SME Data Center Architect

GovCIO is currently hiring a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Data Center Architect to support a critical mission through the evaluation supporting Department of War data center infrastructure for the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) Task Force Raptor, the White House-directed effort to modernize, secure, and harden the C6ISR enterprise supporting the President. This position will be located in the National Capital Region and will be onsite within the United States.
Responsibilities
The SME requires an expert-level professional who will assess applicable DoW data centers to determine their suitability for upgrade, modernization, or replacement. The SME will provide authoritative guidance on facility infrastructure, systems architecture, and compliance with DoW/industry standards to ensure mission-critical no fail communications capabilities meet current and future operational requirements.

• Conduct comprehensive data center assessments to evaluate existing DoW facilities for upgrade feasibility versus replacement requirements.

• Perform detailed infrastructure analysis of power systems, physical space utilization, and cooling/HVAC capacity to determine operational sustainability and scalability.

• Evaluate network architecture and underlying systems including cabling infrastructure, redundancy configurations, TEMPEST/EMSEC, and connectivity frameworks.

• Apply industry standards and best practices from governing bodies such as the Uptime Institute (Tier classifications), TIA-942, and DoW-specific requirements.

• Develop assessment reports and recommendations with technical justifications for upgrade paths or facility replacement strategies.

• Collaborate with stakeholders including facility managers, network engineers, and program leadership to align technical findings with mission requirements.

• Identify risks, gaps, and deficiencies in current data center operations and propose mitigation strategies.

• Provide expert consultation on data center modernization roadmaps and implementation planning.

Qualifications
Bachelor's with 10+ years (or commensurate experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or related technical field with minimum 10+ yrs experience.
• Clearance Level: Active TS/SCI with Yankee White eligibility.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in data center design, operations, or infrastructure evaluation.
• Expert knowledge of data center power distribution, UPS systems, generator backup, and electrical infrastructure.
• Comprehensive understanding of Uptime Institute Tier Standards (I-IV) and data center certification processes.
• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills to all levels of senior leadership.
• Strong analytical and documentation skills with ability to produce detailed technical assessment reports.
• Experience with DoW IT infrastructure requirements, security protocols, and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in network architecture evaluation including structured cabling, fiber optics, and connectivity standards.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 15+ years of experience in data center design, operations, or infrastructure evaluation.

• Professional certifications such as:
  • Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD) or Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS).
  • CDCP (Certified Data Centre Professional) or CDCS (Certified Data Centre Specialist).
  • PE (Professional Engineer) license.
  • Experience with WHCA or White House support operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in HVAC systems, cooling technologies (air-cooled, liquid-cooled, containment strategies), and thermal management.

• Knowledge of TIA-942 Data Center Standards and BICSI data center design principles.

• Familiarity with federal data center optimization initiatives (DCOI) and cloud migration strategies.

• Experience with critical infrastructure risk assessment and business continuity planning.

• Background in DoW communications systems and classified network environments.

• Master's degree in relevant technical discipline.
• Previous program management or technical leadership experience on large-scale infrastructure projects.

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Posted Salary Range
USD $198,000.00 - USD $215,000.00 /Yr.