Solutions Architect – Growth Strategy & Opportunities #1783723 at Network Designs, Inc. in McLean, VA, USA

Job description

• The Solutions Architect will be a critical driver for NDi's Growth Office, responsible for shaping and architecting compelling technical solutions for federal opportunities. Serving as the technical focal point during the capture and proposal phases, you will translate complex customer requirements into integrated, compliant, and highly differentiated solutions.
• In this role, you will support capture strategy through technical solutioning and discriminators, coordinate subject matter experts (SMEs) and delivery teams, and play a pivotal role in scaling NDi's architecture capabilities to support multiple parallel pursuits.

Responsibilities

• Engage Early: Review customer requirements and RFP/RFI drafts, analyzing mission context, competitive landscapes, and regulatory/technical constraints.
• Shape the Solution: Develop concepts that align NDi's capabilities (secure comms, DevSecOps, data management, cyber operations) with the customer's specific mission needs.
• Drive the Narrative: Translate architecture into compelling proposal artifacts, including technical volume text, intuitive diagrams (solution flows, tech stacks, staffing models), oral presentation narratives, and Q&A responses.
• Ensure Integration: Guarantee the solution story remains consistent and integrated across management, staffing, and transition/execution volumes.
• Architect Solutions: Develop high-level and detailed solution architectures that articulate how NDi will deliver value, differentiation, scalability, and strict security compliance.
• Define Execution: Develop staffing approaches, labor mix, skill composition, and LOE assumptions in coordination with pricing and delivery.
• Bridge the Gap: Work closely with delivery and operations teams post-award to transition the proposed solution, capture key assumptions and risks, and foster a feedback loop for continuous improvement
• Facilitate Collaboration: Lead architectural working sessions with SMEs, delivery leads, partners, and business development (BD) stakeholders to refine solutions and mitigate risks.
• Scale the Capability: Maintain a repository of reusable architectures, reference solutions, boilerplates, graphics, and lessons learned to streamline future proposals.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Monitor emerging domain technologies (e.g., AI/ML, Zero Trust, cloud/edge, cyber-resiliency) and package these innovations as core differentiators.
• Build the Bench: Act as a mentor and coach to junior solution architects and technical leads within the growth office

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Active Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain one, is highly desired
• This is a hybrid position in McLean, Virginia, with domestic travel as required to support capture and regional opportunities
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• 15+ years in solution architecture or systems engineering within the federal/government or defense sector, with direct experience supporting contract proposals and delivery.
• Domain Expertise: Proven track record of leading solution architecture for federal or DoD contract pursuits, specifically in secure communications and networking; cybersecurity, Zero Trust, and secure infrastructure; enterprise IT operations and infrastructure; enterprise applications, modernization, and DevSecOps; and data and information management.
• Framework Knowledge: Strong understanding of federal architectures, frameworks (e.g., NIST, CSfC, Zero Trust, ITIL), and strict security/compliance requirements.
• Technical Communication: Exceptional skills in architecture modeling, diagramming (Visio, Draw.io, or similar), and technical writing.
• Strategic Thinker: You look at the big picture regarding mission outcomes and value propositions but can easily dive into technical details and solution trade-offs.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: You thrive in a growth-focused environment and are comfortable navigating ambiguity, shifting priorities, and multiple simultaneous pursuits.
• Collaborative Facilitator: You have strong interpersonal skills, easily leading workshops with SMEs to align teams, drive consensus, and deliver actionable outputs.
• Exceptional Communicator: You can clearly and persuasively articulate complex architectures to both highly technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Required

• Solution architecture
• Systems engineering
• Federal/DoD contract proposal support
• Architecture modeling
• Diagramming (Visio, Draw.io, or similar)
• Technical writing
• NIST, CSfC, Zero Trust, ITIL frameworks
• Security/compliance requirements

Preferred

• Active Secret clearance

Benefits

• Network Designs is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering competitive benefits and salary packages. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. In addition, we provide employer-paid life and disability insurance, professional development, education benefits, and much more to ensure our team has the resources they need to thrive on and off the job.
• Email Me Similar Jobs
• Email Me This Job
• At NDi, we value our team and are committed to retaining top talent by offering competitive benefits and compensation packages. Our employee benefits package includes comprehensive health, dental, vision, pet, and legal insurance. Our corporate benefits include 401(k) retirement matching, paid leave, paid holidays, and health and wellness programs. In addition, we provide employer-paid life and disability insurance, professional development, education benefits, and much more to ensure our team has the resources they need to thrive on and off the job.