Government contracts demand complex and secure IT infrastructures to support mission-critical operations. Systems Architects play a crucial role in designing and implementing scalable, efficient, and secure IT solutions that align with government requirements and regulations.

What does a Systems Architect do on Government Contracts?

A Systems Architect on government contracts is responsible for designing and overseeing IT systems that meet operational, security, and regulatory requirements. Their key responsibilities include:

System Design & Integration: Creating high-level architecture for IT systems, ensuring scalability and security.
Security & Compliance: Ensuring that IT solutions align with government cybersecurity regulations such as NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, and FISMA.
Technology Roadmap Development: Identifying emerging technologies to improve system performance and efficiency.
Collaboration with Stakeholders: Working with government agencies, project managers, and technical teams to define system requirements.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Analyzing potential risks and implementing strategies to ensure system resilience.

Systems Architect Job Description

A Systems Architect on a government contract is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining IT architectures that meet government requirements. Their primary duties include:

Designing and developing secure and scalable IT systems for government projects.
Ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity and data protection policies.
Overseeing system integration and modernization efforts.
Assessing system performance and implementing optimizations.
Collaborating with engineers, administrators, and government stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.

Job Requirements for a Systems Architect

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, DoDAF).
Strong understanding of cloud computing, networking, and cybersecurity.
Experience with government IT security compliance frameworks (NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP).
Proficiency in system modeling tools and architecture design principles.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Educational Background and Experience:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
7-10 years of experience in IT architecture, preferably in a government or defense environment.
Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, TOGAF, or CISSP are highly desirable.

Workspace/Physical Requirements:

Primarily office-based with some travel to client sites.
May require a security clearance (Secret, Top Secret, or higher) based on project requirements.

What does a typical job posting look like for a Systems Architect?

Job Posting Example:

“We are seeking an experienced Systems Architect to design and oversee IT infrastructure for government contracts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.”

Essential Job Functions:

Design and implement secure, scalable IT architectures for government agencies.
Ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity standards and best practices.
Oversee system integration efforts and ensure seamless technology adoption.
Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams.

Salary Range

The salary for a Systems Architect working on government contracts typically ranges from $110,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and security clearance level.