprise storage solutions, backup architectures, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Experience with Active Directory, LDAP, and Identity & Access Management (IAM) architectures.

• Working knowledge of DoD cybersecurity and information assurance requirements, including:
  • Risk Management Framework (RMF)
  • Authority to Operate (ATO) processes
  • Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)
  • CIS security benchmarks and hardening standards

Relevant industry certifications are preferred, including:

• CISSP, CCNP, CompTIA Security+, Equivalent cybersecurity, networking, systems, or architecture certifications

• Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenShift.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and automation tools such as Terraform and Packer.
• Experience supporting DevSecOps environments and CI/CD pipelines, including GitLab, Artifactory, or similar technologies.
• Familiarity with Elastic Stack, including Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana.

• Experience designing, integrating, or supporting classified, secure, or hardened network architectures.
• Experience working within SAP/SAR network environments.
• Experience supporting DoD spectrum warfare, electronic warfare, or mission data management programs.
• Familiarity with DDIL (Disconnected, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited) communications architectures.