Chief Systems Architect in Hartford

Job DescriptionThe Solutions Business Area is currently seeking a highly motivated Chief Systems Architect for the Chinook Program. The successful candidate will serve as the lead technical authority guiding architectural design, systems integration, and enterprise strategy across a high-visibility geospatial intelligence initiative.Clearance Level RequiredActive Top Secret/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph examination.Primary ResponsibilitiesServe as the lead architect for a primary task order, while providing architectural guidance and alignment across the broader program as needed to ensure consistency, interoperability, and compliance across multiple task orders.Serve as the principal systems architect and strategic technical advisor on all matters related to enterprise systems design, cloud integration, and architecture modernization.Lead the development and evolution of architectural frameworks and system-of-systems designs aligned with the customer's long-term GEOINT strategies.Provide authoritative recommendations on technology integration, standards adoption, and data flow optimization.Collaborate with Product Managers, Release Train Engineers (RTEs), and cross-functional scrum teams to translate business needs into technical solutions that meet performance, scalability, security, and compliance requirements.Guide technical decision-making across geographically dispersed teams to ensure consistent design patterns, coding standards, and DevSecOps practices.Conduct architecture reviews and provide governance to ensure solutions are compliant with federal enterprise architecture frameworks, cybersecurity mandates (e.g., NIST), and cloud adoption strategies.Define, update, and validate architectural patterns and interface specifications for enterprise-level systems.Drive cloud-solution strategies including containerization, and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines in secure environments.Analyze and evaluate emerging technologies to inform future-state architecture and capability roadmaps.Represent Leidos and the Chinook Program in high-level technical exchanges, reviews, and governance boards with the customer and Intelligence Community (IC) stakeholders.Drive user-facing front-end development and back-end infrastructure that integrates with existing customer systems and end-user mission requirements.Expertise in at least one high-level programming language such as Python, C, C++, or Java, in addition to front-end JavaScript API usage such as Svelte or React.Basic QualificationsUS citizenship is required per contract.Active Top Secret/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph examination.Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline plus 12–15 years of prior relevant experience, or Master's with 10–13 years of prior relevant experience. Doctorate in a technical domain is a plus.10+ years of progressive experience in systems architecture, software development, solution engineering, or enterprise IT.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.Proven experience designing, implementing, and managing complex, mission-critical enterprise architectures with the IC.Deep expertise in cloud architecture (AWS/C2S/IC GovCloud), data integration, and secure multi-domain systems.Experience working with geographically dispersed Agile teams and participating in SAFe ceremonies (e.g., PI Planning Events, System Demos).Familiarity with GEOINT data, the customer's tools, infrastructure, and tradecraft.Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-organizational collaboration.Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-53), zero-trust architectures, and cloud security principles.Certifications such as TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Professional Cloud Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, CISSP, CCSP, PMP, or RHCA.Additional QualificationsExperience supporting customer mission operations and programs.SAFe certification such as SAFe Architect, SAFe Agilist (SA), or SAFe Program Consultant (SPC).Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), hybrid cloud, and cloud migration strategies.Experience mentoring junior architects or leading architecture communities of practice.LocationsGaithersburg, MD (primary)Alexandria, VASt. Louis, MOAurora, COTucson, AZPay Range$131,300.00 – $237,350.00Equal Employment OpportunityAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to citizenship, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider applicants with qualified criminal histories in accordance with applicable laws.J-18808-Ljbffr