IT Solutions Architect

Raye IT Consulting, LLC is a 8a certified minority woman-owned IT consulting and technology firm. Raye IT brings over 20 years experience in delivering mission-critical programs and support for the Federal Government and large agencies. We specialize in program and project management, capital planning and IT investment portfolio management, infrastructure support and application development deployment to include IT operations and maintenance. We deliver value through technical and managerial expertise – innovation, efficient processes, executable strategies, and methodologies that generate tangible and measurable results to our clients across the Federal, Civilian and DoD sectors.

Raye IT is seeking an innovative IT Solutions Architect to develop and implement enterprise systems architecture that meets business and mission-critical operational needs. This senior technical role is responsible for designing, integrating, and guiding end-to-end technology solutions, to include artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, cybersecurity requirements, and long-term strategic goals. The IT Solutions Architect serves as technical advisor to client leadership, reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer, and collaborates across program offices, engineering teams, and stakeholders to drive operational readiness and mission success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of end-to-end technical architectures, including cloud, on-premises, shipboard, aircraft, uncrewed systems, and shore-based environments.
• Translate operational and business requirements into secure, scalable, and cost-effective IT solutions, integrating AI-based analytics, automation, and decision-support systems where appropriate.
• Provide As-Is/To-Be analysis, Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), and strategic consulting — communicating complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Identify AI use cases that enhance operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, mission planning, and real-time situational awareness.
• Oversee technology evaluations, proof-of-concept testing, and integration of emerging technologies including cloud services, edge computing, satellite communications, advanced networking, and AI models.
• Develop and maintain enterprise reference architectures, solution blueprints, and system integration standards that incorporate AI governance and ethical use.
• Serve as the technical escalation point for complex design issues, system interoperability challenges, and high-impact operational incidents.
• Provide expert technical guidance to the CIO, senior leadership, and project managers throughout planning, procurement, and deployment phases.
• Ensure all solutions incorporate redundancy, disaster recovery, cybersecurity best practices, and AI model monitoring.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams across multiple projects and geographic locations, managing day-to-day contract support operations as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in enterprise IT architecture, systems integration, and network infrastructure design.
• Deep technical knowledge across cloud and on-premises platforms, including Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, VMware, Hyper-V, Linux, Docker, and/or other container platforms.
• Strong understanding of AI concepts, model deployment, data governance, and integration into mission-critical systems, including AI regulatory and ethical considerations.
• Proficiency in federal IT security frameworks including FISMA, NIST, and Zero Trust practices.
• Experience partnering with senior-level stakeholders and providing technical thought leadership.
• Advanced knowledge of Agile methodologies (Scrum, Lean, XP) and cross-functional team environments.
• Experience establishing frameworks for systems modernization using integrated DevSecOps toolchains and test-driven development practices.
• In-depth understanding of coding languages (Java, JavaScript).
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt and lead effectively within a growing organization undergoing significant change.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with shipboard IT systems, aircraft mission systems, and secure remote operations.
• Familiarity with the client's mission and the unique challenges of supporting globally deployed assets.
• Proven track record implementing hybrid cloud, AI-driven solutions, high-availability networks, and secure data-sharing environments.
• Experience with DevOps disciplines and Change Management.
• Previous project management experience.

Security Clearance Requirement: Public Trust 

Place of Performance: Washington, DC area (hybrid)

Schedule: Monday - Friday (Hybrid)

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off

Raye IT Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.