Optomi, in partnership with our telecommunications client, are seeking a Principal Solutions Architect to join their team on a contract to hire basis.
This role is onsite 5 days a week and requires a public trust clearance or the ability to obtain one if you don't have one currently.
Principal Network Architect – Federal & Commercial SolutionsWe’re looking for an experienced and dynamic Principal Network Architect to lead high-impact projects across both federal and commercial sectors. In this strategic role, you'll serve as a senior technical authority and trusted advisor to key clients, driving innovative networking solutions while aligning technical delivery with business objectives.
What You’ll Do:
- Serve as the lead architect on mission-critical federal projects (based in Oakton, VA), representing our organization with professionalism and technical depth.
- Design and implement robust networking solutions across both federal and commercial environments.
- Collaborate with project managers, SMEs, and client stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery—from scope through execution.
- Routing & Switching
- SD-WAN
- Network Automation
- Juniper and Cisco-based architectures
- Legacy technologies (e.g., T1 emulation/RAD), as needed
- Lead architecture design, documentation, and governance across multiple projects.
- Translate complex technical requirements into clear, business-aligned strategies for internal and external leadership.
- Manage SME assignments and rotate resources based on evolving project needs.
- Maintain a balanced role: approximately 60% hands-on technical, 40% client-facing.
- Deliver strategic insights and solution summaries in executive-ready formats.
- Ensure compliance with federal standards and client-specific regulations.
- The ability to obtain a Public Trust Security Clearance.
- Proven success in federal government and commercial IT environments.
- Routing, Switching, and SD-WAN technologies
- Network design, cloud integration, and cybersecurity best practices
- Network performance tools and monitoring
- Experience interfacing with executive stakeholders and technical teams.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Leadership mindset with a collaborative, solution-driven approach.
- Hands-on experience with Juniper technologies
- Familiarity with federal compliance frameworks and legacy systems
- Prior experience managing rotating SME teams across multiple projects
- CCNP/CCIE or equivalent technical certifications
- Scripting skills (e.g., Python, Ansible) for automation and network audits
