Principal Architect (Cloud & AI)

TL;DR

Principal Architect (Cloud & AI): Leading reference architecture, technical standards, and governance for a large-scale federal data and analytics modernization program with an accent on cloud data platforms, AI/ML enablement, and interoperability patterns. Focus on designing secure, scalable AI-enabled capabilities, overseeing data supply chains, and ensuring compliance with federal security standards.

Location: Remote (Must pass U.S. Federal Government public trust clearance and operate within Eastern Time Zone)

Salary: $101,100 - $150,000

Company

A modern digital services company partnering with US government agencies to create intuitive products that improve the lives of Americans.

What you will do

• Own reference architecture, cross-team technical standards, and architecture governance for federal data and analytics programs.
• Lead technical direction across cloud and DevSecOps engineering, AI/ML platform enablement, and API services.
• Coordinate with customer stakeholders, security, and partner teams on architecture reviews and major technical decisions.
• Develop and maintain architectural artifacts, including decision records, diagrams, and interface documentation.
• Evaluate new services against security, privacy, accessibility, and AI governance criteria.
• Promote reusable, open-source-aware, and portable solutions to minimize proprietary dependencies.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in software engineering implementing iterative/continuous engineering principles.
• Must pass U.S. Federal Government public trust clearance (U.S. citizenship or specific residency/visa requirements).
• Must operate within the Eastern time zone (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET).
• Demonstrated ability to lead architecture for complex cloud, data, analytics, and AI/ML ecosystems.
• Knowledge of federal system delivery expectations including FISMA, NIST-based controls, and FedRAMP.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or a related technical discipline.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience building and optimizing data pipelines within the Databricks platform.
• Experience supporting federal, public sector, or healthcare regulated data programs.
• Certifications in AWS, Databricks, TOGAF, SAFe, or CISSP.
• Expertise in responsible AI governance, RAG patterns, and AI observability.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement benefits.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Supportive remote work environment.