Entry Level Architect Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

About Peraton Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees solve the most daunting challenges that our customers face. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure. About The Role Junior Solutions Architect Federal Civilian Sector - Office of the Chief Technology Officer Peraton is seeking an experienced Junior Solutions Architect to join our team. The ideal candidate is an early-career technical contributor supporting federal civilian pursuits and the Office of the CTO in the Federal Civilian Sector. You work alongside experienced architects to research solutions, develop technical artifacts, draft proposal content, and learn the end-to-end pursuit and solutioning lifecycle. This role is designed for high-potential engineers and technologists looking to grow into senior solution architecture roles. Key Responsibilities: * Support solution architects on federal civilian pursuits by researching technologies, developing artifacts, and drafting technical content.
* Build foundational expertise in one or more architecture domains: cloud, application modernization, cybersecurity, data/AI, IT operations, DevSecOps, or managed services.
* Develop technical artifacts including system diagrams, data flows, vendor comparison matrices, and reference materials under direction of senior architects.
* Draft sections of technical proposal volumes for review and refinement by senior solution leads.
* Conduct technology research - vendor capabilities, federal compliance requirements, emerging trends - to support solution decisions.
* Participate in solutioning sessions, customer meetings, and capture activities as a learning and contributing team member.
* Build familiarity with federal acquisition processes, the proposal lifecycle, and gate review framework.
* Contribute to internal initiatives such as reusable artifact development, technology assessments, and CTO Office tools.Location: Reston, Virginia. Telework flexibility with travel to customer sites as needed. Qualifications Basic Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, IT, or related technical field, and two (2)+ years of relevant experience (internships, co-ops, or full-time roles in IT, software development, systems engineering, or cybersecurity).
* Foundational hands-on experience in at least one architecture domain: cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP), application development, cybersecurity, data/AI, IT operations, or DevSecOps.
* Strong learning agility and intellectual curiosity - able to quickly come up to speed on new technologies, customer missions, and business processes.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to organize technical information clearly.
* Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with multiple concurrent priorities.
* U.S. Citizenship required; must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearancePreferred Qualifications: * Internship or co-op experience supporting federal customers, large systems integrators, or enterprise IT environments.
* Entry-level professional certifications: AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure Fundamentals, Security+, or similar.
* Exposure to generative AI, agentic AI, AIOps, zero trust, or other emerging technologies through coursework or projects.
* Familiarity with Agile/SAFe delivery methodologies or DevSecOps practices.
* Personal projects, open-source contributions, or technical portfolios demonstrating hands-on initiative.
Details Target Salary Range: $86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits. Application Statements: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. EEO:Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.