Lead Solution Architect

Location: McLean, VA

Department: [e.g., IT / Engineering / Infrastructure]

Security Clearance: Secret, TS/SCI required

Reports To: Program Manger

About the Role

Dell Federal is seeking a visionary Lead Solution Architect to spearhead the design, integration, and deployment of our next-generation, on-premise private cloud ecosystem. In this highly visible leadership role, you will be the technical authority responsible for harmonizing multiple disparate technology families—including diverse operating systems (Linux/Windows), storage arrays, software-defined networking, and unified communications (voice/video)—into a cohesive, secure, and resilient infrastructure.

You will lead the charge in shifting our infrastructure paradigms toward an Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and GitOps-driven deployment strategy, utilizing modern bare-metal provisioning platforms like Tinkerbell to automate from the silicon up. Because this platform serves mission-critical operations, you will design the environment to meet strict DoD/IC security standards, integrating Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) to ensure secure, controlled data transfer across multi-level security enclaves. Operating within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), you will align complex technical roadmaps with business objectives, guiding cross-functional agile teams from architectural design through execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Private Cloud Architecture & Integration:Design and oversee the implementation of a highly available, multi-tenant on-premise private cloud capable of securely hosting both enterprise Linux and Windows Serverworkloads at scale.
• Network Automation & SDN: Architect and deploy Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solutions. Build and enforce network automation stacks to transition legacy network management into fully programmable, code-driven network fabrics.
• Bare-Metal & IaaS Automation: Architect automated provisioning workflows from bare-metal up to the hypervisor/OS layer using platforms such as Tinkerbell, Canonical MAAS, or similar IaaS provisioning tools.
• GitOps & Infrastructure as Code (IaC):Define, champion, and enforce a Git-centric (GitOps) deployment strategy. Ensure all infrastructure and OS-level configurations are version-controlled in Git and executed via automated, declarative CI/CD workflows.
• Cross Domain & DoD/IC Security:Architect solutions that maintain strict data isolation and compliance across varying classification levels. Integrate and manage Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) to facilitate secure, validated data transfer between distinct security domains/enclaves.
• SAFe/Agile Technical Leadership: Act as a key architectural leader within our Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). Collaborate with Product Managers, Release Train Engineers, and Scrum Masters to define architectural runways, plan Program Increments (PI), and break down complex integrations into manageable epics and features.
• Governance & Federal Compliance:Establish and enforce architectural standards, ensuring all designs (from the OS to the network layer) adhere to DoD/IC frameworks such as DISA STIGs, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and ICD 503/NIST SP 800-53 controls.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in enterprise IT infrastructure, with at least 3+ years in a Lead Architectural role designing complex, high-security environments.
• Operating Systems: Deep architectural and administrative expertise with enterprise Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu, Rocky Linux) and Windows Serverenvironments (Active Directory, Group Policy, Windows Core).
• Networking & Automation: Advanced knowledge of enterprise routing/switching, firewalls, and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) (e.g., Cisco ACI, VMware NSX). Proven experience building network automation stacks using Python (Netmiko/NAPALM), Ansible, or similar automation tooling.
• Automation & Provisioning: Hands-on experience with bare-metal provisioning engines (e.g., Tinkerbell, MAAS) and core IaaS/PaaS automation.
• Git & IaC Expertise: Advanced proficiency with Git version control workflows (GitOps) and IaC tools (e.g., Terraform, OpenTofu) integrated into secure CI/CD pipelines.
• DoD/IC & Cross Domain Expertise: Direct experience designing architectures that incorporate Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), guard technology, or unidirectional data diodes. Deep familiarity with federal security frameworks (RMF, NIST, ICD 503) and applying DISA STIGs.
• Unified Communications: Understanding of integrating enterprise Unified Communications, including IP Telephony, VoIP, SIP trunking, and secure enterprise video conferencing solutions.
• Agile Frameworks: Experience working in and leading technical initiatives within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) or similar large-scale agile environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: Certified SAFe Agilist (SA), TOGAF, or advanced technical security/networking certifications (e.g., CCIE, DevNet Professional, CISSP).
• Cloud Parity: Experience designing on-premise solutions that offer "cloud-like" self-service capabilities and APIs to internal teams within an air-gapped environment.
• Containerization: Familiarity with cloud-native technologies (Kubernetes, Docker, OpenShift) running on automated bare-metal or private cloud infrastructure.