Network Architect SME

Make a difference for national security by joining a team of dedicated IT professionals who will sustain, modernize and transform the enterprise IT capabilities of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).  The Air Force, Space and Intelligence Business Group of SAIC is seeking a Network Architect SME to support a transformational infrastructure program for DCSA.

SAIC is proud to be supporting DCSA in safeguarding our nation's information.  DCSA is the designated oversight authority on the accreditation of classified facilities, information systems, and the insider threat program.  This involves security oversight of more than 10,000 companies and approximately 13,000 facilities involved in classified work throughout the DoD and 31 Federal agencies.

Specifically, on the DCSA One IT program, SAIC will provide an enterprise IT solution that delivers highly secured and adaptable IT infrastructure, provides customer support, an cutting-edge technologies that support operations and advance the DCSA mission under a single IT environment (i.e., One IT).

Job Description

• Develop advanced, scalable, and resilient enterprise network architectures that align with mission objectives and regulatory requirements, including NIST, FedRAMP, RMF, and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) frameworks.
• Design end-to-end solutions, including LAN/WAN, data center, cloud, and hybrid network connectivity, ensuring integration with identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and multi-factor authentication protocols.
• Conduct capacity planning to ensure scalability, assess emerging technologies, and future-proof infrastructure for mission-critical operations.
• Develop secure network designs and enforce adherence to security standards and best practices in classified environments.
• Work closely with cybersecurity experts to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to network infrastructure, ensuring compliance with all relevant policies, directives, and certifications (e.g., DoD 8500.2, DISA STIGs).
• Engineer and implement advanced security technologies such as Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPS), encryption, software-defined networking (SDN), and micro-segmentation.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor, providing thought leadership to government stakeholders concerning network strategy, architecture planning, and modernization efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams within a DevSecOps model to integrate automation, monitoring, and analytics-driven insights into network operations.
• Mentor and lead other architects, engineers, and operations staff to expand technical knowledge and foster innovation within the team.
• Lead efforts to modernize legacy infrastructure, ensuring seamless migration paths to next-generation technologies, cloud solutions, and application-based network management.
• Analyze and optimize network performance through advanced diagnostic tools and methodologies, including packet analysis, latency measurement, and real-time traffic monitoring.
• Implement software-defined solutions such as SD-WAN for improved performance, security, and operational flexibility.
Emerging Technology Evaluation:
• Lead the evaluation and adoption of emerging network technologies such as 5G integration, AI-driven network monitoring, satellite communications, and quantum-safe cryptography to meet mission requirements.
• Anticipate technological trends and provide actionable recommendations on how new innovations can be aligned with evolving demands and security landscapes.
• Provide detailed documentation, including technical designs, standard operating procedures, network diagrams, and executive-level presentations.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring stakeholders are well-informed and engaged in the decision-making process.

It is required that the Network Architect SME have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or a related field.
• Fourteen (14) or more years of progressive experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale enterprise network architectures, including classified environments.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Deep expertise in routing and switching protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), Quality of Service (QoS), and network virtualization (e.g., VXLAN, MPLS).
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and large government network modernization programs.
• Experience with cloud architectures and secure hybrid network implementations (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) or equivalent
• Security+ CE (CISSP, Certified Information Systems Security Professional highly desired)  
• Additional certifications like AWS Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, Azure Solutions Architect, or VMware NSX highly desired.
• Position may require some on-site presence at secure facilities.
• Occasional travel may be required for program meetings and deployments.
• May involve working in high-pressure environments to address mission-critical deadlines.

Desired Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of modern network security practices, secure enclave operations, and compliance requirements for sensitive government environments.
• Expertise in implementing Zero Trust network models and advanced identity management solutions.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as Machine Learning (ML)-driven network management tools, edge computing, and quantum encryption.
• Examples of delivering innovative, mission-focused solutions under time-sensitive conditions.
• Strong cross-team communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.