Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Systems Architect SME to support a company focused on delivering large-scale federal modernization and transformation initiatives. This position is on-site at Huntsville, AL. The Systems Architect SME will provide enterprise-level technical leadership, architecture strategy, and modernization guidance across mission-critical systems, ensuring scalable, secure, and cloud-aligned solutions. Join a high-impact program driving the modernization of critical federal systems through innovative architecture, cloud transformation, and engineering excellence. Responsibilities for the Systems Architect SME include: • Lead enterprise architecture strategy, technical roadmaps, modernization frameworks, and system-wide design standards • Architect end-to-end solutions across application, cloud, data, integration, and security domains • Establish architectural governance, conduct design reviews, and provide technical oversight to engineering teams • Partner with DevSecOps, cloud, software engineering, QA, product, and platform teams to support delivery and integration efforts • Develop architecture documentation, technical specifications, decision records, and leadership-level briefings while ensuring compliance, security, and performance objectives Required Qualifications for the Systems Architect SME include: • 12+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, software engineering, systems engineering, or large-scale solution design • Extensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS preferred), microservices, distributed systems, API architecture, DevSecOps, and CI/CD environments • Strong leadership, technical governance, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field • Active Top Secret Security Clearance Compensation for the Systems Architect SME include: • Salary Range: $190,000 - $205,000 annually depending on experience • Full Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Tuition Reimbursement, Sick Leave as required by law #LI-ER1 #LI-ONSITE Keywords: Systems Architect SME, Principal Systems Architect, Enterprise Architect, Solutions Architect, Cloud Architect, AWS, Federal Modernization, Technical Leadership, Enterprise Architecture, System Design, Cloud Migration, Microservices, Distributed Systems, API Design, DevSecOps, CI/CD, Kubernetes, Docker, Containerization, Serverless Architecture, Legacy Modernization, Technical Governance, Systems Engineering, Security Architecture, Cloud-Native Applications, Platform Engineering, Federal Government, Top Secret Clearance, Huntsville AL, Software Architecture, Data Architecture, Integration Architecture, Agile Development, Program Transformation, Cloud Engineering, Mission-Critical Systems, Technical Strategy, Modernization Roadmap, Architecture Standards, Federal Contractor Jobs