Chief Systems Engineer/Architect Lead with Security Clearance

Chief Systems Engineer/Architect Lead North Chicago, IL Full Time Experienced Clearance: Active Secret
Required Certification: Cloud security certification or cloud-related technology certification Nationwide IT Services, NIS, is seeking a Chief Systems Engineer/Architect Lead to serve as the senior technical advisor to United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) leadership for systems engineering and technical innovation under the Enterprise Network for Lifecycle, Information Support, and Technology (ENLIST).

The position designs solutions to complex application, systems administration, and network problems and performs systems management and integration functions. The role supports the Applicant Processing System and associated enterprise infrastructure across operational, integration, testing, and development environments. Responsibilities include enterprise architecture, cloud and data center modernization, technical analysis, secure integration, resilient design, and executive-level technical communication. Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical advice and executive-level briefings on architecture, engineering alternatives, technology risks, modernization priorities, and technical innovation.
• Develop enterprise solutions spanning applications, cloud services, data centers, networks, storage, and security while maintaining integration and interoperability with existing systems.
• Prepare modernization roadmaps, gap analyses, milestones, schedules, and measurable outcomes; support quarterly modernization strategy updates to the Government.
• Guide network and data center modernization, including software-defined networking, Application Centric Infrastructure, virtual routing/switching, Zero Trust networking, and software-defined data center capabilities.
• Design hybrid-cloud, high-availability, backup, Continuity of Operations (COOP), and disaster-recovery solutions that support scalability, workload mobility, and service continuity.
• Perform structured requirements analysis and trade studies; evaluate commercial and Government solutions and develop concepts of operations, technical designs, rough-order-of-magnitude estimates, and total-cost-of-ownership inputs.
• Support secure software and infrastructure integration, Agile/DevSecOps delivery, development and test environments, configuration baselines, and verification of enterprise solutions.
• Integrate Risk Management Framework (RMF) controls, DISA Security Technical Implementation Guidelines (STIGs), and vulnerability-remediation considerations into technical designs and implementation activities.
• Support architectural integration of data platforms, enterprise interfaces, analytics, and AI-ready data capabilities in coordination with software, data, and cybersecurity teams.
• Maintain technical and interface documentation; provide knowledge transfer and technical training and participate in project kick-off and quarterly Program Management Reviews.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least five years of experience within the past eight years providing enterprise-level IT architecture and engineering services similar in scope to ENLIST across network domains.
• Possess one cloud security certification (for example, from CompTIA or Cloud Security Alliance) or one cloud-related technology certification (for example, Microsoft, VMware, IBM, AWS, or Google).
• At least one year of experience within the past five years providing executive-level technical briefings and presentations to senior personnel.
• Possess a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more cloud-related technology certifications, such as Microsoft, VMware, IBM, AWS, or Google certifications.
• One or more Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certifications.
• A DoDI 8570.01 Information Assurance System Architect and Engineer (IASAE) Level III certification.
• Meet the Department of Defense Manual (DoDM) 8140 Foundational Qualifications - Advanced Standard.

Contract / Work Environment

• Proposed ENLIST Key Personnel position supporting USMEPCOM, contingent upon award.
• Work at USMEPCOM Headquarters in North Chicago, Illinois. Attend occasional Headquarters planning/team-building activities and travel to CONUS/OCONUS locations as required.
• Work schedule must support Government technical coordination, engineering and modernization activities, testing, and required reviews.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship; meet IT-II/Tier 3 or Tier 3 Reinvestigation requirements; obtain a Common Access Card (CAC); and submit investigation and baseline/computing-environment certification documentation for onboarding.

About Nationwide IT Services NIS is a CVE-verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and an IT and management consulting company. Our mission is to deliver value-added services to our customers, leveraging technology, people, and industry best practices to implement innovative solutions through our trusted employees and team members.    Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer match, paid holidays, PTO (sick/vacation), commuter benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), and educational reimbursement, along with Pet Insurance.  Salary range $185,000 to $225,000 annually The salary range is a general guideline. We consider several factors when determining base salary offers, including the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's experience, education, and skills, and current market conditions.