Expert Level Software Architect

About PeratonPeraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees solve the most daunting challenges that our customers face. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.Program OverviewEngineering modernization and integration practices to include Digital Engineering and Agile at Scale for all of NGA, NSG, and ASG.About The RoleWe are seeking an Expert Software Architect to lead the design and delivery of scalable, secure, and mission-driven software solutions across enterprise environments. This role is responsible for defining high-level architecture strategies, guiding technical standards, and driving innovation across cloud, platform, and application services.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise across enterprise architecture domains and plays a key role in shaping IT modernization efforts, supporting model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and aligning technical solutions with strategic mission objectives.What You'll Do:Lead the design and evolution of enterprise-level software architectures supporting complex systems and mission applicationsDevelop and maintain enterprise architecture (EA) artifacts that define current and future state environments, including transition roadmapsPartner with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to define solution architectures, technical requirements, and development roadmapsDesign and promote modern architectures, including microservices, APIs, and loosely coupled systemsEstablish and enforce architectural standards, best practices, and governance across development teamsDrive cloud adoption and modernization efforts across SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS environmentsBuild prototypes and integration models to validate emerging technologies and solutionsSupport DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD pipeline design, automation, and security integration (SAST, DAST, container scanning)Develop architecture artifacts that clearly communicate system structure, behavior, and workflows to both technical and non-technical stakeholdersConduct gap analyses between current and target architectures and define actionable transition strategiesSupport Agile development teams with architectural guidance across system integrations and cloud migration effortsDesign and implement enterprise data visualization and reporting solutions for leadership and stakeholdersTranslate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for executive decision-makersCollaborate across programs to integrate architecture products and ensure alignment with enterprise goalsDesign and maintain graph database solutions (Neo4j), including data modeling, schema design, and performance optimizationArchitecture Domains You'll Support:Business Architecture: Define capabilities, value streams, and organizational alignmentData Architecture: Align data strategy with business needs and enterprise standardsApplication Architecture: Structure systems across user experience, business logic, and data layersTechnical Architecture: Design infrastructure and system integrations that enable enterprise capabilitiesLocation: This position is fully onsite in Chantilly, VAQualificationsPeraton offers enhanced benefits to employees working on this critical National Security program, which include heavily subsidized employee benefits coverage for you and your dependents, 25 days of PTO accrued annually up to a generous PTO cap and eligible to participate in an attractive bonus plan.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, IT, or related STEM field18+ years of relevant Software Architecture experience can be considered in lieu of degree18+ years' of experience across business, data, application, and technology architecture domainsProven experience designing enterprise architectures, including current/future state and technical roadmapsStrong background in cloud technologies, open-source solutions, and system integrationExperience with modern architectures (microservices, APIs, service-oriented design) and DevSecOps practicesDeep understanding of cloud service models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS)Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain SCI and pass a polygraphPreferred Qualifications:Master's degree in a related STEM fieldExperience with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., DoDAF, TOGAF, FEAF)Hands-on experience with cloud-native development, containerization, and API-driven systemsFamiliarity with enterprise architecture modeling toolsExperience supporting federal or NGA-related missions and systemsKnowledge of graph databases (Neo4j), Cypher query language, and graph data science conceptsExperience with AI/ML-enabled architectures or knowledge graph implementationsStrong documentation skills with the ability to establish architecture best practicesDemonstrated ability to evolve from hands-on technical roles into enterprise-level architecture leadershipDetailsTarget Salary Range: $146,000 - $234,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.Application Statements: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.EEO:Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.