1

Chief Architect Software Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Chief Architect

Fort George G Meade, MD ยท On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Serve as the technical authority for software architecture, engineering, infrastructure, and ... Demonstrated experience serving as a Chief Architect, Chief Engineer, Lead Architect, Solution ...

Chief Architect

Fort George G Meade, MD ยท Hybrid

$180K - $200K/yr

Serve as the technical authority for software architecture, engineering, infrastructure, and ... Demonstrated experience serving as a Chief Architect, Chief Engineer, Lead Architect, Solution ...

Learn more at www.clearedgeit.com/careers/ Your Mission Join ClearEdge as a Chief Architect , where ... Experienced leading architecture for complex, multi-team software efforts * Fluent in AI-native ...

Chief Architect

Jessup, MD ยท On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Learn more at www.clearedgeit.com/careers/ Your Mission Join ClearEdge as a Chief Architect, where ... Experienced leading architecture for complex, multi-team software efforts * Fluent in AI-native ...

Learn more at www.clearedgeit.com/careers/ Your Mission Join ClearEdge as a Chief Architect , where ... Experienced leading architecture for complex, multi-team software efforts * Fluent in AI-native ...

Chief Architect

Jessup, MD ยท On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Your Mission Join ClearEdge as a Chief Architect , where you will set the technical direction and ... Experienced leading architecture for complex, multi-team software efforts * Fluent in AI-native ...

Chief Systems Architect

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We're seeking an accomplished Chief Systems Architect to define and execute the technical vision ... cybersecurity, software, infrastructure, and systems integration while ensuring technical ...

Chief Systems Architect

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We're seeking an accomplished Chief Systems Architect to define and execute the technical vision ... cybersecurity, software, infrastructure, and systems integration while ensuring technical ...

Chief Systems Architect

Springfield, VA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We're seeking an accomplished Chief Systems Architect to define and execute the technical vision ... cybersecurity, software, infrastructure, and systems integration while ensuring technical ...

Chief Systems Architect

Merrifield, VA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We're seeking an accomplished Chief Systems Architect to define and execute the technical vision ... cybersecurity, software, infrastructure, and systems integration while ensuring technical ...

Chief Systems Architect

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We're seeking an accomplished Chief Systems Architect to define and execute the technical vision ... cybersecurity, software, infrastructure, and systems integration while ensuring technical ...

We're seeking an accomplished Chief Systems Architect to define and execute the technical vision ... cybersecurity, software, infrastructure, and systems integration while ensuring technical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Chief Architect Software information

See Washington salary details

$134.8K

$141.6K

$146.7K

How much do chief architect software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief architect software in Washington is $141,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,700.00 and $144,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief architect software?

To thrive as a Chief Architect Software, you need deep expertise in system architecture, software engineering principles, and enterprise-level solution design, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with modern development frameworks, cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), architectural modeling tools, and certifications like TOGAF or AWS Certified Solutions Architect is highly valued. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration skills distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are essential for aligning technology strategy with business goals, driving innovation, and ensuring successful delivery of complex software systems.

What are the typical challenges faced by a chief architect software in a large organization?

Chief Architect Software professionals in large organizations often face the challenge of balancing short-term project demands with long-term architectural vision and scalability. They must navigate complex legacy systems, ensure interoperability across multiple platforms, and manage stakeholder expectations from both technical and business perspectives. Strong collaboration is required as they frequently work with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and executive leadership. Additionally, keeping up-to-date with evolving technologies and industry standards is crucial for making informed design decisions that future-proof the company's software landscape.

What is a chief architect software?

A Chief Architect Software is a senior technical leader responsible for defining and overseeing the overall software architecture within an organization. They ensure that systems are scalable, secure, and aligned with business goals while guiding engineering teams in best practices and technology choices. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders, setting technical standards, and making high-level design decisions to drive innovation and efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Architect Software jobs in Washington? For Chief Architect Software jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Architect Software jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Architect Software jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Chief Architect Software jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Chief Architect Software job openings:
Infographic showing various Chief Architect Software job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,574 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Chief Architect

Expression

Fort George G Meade, MD โ€ข On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Expression is looking for an experienced Lead Architect to provide technical leadership supporting the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Joint Planning & Execution Services (JPES) and Joint Capabilities Requirements Manager (JCRM) Sustainment Program.

