Chief Architect

Expression

$130K — $160K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Information Technology, or related fields; relevant experience may substitute for the degree.
  • Ten years of experience leading enterprise software architecture in Federal Government or DoD programs.
  • Prior roles such as Chief Architect or Technical Lead for large software development and sustainment efforts.
  • Experience within Agile software development environments leading enterprise application architecture.
  • Proficient in cloud and hybrid architectures, DevSecOps, enterprise application modernization, and systems integration.
  • Strong understanding of software architecture, API design, and CI/CD practices.
  • Proven ability to present technical solutions to senior Government stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the technical authority for software architecture and technology decisions supporting JPES and JCRM.
  • Define and maintain enterprise architecture to ensure scalability, security, and compliance with DoD standards.
  • Lead design, development, and sustainment of enterprise applications using Agile and DevSecOps.
  • Provide technical leadership to teams across various technology domains (e.g., cybersecurity, database administration).
  • Collaborate with Government Product Owner to translate requirements into technical architecture and strategies.
  • Design secure cloud-native architectures using Microsoft Azure IL6 and on-premises solutions.
  • Oversee architecture reviews, deployments, and ensure ongoing software release readiness.

Benefits

  • 401k matching
  • PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Education reimbursement
  • Complimentary life insurance
  • Generous PTO and holiday leave
  • Onsite office gym access
  • Commuter Benefits Plan
Full Job Description
Expression is looking for an experienced Lead Architect to provide technical leadership supporting the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Joint Planning & Execution Services (JPES) and Joint Capabilities Requirements Manager (JCRM) Sustainment Program.

The Lead Architect serves as the senior technical authority responsible for the overall software architecture, engineering strategy, and technical execution of a large-scale enterprise mission system supporting the Department of War's Global Force Management mission. This individual will guide architectural decisions across software engineering, DevSecOps, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, system integration, and sustainment while leading Agile development teams delivering secure, scalable, and mission-critical capabilities.

Clearance: Secret Clearance required

Location: DISA Headquarters, 6910 Cooper Ave, Fort Meade, MD

Job Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the technical authority for software architecture, engineering, infrastructure, and enterprise technology decisions supporting JPES and JCRM.
  • Define and maintain the overall enterprise architecture, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, reliable, and aligned with DoD and DISA standards.
  • Lead the design, development, modernization, integration, deployment, and sustainment of enterprise applications using Agile and DevSecOps practices.
  • Provide technical leadership across software engineering, cloud infrastructure, DevSecOps, cybersecurity, system administration, database administration, testing, and configuration management teams.
  • Collaborate with the Government Product Owner and program leadership to translate operational requirements into technical solutions, architectural roadmaps, and implementation strategies.
  • Design and oversee secure cloud-native and hybrid architectures supporting Microsoft Azure IL6, on-premises infrastructure, and classified and unclassified environments.
  • Oversee architecture reviews, software releases, system integration, production deployments, release readiness, and post-deployment sustainment.
  • Ensure adherence to secure software engineering practices, configuration management, CI/CD, RMF, STIG, and Authority to Operate (ATO) requirements.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend modernization initiatives that improve system performance, security, scalability, and maintainability.
  • Represent the program during technical exchange meetings, architecture reviews, customer demonstrations, and executive briefings.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline. Four additional years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience leading enterprise software architecture and engineering efforts supporting Federal Government or DoD programs.
  • Demonstrated experience serving as a Chief Architect, Chief Engineer, Lead Architect, Solution Architect, or Technical Lead for large-scale software development and sustainment programs.
  • Experience leading enterprise application architecture within Agile software development environments.
  • Experience designing cloud and hybrid architectures, DevSecOps pipelines, enterprise application modernization, and systems integration.
  • Strong knowledge of software architecture, API design, enterprise application frameworks, databases, CI/CD, release management, and configuration management.
  • Experience implementing secure software development practices within RMF, NIST, STIG, and DoD cybersecurity frameworks.
  • Experience presenting technical solutions and architectural recommendations to senior Government stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and collaborate effectively with Government customers.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting DISA, Global Force Management (GFM), JPES, JCRM, or other Joint Command and Control systems.
  • Experience with Microsoft Azure IL6, DoD Software Factory environments, hybrid cloud architectures, Kubernetes/OpenShift, Docker, and container orchestration.
  • Experience with Azure DevOps, Git, Jenkins, or comparable DevSecOps and CI/CD platforms.
  • Experience supporting Oracle, PostgreSQL, WebLogic, Apache Tomcat, enterprise middleware, and authentication services.
  • Experience integrating RMF, eMASS, STIG compliance, and Authority to Operate (ATO) requirements into enterprise architectures.
  • Experience supporting NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and other classified computing environments.
  • Familiarity with DoDAF and model-based architecture practices.
  • AWS, Microsoft Azure, TOGAF, SAFe, or other architecture-related certifications.

Benefits:

Expression Networks offers competitive salaries and benefits, such as:
  • 401k matching
  • PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Education reimbursement
  • Complimentary life insurance
  • Generous PTO and holiday leave
  • Onsite office gym access
  • Commuter Benefits Plan

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