Principal Solutions Architect – VA ESOM

Role Overview

Strategic Architecture & Modernization Authority:

• Modernization Strategy: Define cohesive, end-to-end architecture blueprints that transition legacy workloads to modern, future-ready cloud environments (AWS/Azure/Hybrid). Provide thought leadership to navigate and unify the VA’s often fragmented and entrenched operating environment.
• IT Operations Management (ITOM) Excellence: Lead the architectural approach for ITOM execution, ensuring seamless visibility and management of the VA’s diverse infrastructure and service components.
• IT Service Management (ITSM) Architecture: Design and govern enterprise-level ITSM frameworks, specifically utilizing ServiceNow, to streamline service delivery, incident management, and change control. You will ensure these processes drive operational efficiency and align with the VA’s specific operational standards.
• IT Asset Management (ITAM) Governance: Establish robust strategies for the lifecycle management of hardware and software assets. You will lead the integration of ITAM data with ITOM and security operations to ensure total asset visibility, license compliance, and cost optimization across the VA ecosystem.
• Analysis of Alternatives (AoA): Lead high-level trade-off analyses to select the optimal mix of COTS, SaaS, and custom software, ensuring decisions align with the client's specific constraints regarding data privacy and transaction volume.
• Data & Health Record Integration: Lead the development of a transparent data ecosystem that improves data discovery and usability. Specifically, design strategies for the secure integration and management of VA health records, ensuring interoperability and data integrity.
• Technical Governance: Establish and enforce enterprise architecture guardrails and Authority to Operate (ATO), ensuring all designs comply with NIST 800-53, Zero Trust, Section 508 (Accessibility), and VA-specific security mandates.
• Technical Leadership & Engineering Culture
• Client Solution Engagement: Directly engage with clients on solution development, serving as a lead or key stakeholder for solutioning meetings to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with mission objectives.
• Lead the Leaders: Coach and empower Senior Solution Architects and engineering leads. You are not just a mentor; you are the standard-bearer for engineering discipline and architectural quality.
• Cross-Functional Command: Direct cross-functional engineering teams through the full lifecycle—from capture and design to delivery, ensuring solutions meet the extreme performance and reliability standards required for national entitlement programs.
• Engineering Engagement: While operating at a high level, remain technical enough to assist in engineering solutions when needed, diving deep into code or configuration to resolve critical blockers.
• SDLC & Process Execution: Apply a working knowledge of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to oversee and refine development workflows. You will ensure that all phases, from requirements gathering to deployment, align with VA operational standards and best practices.

Business Development & Tactical Growth:

• Capture & Growth: Drive both current work and capture new tactical growth opportunities. Partner with Sales and Capture teams to lead technical volume development for major proposals.
• Solution Champion: Shape the "Win Strategy" by demonstrating a deep understanding of the customer's business needs and pain points (e.g., backlog reduction, system interoperability).

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Education: Master’s degree preferred (Bachelor’s required) in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: 12+ years of progressive IT experience, with at least 7+ years in senior or principal technical leadership roles (e.g., Chief Architect, Principal Systems Engineer). Federal Domain & VA Expertise:
• VA Operating Environment: Mandatory deep understanding of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) environment, specifically how they execute ITOM and manage infrastructure services.
• Health IT Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of VA health records related to data structure, security, and IT integration.
• Legacy Transformation: Proven track record of designing strategies to modernize fragmented and entrenched systems (e.g., re-platforming, API enablement). Technical Expertise:
• ServiceNow Integration: Highly desired expert knowledge in ServiceNow implementation and integration, specifically utilizing it to drive operational efficiency in government agencies.
• Hybrid Cloud Architecture: Deep mastery of designing highly available solutions across AWS (GovCloud) or Microsoft Azure, with specific experience in hybrid connectivity to on-premise data centers.
• Integration Patterns: Expert knowledge of modern integration standards (REST/SOAP APIs, Microservices) and their application in untangling monolithic legacy systems. Leadership & Strategic Thinking
• Communication: Elite presentation skills with the ability to articulate technical concepts to C-suite executives and government leadership.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to look 3-5 years into the future, converting vague business requirements into actionable, long-term technology roadmaps. Preferred Qualifications:
• Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, CISSP, or ServiceNow Certified Master Architect.
• Frameworks: Implementation experience with TOGAF or SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) in a federal context.
• Automation: Experience integrating [KC1] ServiceNow or similar ITSM/ITOM platforms to drive operational efficiency in government agencies. Clearance requirement:
• US Citizen or Green card holder
• Willing and able to get a Public Trust Suitability clearance
• Must meet updated ID requirements: Bring required documents | GSA
• If you do not currently meet the ID requirements outlined, you must be willing and able to update your current forms of ID in a timely manner to complete the suitability process successfully.

Tech Stack

• AWS
• Azure
• Cloud
• ITSM
• Microservices
• SDLC
• ServiceNow
• SOAP

Benefits

The Company We believe in generating success collaboratively, enabling long-term mission success, and building trust for the next challenge. With you as our partner, let’s solve challenges, think innovatively, and maximize impact. As a valued member of our team, you have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse range of technology and business career paths, all while supporting our nation and delivering innovative technology solutions. We are a close community of experts that pride ourselves on creating an environment defined by teamwork, dedication, and excellence. We hold three ISO certifications (27001:2013, 20000-1:2011, 9001:2015) and two CMMI ML 3 ratings (DEV and SVC). Industry Recognition Growth | Inc 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies, DC Metro List Fastest Growing; Washington Business Journal: Fastest Growing Companies, Top Performing Small Technology Companies in Greater D.C. Culture | Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 Honoree; Virginia Best Place to Work; Washington Business Journal: Best Places to Work, Corporate Diversity Index Winner – Mid-Size Companies, Companies Owned by People of Color; Department of Labor’s HireVets for our work helping veterans transition; SECAF Award of Excellence finalist; Victory Military Friendly Brand; Virginia Values Veterans (V3); Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Corporate Breath Award Benefits We offer competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401k including an employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more. We invest in our employees – Every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development. Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations. We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development. We work hard; we play hard. Kentro is committed to incorporating fun into every day. We dedicate funds for activities – virtual and in-person – e.g., we host happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations. In alignment with our commitment to our communities, we also host and attend charity galas/events. We believe in appreciating your commitment and building a positive workspace for you to be creative, innovative, and happy.