Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Resident Solutions Architect (RSA) to support a next-generation data and AI modernization program for a federal-focused enterprise customer. This position is 100% on-site in McLean, VA . The RSA will work directly with customer engineering teams to design, build, and operationalize large-scale data platforms, distributed compute environments, and AI-driven applications. This role is ideal for a senior data engineer or architect who thrives in customer-facing engagements and enjoys solving complex technical challenges across cloud, analytics, and big-data ecosystems.

ACTIVE DHS EOD CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Primary Responsibilities:
• Lead short- and medium-term customer engagements focused on data engineering, analytics, and cloud architecture
• Design and implement scalable reference architectures, data pipelines, and distributed compute solutions
• Guide customers through modernization efforts, migrations, and end-to-end deployment of big-data and AI workloads
• Provide architectural consulting, technical design guidance, and best practices for successful platform adoption
• Deliver hands-on development using Python or Scala, including Spark-based distributed processing
• Support integration of cloud services across AWS, Azure, or GCP environments
• Provide escalated technical support for customer operational issues and drive rapid resolution
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, and engineering teams to ensure all technical deliverables meet customer requirements
• Contribute to CI/CD workflows, production deployment strategies, and MLOps practices
• Document architectures, whiteboard solutions, and communicate technical concepts clearly to stakeholders
• Maintain billable utilization targets while delivering exceptional customer service and technical execution
Required Qualifications:
• Active DHS EOD Clearance
• 6+ years of experience in data engineering, data platforms, or analytics
• Strong coding proficiency in Python or Scala
• Deep experience with Apache Spark™ and distributed computing concepts
• Working knowledge of at least two major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) with expertise in one
• Experience designing and deploying end-to-end data architectures
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and production deployment workflows
• Working knowledge of MLOps concepts and tooling
• Experience delivering technical projects, managing scope, and meeting timelines
• Strong documentation, whiteboarding, and communication skills
• Experience working directly with customers, including conflict resolution and expectation management
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Ability to travel up to 30% as needed
Preferred Experience (Not Required):
• Experience with modern data lakehouse architectures or similar platforms
• Background in consulting, professional services, or customer-facing engineering roles
• Experience with large-scale data migrations or modernization initiatives
• Familiarity with data governance, security, and compliance frameworks
• Strong troubleshooting and performance optimization skills across distributed systems
Compensation & Benefits:
• Competitive salary range (depending on experience and location zone)
• Eligibility for annual performance bonus and equity programs
• Comprehensive benefits package including PTO, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and sick leave
• On-site work in McLean, VA with potential travel flexibility
Keywords:

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