Principal Solutions Architect

Overview
The Principal Solutions Architect will serve as the lead technical strategist supporting IvoryCloud’s Federal Business Development (BD) and capture organization. This role focuses on designing, articulating, and delivering winning technical solutions for complex federal opportunities. The Principal Solutions Architect will bridge technical vision with business objectives across software development, cloud infrastructure, data, AI/ML, and cybersecurity, helping shape innovative proposals and reusable IP for future pursuits. This position reports directly to the Chief Growth Officer (CGO) and requires regular collaboration with BD, engineering, and delivery teams. Candidate must be local to the Washington, D.C. area.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead technical solutioning during capture and proposal phases, translating mission needs into executable architectures.

• Partner with BD and Capture Managers to define win themes, discriminators, technical strategies, and integrated teaming arrangements.

• Architect secure, scalable, and cost-effective solutions leveraging Azure (primary), AWS, and hybrid environments.

• Develop repeatable frameworks, reference architectures, and reusable IP to enhance proposal efficiency.

• Author and review technical volumes, compliance matrices, and oral presentation materials.

• Collaborate with delivery and engineering teams to validate solution feasibility, performance, and compliance.

• Integrate innovative technologies, including AI/ML, data analytics, and zero-trust security, into proposed architectures.

• Represent IvoryCloud’s technical capabilities in customer meetings, orals, and industry events.

• Ensure all solutions comply with federal cybersecurity and governance standards (FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, CMMC).

Experience

• 10 years of experience in IT architecture, software development, or systems engineering within U.S. Federal environments is required.

• Demonstrated success leading technical captures and authoring federal proposal solutions.

• Experience operating within a structured capture and proposal management lifecycle such as Shipley’s capture and color team processes.

• Expertise in cloud technologies (Azure preferred), DevSecOps, CI/CD, microservices, data pipelines, and AI/ML integration.

• Strong understanding of Agile and DevSecOps delivery practices.

• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition landscape, contract types and vehicles, pricing and cost estimation.

• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (or ability to obtain).

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering (advanced degree preferred).

• Relevant technical (e.g., Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Azure Solutions Architect Expert, AWS Solutions Architect Professional, or TOGAF) and Business Development/Federal Acquisition (e.g., Shipley, AFFIRM) certifications are a plus.

Compensation & Incentives

• Highly lucrative win incentives based on project wins, with total annual compensation often exceeding 150% of base pay.

• Comprehensive health, retirement, and professional development benefits.

Legal

IvoryCloud is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $165,000.00 - $210,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Non-US Citizens are not eligible for this role.  Type the word “Citizen” if you confirm you are one. (Inability to confirm will result in immediate rejection.)
• Will you be able to commute to the office in Rockville, MD twice per week?
• Are you able to come into the office for in-person interviews?
• What is the largest contract you have personally won or supported (dollars and duration - no BPA/IDIQ/GWACs)?
• What accounts would you consider to be your strongest?
• Do you currently hold a TS, Secret or equivalent level clearance? If so, please specify what level clearance you hold.
• If you do currently hold a clearance, when was the last time it was adjudicated or renewed?

Experience:

• Solution architecture: 10 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rockville, MD 20852

Salary : $165,000 - $210,000