The Lead Architect serves as the senior technical authority responsible for the overall software architecture, engineering strategy, and technical execution of a large-scale enterprise mission system supporting the Department of War's Global Force Management mission. This individual will guide architectural decisions across software engineering, DevSecOps, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, system integration, and sustainment while leading Agile development teams delivering secure, scalable, and mission-critical capabilities.

Clearance: Secret Clearance required

Location: DISA Headquarters, 6910 Cooper Ave, Fort Meade, MD

Job Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the technical authority for software architecture, engineering, infrastructure, and enterprise technology decisions supporting JPES and JCRM.
  • Define and maintain the overall enterprise architecture, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, reliable, and aligned with DoD and DISA standards.
  • Lead the design, development, modernization, integration, deployment, and sustainment of enterprise applications using Agile and DevSecOps practices.
  • Provide technical leadership across software engineering, cloud infrastructure, DevSecOps, cybersecurity, system administration, database administration, testing, and configuration management teams.
  • Collaborate with the Government Product Owner and program leadership to translate operational requirements into technical solutions, architectural roadmaps, and implementation strategies.
  • Design and oversee secure cloud-native and hybrid architectures supporting Microsoft Azure IL6, on-premises infrastructure, and classified and unclassified environments.
  • Oversee architecture reviews, software releases, system integration, production deployments, release readiness, and post-deployment sustainment.
  • Ensure adherence to secure software engineering practices, configuration management, CI/CD, RMF, STIG, and Authority to Operate (ATO) requirements.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend modernization initiatives that improve system performance, security, scalability, and maintainability.
  • Represent the program during technical exchange meetings, architecture reviews, customer demonstrations, and executive briefings.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline. Four additional years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience leading enterprise software architecture and engineering efforts supporting Federal Government or DoD programs.
  • Demonstrated experience serving as a Chief Architect, Chief Engineer, Lead Architect, Solution Architect, or Technical Lead for large-scale software development and sustainment programs.
  • Experience leading enterprise application architecture within Agile software development environments.
  • Experience designing cloud and hybrid architectures, DevSecOps pipelines, enterprise application modernization, and systems integration.
  • Strong knowledge of software architecture, API design, enterprise application frameworks, databases, CI/CD, release management, and configuration management.
  • Experience implementing secure software development practices within RMF, NIST, STIG, and DoD cybersecurity frameworks.
  • Experience presenting technical solutions and architectural recommendations to senior Government stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and collaborate effectively with Government customers.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting DISA, Global Force Management (GFM), JPES, JCRM, or other Joint Command and Control systems.
  • Experience with Microsoft Azure IL6, DoD Software Factory environments, hybrid cloud architectures, Kubernetes/OpenShift, Docker, and container orchestration.
  • Experience with Azure DevOps, Git, Jenkins, or comparable DevSecOps and CI/CD platforms.
  • Experience supporting Oracle, PostgreSQL, WebLogic, Apache Tomcat, enterprise middleware, and authentication services.
  • Experience integrating RMF, eMASS, STIG compliance, and Authority to Operate (ATO) requirements into enterprise architectures.
  • Experience supporting NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and other classified computing environments.
  • Familiarity with DoDAF and model-based architecture practices.
  • AWS, Microsoft Azure, TOGAF, SAFe, or other architecture-related certifications.

Benefits:

Expression Networks offers competitive salaries and benefits, such as:

  • 401k matching
  • PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Education reimbursement
  • Complimentary life insurance
  • Generous PTO and holiday leave
  • Onsite office gym access
  • Commuter Benefits Plan

About Expression:

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington DC, Expression provides data fusion, data analytics, AI/ML, software engineering, information technology, and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and national security community. Expression's culture focuses on creating immediate and sustainable value for our clients via agile delivery of tailored solutions built through constant engagement with our clients. Expression was ranked #1 on the Washington Technology 2018's Fast 50 list of fastest-growing small business Government contractors and a Top 20 Big Data Solutions Provider by CIO Review.

We make sure to provide everyone with the tools and opportunities to grow while working on some of the newest technologies in the industry. We get excited about celebrating our professionals' milestones, accomplishments, promotions, overcoming challenges, and many other aspects that make an engaging collaborative environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Expression is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please submit your request to our Human Resources department through the application portal.