Lead Domain Architect

More About the Role:
The Lead Domain Architect will serve as the technical visionary for the Navy’s Next Generation Enterprise Network Re-compete (NGEN-R) Service Management, Integration, and Transport (SMIT) program – the Navy’s largest IT services initiative . In this senior role, you will work with Navy technology leaders to define and drive a cohesive technology strategy and five-year roadmap aligned with the Navy’s network transformation and modernization objectives.

The Lead Domain Architect works closely with Navy technical experts and senior leadership to synthesize an enterprise architecture vision that unifies shore-based and deployed IT infrastructures, improving capability and service delivery while reducing costs through a single enterprise network . This position requires a broad and deep technical background across networks, data centers, end-user services, cloud, and artificial intelligence, as well as exceptional leadership in a SAFe Agile environment to translate strategic goals into actionable plans.

What You'll Get to Do:
•Strategic Technical Leadership: Develop and maintain the program’s technology vision and multi-year roadmap (5-year outlook) to modernize and converge Naval enterprise networks . Ensure the architecture leverages emerging technologies (cloud, virtualization, AI/ML, 5G, etc.) to enhance mission capabilities and align with Navy IT modernization plans .
•Enterprise Architecture & Roadmap Execution: Break down the strategic roadmap into portfolio epics, annual objectives, and quarterly Program Increment plans in a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) environment. Oversee the Agile planning increments (PIs), ensuring that features and solutions are prioritized and delivered through iterative development cycles in coordination with Product Management and Engineering teams .
•Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with Navy Product Owners, Product Managers, and technical stakeholders to capture requirements and translate them into viable architecture solutions . Facilitate architecture review boards and technical exchange meetings with Navy leadership to ensure the proposed solutions meet operational needs and adhere to Department of Navy policies and standards.
•Lead Architecture Team: Provide direction and mentorship to a team of Domain Architects (network, communications, cloud/data center, cybersecurity, end-user services, etc.), ensuring their domain-specific architectures and designs integrate into a cohesive enterprise architecture . Foster collaboration across multiple IT disciplines to achieve the customer’s mission and encourage innovative solutions to complex technical challenges .
•Architecture Artifacts & Standards: Oversee the development of comprehensive architecture artifacts and technical documentation (e.g. reference architectures, design patterns, interface specifications, network diagrams) in accordance with DoD and Navy enterprise architecture frameworks and directives . Establish and enforce technical standards and configuration management for the IT environment, ensuring consistency across all services (networks, compute, storage, end-user devices, etc.).
•Technical Oversight & Tier-4 Support: Act as the top-tier (Tier IV) technical escalation point for complex issues that cannot be resolved by operations and engineering teams. Provide expert guidance to troubleshoot systemic problems and drive root-cause resolution for critical incidents across the NMCI/SMIT enterprise. Proactively identify architectural improvements to reduce recurring issues and improve operational reliability.
•Innovation & Modernization Initiatives: Identify and evaluate new technologies and solutions that can benefit the Navy’s IT enterprise. Work with industry partners, R&D labs, and internal innovation teams to pilot advanced capabilities (AI/ML, automation, software-defined networking, Zero Trust security) that could be incorporated into the roadmap . Champion the introduction of best-in-class tools and practices to continuously improve performance, agility, and cybersecurity of Navy networks.
•Contract Alignment & Growth: Ensure all architecture decisions and IT investments align with the SMIT contract requirements and goals (e.g. network consolidation, cybersecurity enhancement, cost efficiency) . Partner with the Program Management Office (PMO) and engineering leads to shape technical proposals and on-contract growth opportunities, using your architectural expertise to drive value-added enhancements for the customer. Support the preparation of white papers and briefings that communicate the technical vision and progress to Navy executives.

