Systems Architect / Local Remote to Boston, MA Area

An engineering and technical consulting organization is hiring a Systems Architect to join their team on a contract basis. They are going through a large enterprise transformation. Over the last few years, they have acquired 12 companies and are in the process of getting everyone on the same technology platform. As a result, this has created a lot of high impact architecture and infrastructure work.
As an IT Systems Architect you will be the technical expert driving the organization's enterprise-wide technology architecture. Your role aligns IT systems with business strategies by designing, optimizing, and securing scalable solutions that support current and future objectives. You will administer core IT infrastructure encompassing servers, Active Directory, MS 365, cloud services, security, networking, and more, while developing comprehensive architecture strategies and guidelines. Collaborating closely with IT teams, business units, and vendors, you'll translate business needs into robust technology solutions, evaluate innovative advancements, and ensure compliance with security and regulatory requirements. Your leadership skills will guide architectural reviews, mentor IT staff, and maintain high user satisfaction through professional support and effective risk management.
This is a hybrid role, 3 days in the office and they are open to hiring in Wakefield, MA as well as DC, Sacramento, Toronto, Dallas, Vancouver, Denver or Honolulu.
Contract Duration: 12 months, with potential for conversion.
Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in IT architecture, systems integration, or related roles.
• Proven experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman, Gartner EA).
• Strong understanding of cloud computing, data management, cybersecurity, and application development.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and manage changing priorities
• Project management experience and familiarity with Agile, DevOps, or other modern IT delivery methodologies.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CISSP) are highly desirable.
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours and travel when required
• Strong understanding of Active Directory and Group Policy
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Azure
• Support VMware environment
• Understanding of IT Security Controls (NIST 800-171, CMMC, SOC-2 or equivalent)
• Understanding of Veeam and/or Rubrik Backup Software
• Understanding of Fortinet Firewalls
• ITIL Foundation certification a plus
• Security+, Network+, MCSE, CCNA R/S or CCNA Security certifications a plus

What You Will Be Doing
Tech Breakdown

• 100% Servers, Active Directory, group policy, MS 365, security, cloud services, firewalls, VPN, routing, switching, network segmentation, wireless, backups, IPSec and content filtering. 10% Networking, security, virtualization, and storage concepts in cloud environments.
• Develop and maintain the organization's enterprise architecture strategy, standards, and guidelines.

Daily Responsibilities

• 80% Hands On - Provide administration for all aspects of IT Infrastructure operations
• 20% Work collaboratively with business units, IT teams, and external vendors to ensure technology solutions meet business needs.