ICF

Senior Systems Architect (Top Secret cleared)

Remote, United States remote Entry $130,687 - $222,169
remote Technology & IT Salary listed Curated
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About the role

Role Overview
We are seeking a Senior Systems Architect to provide enterprise/system architecture oversight for a mission-critical government environment. This role is responsible for end-to-end technical architecture, ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, high-performing, and integration-ready across cloud and hybrid platforms. The Senior Systems Architect partners with engineering, DevSecOps, cybersecurity, and stakeholders to define target-state architecture, guide implementation, and ensure delivery aligns to program requirements and architecture standards.
Key Responsibilities

Lead system and solution architecture efforts across one or more product lines or mission systems.

Establish and maintain architecture standards, reference architectures, patterns, and guardrails.

Provide technical governance through architecture reviews, design approvals, and technical decision records.

Architect and guide integrations across internal and external systems (APIs, event streaming, data exchange).

Ensure interoperability, data flows, and interface control documentation (ICDs) align with program needs.

Define integration patterns for legacy modernization and cloud adoption.

Define cloud landing zone/target architectures in AWS, including network, identity, security, compute, and data services.

Support cloud migration/modernization strategies and trade-off analyses (cost, performance, risk).

Ensure architecture aligns with security requirements and compliance frameworks as applicable to the program.

Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to address threats, vulnerabilities, and risk mitigations in designs.

Required Qualifications

10+ years of experience in systems architecture, solution architecture, or enterprise architecture roles

Active Top Secret / SCI clearance.

US Citizenship required by federal government.

Active CompTIA Security+ certification

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Prior experience supporting national security programs

Demonstrated experience designing and overseeing high-scale, high-availability systems

Strong hands-on knowledge of AWS services and cloud architecture patterns

Experience enabling or integrating with CI/CD tools and DevSecOps practices

Experience with infrastructure as code and automation (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation)

Expertise using architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, DoDAF, Zachman, or equivalent) and producing architecture artifacts (logical/physical views, roadmaps, standards)

Professional Skills

Strategic architectural thinking combined with hands-on technical depth

Ability to balance mission requirements, security, and performance

Leadership presence and comfort owning technical decisions

Strong communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences

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Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please email  and we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations. 

Read more about workplace discrimination rightsor our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process. 

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at . Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed. 

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$130,687.00 - $222,169.00DC Remote Office (DC99)Originally posted on Himalayas

Interview prep

Walk in with sharper answers.

Use this as a quick practice sheet before you speak with the employer.

Role
Technology & IT API integration Remote Collaboration Writing Senior Systems remote

Likely questions

  1. Tell us about work you have done that is close to the Senior Systems Architect (Top Secret cleared) role.
  2. How would you approach your first 30 days at ICF?
  3. Which of API integration, Remote Collaboration and Writing have you used recently, and what did it help you achieve?
  4. Describe a time you solved a problem without waiting to be told exactly what to do.
  5. How do you stay organised and communicate clearly when working remotely?

Prepare before the call

  • A recent example that proves your experience with API integration, Remote Collaboration and Writing.
  • One short story with a problem, your action, and the result.
  • Two examples that show the strengths listed on your CV.
  • A clear reason why this role and company interest you.
  • Your availability, preferred work style, and salary expectations.

Ask them

  • What would success look like in the first 90 days?
  • What are the main problems this hire should help solve?
  • How does the team give feedback and measure good work?
  • What does a normal working week look like for this role?
Practice line

I am interested in the Senior Systems Architect (Top Secret cleared) role because I can bring practical experience in API integration, Remote Collaboration and Writing, learn the team quickly, and contribute to the outcomes ICF needs from this hire.

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