You'll Bring These Qualifications:
•Extensive Enterprise IT Experience: Requires Bachelor's with 15–20 years of prior relevant experience or Doctorate with 13-16 years of prior relevant experience. Demonstrated 12+ years of experience in IT architecture, systems engineering, or related technical leadership roles in large-scale enterprise environments. A broad background across network infrastructure, data center/cloud services, end-user computing, and cybersecurity is essential, with the ability to integrate these domains into a unified architecture. This experience shall include designing, developing, building, and implementing information security within networks using DoD information security standards, network infrastructure life cycle management.
•Security Clearance: This role will require an active Secret Security Clearance; must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret SCI clearance.
•Required Certification: DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level II certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE) is required prior to start and must be maintained. This ensures compliance with DoD cybersecurity workforce requirements for privileged access to Navy networks.
•Agile/SAFe Leadership: Hands-on experience operating in a Scaled Agile (SAFe) environment, with ability to decompose strategic initiatives into Epics, Features, and Stories. Experience participating in or leading Program Increment planning, backlog grooming, and Agile ceremonies is required. Strong understanding of how to deliver architecture incrementally and adapt to evolving requirements over short (quarterly) and long-term (multi-year) horizons.
•Strategic Roadmapping & Execution: Proven ability to develop technology roadmaps and long-term plans, then translate them into actionable engineering tasks and deliverables. Skill in conducting trade studies and analysis of alternatives to guide technology decisions, balancing innovation with practical implementation timelines. Experience crafting 5-year transformation plans or similar strategic IT plans is highly valued.
•Team Leadership & Collaboration: Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing or guiding multi-disciplinary technical teams. Ability to mentor senior architects/engineers and coordinate their efforts towards common goals. Strong collaboration and communication skills are a must – capable of leading discussions with diverse stakeholders and conveying complex technical concepts to non-technical leadership clearly and effectively.
•Domain Expertise: Deep knowledge in at least two of the following areas: enterprise networks (LAN/WAN, SDN, wireless, 5G) , cloud computing (hybrid/private cloud, virtualization, containerization), enterprise end-user services (desktop/mobile infrastructure, collaboration tools), data center operations, and cybersecurity (zero trust architectures, threat protection). Must understand how emerging technologies (e.g. AI/ML, edge computing, automation) can be applied to improve IT service delivery and cybersecurity postures in a DoD context.
•DoD/Navy Environment Familiarity: Strong understanding of DoD IT policies, standards, and environments, especially those impacting Navy networks and information systems. Familiarity with Department of Navy network architectures (such as NMCI, ONE-Net, MCEN) and applicable directives or best practices for deployed (afloat/expeditionary) IT infrastructure is required. Knowledge of DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) principles and IT governance processes in government settings is a plus.
•Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a track record of effectively interfacing with senior military or government customers. Ability to produce high-quality technical presentations, white papers, and decision briefs. Comfortable briefing flag-level leadership and articulating a clear technology vision and status updates to both technical and non-technical audiences .
•Problem Solving & Innovation: Creative thinker with superior problem-solving abilities. Demonstrated success in solving complex, mission-critical problems with innovative solutions. Willingness to challenge the status quo thoughtfully and drive continuous improvement in architecture and operations.

These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have:
•Navy/DoD Program Experience: Previous experience supporting the Navy–Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI/NGEN) or other Department of the Navy IT programs is highly desirable . Familiarity with the SMIT contract environment and its service areas (service desk, network operations, cybersecurity, etc.) will enable quicker impact. Experience with other large federal IT modernization contracts or defense enterprise services is a plus.
•Advanced Certifications: Relevant industry certifications that demonstrate mastery in key areas are strongly preferred. Examples include: DoD IAT Level III (e.g., CISSP or CASP+), Enterprise Architecture certifications (TOGAF 9 Certified, FEAF, or DoDAF training), Cloud certifications (AWS or Azure Solutions Architect), and IT Service Management (ITIL v4 Foundation or higher). SAFe/Agile certifications (e.g., Certified SAFe Agilist or SAFe Architect) are also beneficial for this role.
•Technical Breadth: Additional expert-level vendor or technology certifications that underscore broad technical expertise, such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE (networking), Microsoft Azure/AWS Professional (cloud), or VMware Certified Professional (virtualization), are a plus. Exposure to AI/ML frameworks or certifications in data science/machine learning would be advantageous given the program’s interest in intelligent automation.
•Higher Education: A Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Computer Science, Information Systems, Systems Engineering) or equivalent advanced coursework is a plus, especially if focused on enterprise architecture or technology management.
•Knowledge of Naval Mission Environments: Familiarity with Navy tactical and afloat systems or other military C4ISR systems is beneficial. Understanding how shore-based enterprise services integrate with deployed platforms (ships, submarines, expeditionary units) can help in architecting solutions that meet the unique needs of both base and deployed environments. Experience with Navy initiatives such as CANES (afloat network) or Joint/Coalition IT environments would be an extra advantage.

This Lead Domain Architect role is pivotal to the success of the Navy’s SMIT program, ensuring that all IT services – from network connectivity to cloud capabilities – are designed and evolved according to a unified vision. The ideal candidate will combine technical excellence with strategic foresight and collaborative leadership, driving innovations that keep the Navy’s enterprise network at the cutting edge of performance, security, and reliability. You will be at the forefront of modernizing Naval IT for years to come, helping deliver a simplified, modern, and mission-ready IT infrastructure for the Navy and Marine Corps team .

NGEN

Original Posting:

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.