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Contract Architecture Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Serve as the chief architect for the ServiceNow ecosystem, driving CMDB/CSDM maturity and ... Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the ...

Contracts Officer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

... combine architectural knowledge with contract management skills to oversee the development and issuance of contracts related to design, construction and project delivery. This role ensures that ...

Contract Specialist

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$135 - $160/hr

Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test ... SPA has an immediate need for a Contract Support Specialist . Responsibilities Duties associated ...

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Contract Architecture information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$25

$48

How much do contract architecture jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract architecture in Virginia is $25.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract architecture?

Contract architecture refers to the design and development of buildings, spaces, or structures under a contractual agreement, typically for commercial, institutional, or governmental clients. Architects working in contract architecture are responsible for creating detailed plans, specifications, and overseeing the construction process to ensure the project meets the client's requirements and complies with regulations. This field often involves working with contractors, engineers, and clients to deliver projects on time and within budget. The work can range from designing office buildings and hospitals to retail spaces and educational facilities.

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

To thrive as a Contract Architect, you need a strong background in architectural design, construction documentation, and a relevant degree, often supported by licensure such as an NCARB certification. Proficiency in CAD/BIM software like AutoCAD, Revit, and project management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills help you manage client expectations and coordinate with contractors. These skills ensure projects are designed to specification, delivered on time, and compliant with regulations, which is critical for client satisfaction and project success.

What are some common challenges faced by contract architects when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Contract architects often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in time management and prioritization. Balancing client expectations, meeting tight deadlines, and ensuring consistent quality across diverse project types require strong organizational skills and adaptability. Collaboration with different teams, consultants, and stakeholders can also vary widely between projects, making communication and flexibility essential for success. Staying updated with contractual obligations and managing project documentation efficiently are crucial components of the role.

What is the difference between Contract Architecture vs Contract Engineering?

AspectContract ArchitectureContract Engineering
CredentialsArchitectural degrees, licensing, certificationsEngineering degrees, certifications, licenses
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, architectural firms, client meetingsConstruction sites, engineering firms, project management
Industry UsageDesign and planning of buildings and structuresTechnical implementation and structural analysis
Common Search/ComparisonDesign focus, project scope, creative responsibilitiesTechnical details, structural integrity, engineering solutions

Contract Architecture primarily involves designing and planning building projects, focusing on aesthetics and functionality. Contract Engineering emphasizes technical analysis, structural integrity, and implementing engineering solutions. Both roles require specialized credentials and work within the construction industry, but they differ in their core responsibilities and daily tasks.

Do contract architects or architects make more money?

Typically, licensed architects tend to earn higher salaries than contract architects, as they often have more experience, certifications, and responsibilities. Contract architects usually work on temporary or project-based roles and may earn less overall, depending on the scope and duration of their contracts. Salary differences can also vary based on location, specialization, and firm size.

What does a contract architect do in architecture?

A contract architect is responsible for designing buildings and structures according to client specifications, industry standards, and building codes. They often work under contractual agreements, collaborating with clients, engineers, and contractors, and may use design software like AutoCAD or Revit. Their role includes creating plans, ensuring compliance, and overseeing project execution within budget and schedule constraints.

What are the most commonly searched types of Architecture jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Architecture jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Architecture jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Architecture job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Architecture job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,978 per year, or $26 per hour.

Director, Enterprise Architecture

ManTech

Herndon, VA • On-site

$153K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


ManTech rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Description & Requirements
Elevate your career with MANTECH International Corporation! Join a dynamic team dedicated to national security through cutting-edge technology. Since 1968, MANTECH has led in delivering advanced solutions to government intelligence, the Department of Defense, and Federal Civilian sectors. Dive into innovation in Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity, IT, Data Analytics and Software Development. Your journey to impactful work and rapid growth starts now-be extraordinary at MANTECH!

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Director, Enterprise Architecture to join our team in Herndon, VA. 

This role serves as a critical bridge between enterprise strategy and execution, ensuring technology solutions, platforms, and systems align with business objectives and target-state architectures. As a hands-on technical leader, you will combine deep engineering expertise and strong organizational influence to drive change across the enterprise. You will act as a key thought leader, steering application rationalization efforts, driving our modernization roadmap, and establishing critical visibility into architecture health, risk, and performance. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Assess software portfolios for business value, technical fit, and total cost of ownership (TCO) to eliminate duplication and manage technical debt.

  • Partner with leadership to map business capabilities and translate strategic objectives into modern, cloud-native, and event-driven architecture guidance.

  • Design robust data pipelines and master data management (MDM) strategies to support enterprise reporting and AI data readiness.

  • Serve as the chief architect for the ServiceNow ecosystem, driving CMDB/CSDM maturity and establishing reference architectures for Generative AI, LLMs, and MLOps.

  • Operationalize enterprise architecture governance processes (such as the Architecture Review Board) and establish observability frameworks to track risk, resiliency, and compliance.

  • Guide solution design reviews and collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Product, Security, and Business leaders to drive operational efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or a related field with 12+ years of progressive experience in Enterprise, Solution, or Systems Architecture.

  • Proven hands-on architectural experience across major public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) alongside deep understanding of distributed systems and modern integration patterns (APIs, messaging platforms).

  • Track record of supporting enterprise transformation, technology simplification, and large-scale application portfolio assessments.

  • Extensive hands-on experience designing and governing ServiceNow environments, specifically APM, CMDB, and AI/predictive intelligence modules.

  • Demonstrated experience building, deploying, or governing enterprise AI platforms, LLMs, workflow automation, and MLOps frameworks.

  • Strong expertise in enterprise architecture governance, operating models, and establishing observability frameworks to track system health and risk.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related engineering field.

  • Experience with Power BI or similar data visualization tools to translate operational data into actionable architectural insights.

  • Exposure to modern engineering practices including Platform Engineering, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), or operational metrics frameworks.

  • Industry certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, ITIL, ServiceNow CSA/CIS, or TOGAF 9.

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

  • Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

  • Frequently communicates with co-workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.


 


The projected compensation range for this position is $153,800.00-$275,800.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories.  In addition, MANTECH invests in its employees beyond just compensation.  MANTECH's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, short-term and long-term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.

MANTECH considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to disability or veteran status or any other status protected under any federal, state, or local law or regulation.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with MANTECH, please email us at careers@mantech.com and provide your name and contact information.

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