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Lead Systems Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Lead Systems Architect At B&A, we foster and embrace a distinct set of values that we live by and instill in all aspects of our organization: dedication, commitment, partnership, trust ...

Lead Systems Architect At B&A, we foster and embrace a distinct set of values that we live by and instill in all aspects of our organization: dedication, commitment, partnership, trust, and ...

Lead Systems Architect Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization: US Citizenship with the ability to obtain a Public Trust Travel: 0-20% Project Description This ...

Lead Systems Architect oversee the concept, development, and maintenance of the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) R&D Program Portfolio. This role provides technical and methodological guidance to ...

The Lead Systems Architect (LSA) is responsible for the design, delivery, and overarching technical architecture of the on-premise secure multi tenant infrastructure environment as well as ...

The Lead Systems Architect (LSA) is responsible for the design, delivery, and overarching technical architecture of the on-premise secure multi tenant infrastructure environment as well as ...

Lead Systems Architect oversee the concept, development, and maintenance of the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) R&D Program Portfolio. This role provides technical and methodological guidance to ...

AnaVation is seeking a Lead Systems Architect with an active Secret clearance. The ideal candidate will be a technical and thought leader with a passion for modernizing legacy enterprise ...

AnaVation is seeking a Lead Systems Architect with an active Secret clearance. The ideal candidate will be a technical and thought leader with a passion for modernizing legacy enterprise ...

IL · On-site

Position Overview The Technical Lead / Systems Architect leads the technical execution of the TRDM modernization. The role owns the architecture roadmap, technology selection, technical risk ...

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How much do lead systems architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead systems architect in the United States is $51.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.71 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Systems Architect, and why are they important?

A Lead Systems Architect requires deep expertise in systems design, integration, and enterprise architecture, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with architecture frameworks (such as TOGAF or Zachman), modeling tools like UML, and cloud platforms is commonly expected, and certifications such as TOGAF or AWS Certified Solutions Architect can be valuable. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial to designing scalable, efficient systems and leading cross-functional teams to deliver robust technology solutions.

What is the difference between Lead Systems Architect vs Systems Engineer?

AspectLead Systems ArchitectSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Engineering; certifications like TOGAF, AWS, or CiscoBachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering; certifications like Cisco, CompTIA, or Microsoft
Work EnvironmentDesigning and overseeing complex system architectures, strategic planningImplementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting systems
Industry UsageTechnology, aerospace, defense, large enterpriseIT, telecommunications, manufacturing, software development

The Lead Systems Architect focuses on designing and guiding the overall system architecture, ensuring strategic alignment. In contrast, Systems Engineers implement, maintain, and troubleshoot systems based on the architecture. Both roles require technical expertise, but the architect is more strategic, while the engineer is more operational.

What are Lead Systems Architects?

Lead Systems Architects are senior professionals responsible for designing, overseeing, and integrating complex IT systems within an organization. They ensure that the technical architecture aligns with business goals, manages system requirements, and directs teams in implementing scalable and efficient solutions. Their role involves collaborating with stakeholders, evaluating technologies, and maintaining documentation to ensure systems are robust, secure, and future-proof.

How does a Lead Systems Architect typically interact with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

A Lead Systems Architect regularly collaborates with stakeholders from various departments, such as software development, operations, security, and business analysis. They are responsible for translating business requirements into technical solutions and ensuring alignment across teams throughout the project lifecycle. This role often involves leading design sessions, reviewing implementation plans, and addressing integration challenges to ensure the system architecture meets organizational goals. Effective communication and coordination skills are essential, as the architect acts as a bridge between technical and non-technical teams.
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Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Systems Architect jobs? The top employers for Lead Systems Architect jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Systems Architect jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Systems Architect jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lead Systems Architect job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 25% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,858 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Lead Systems Architect

Lead Systems Architect

B&A

Suitland, MD • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description

Lead Systems Architect  


At B&A, we foster and embrace a distinct set of values that we live by and instill in all aspects of our organization: dedication, commitment, partnership, trust, and recognition. We have incorporated these values into successful delivery for our customers since 1988. B&A believes in ensuring its employees feel deeply connected to B&A, recognizing successes and hard work, and providing continuous opportunities to learn and grow. Our people are entrepreneurial thinkers that combine mindset, vision, and experience to drive value - not only to us as an organization, but to the clients we support. We promote a collaborative culture with our clients, and with each other, as one team working towards a common vision. We'd love for you to join our team!


Job Summary


We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME)-level Lead Systems Architect to define and govern the System of Systems (SoS) architecture for the U.S. Census Bureau's Decennial Transformation and Application Modernization (DTAM) effort. This role provides technical and management leadership on major architecture and engineering assignments, establishing goals and plans that meet project objectives across on-premises, SaaS, and multi-cloud environments. The Lead Systems Architect performs gap analyses, develops architecture roadmaps and standards, and ensures solutions are cost-effective, scalable, and aligned with USCB Enterprise Architecture. Decision-making and domain knowledge may have a critical impact on overall program implementation. May supervise others.  


Responsibilities

  • Review and assess current Decennial and enterprise systems architecture footprints across on-prem, SaaS, and multi-cloud, and perform a gap analysis with documented findings and recommendations 
  • Develop, document, and maintain a system architecture and engineering roadmap and associated schedules 
  • Establish and maintain systems architecture and engineering standards, processes, and procedures for SoS service providers, including coding standards for auditing and logging 
  • Develop and maintain Decennial systems engineering plans, including the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), Systems Engineering Plan, and Software Developer Guide 
  • Create and maintain a Decennial Census Program Interface Catalog with all interface definitions and detail 
  • Develop and maintain the Decennial SoS architecture and Line of Business Architecture documents 
  • Lead application rationalization and system assessments, mapping current/intended states to target states based on established architecture standards, templates, and patterns 
  • Establish, update, and maintain architecture artifacts in alignment with USCB Enterprise Architecture 
  • Plan, coordinate, and participate in ongoing architecture and engineering reviews to verify alignment with standards and guidelines 
  • Collaborate with internal and external service providers, solution providers, and third-party vendors to implement architecture processes 
  • Support program risk management by identifying, documenting, analyzing, and managing architecture-related risks and issues 

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field 
  • 15+ years of experience providing technical and management leadership on major systems architecture assignments (SME level) 

Required Skills

  • Expert experience designing System of Systems (SoS) and enterprise architectures across hybrid on-prem and multi-cloud environments 
  • Demonstrated ability to perform architecture gap analyses, develop roadmaps, and establish standards, patterns, and reference architectures 
  • Experience developing SEMP, interface catalogs, and Line of Business / SoS architecture documentation 
  • Strong background in application rationalization and modernization strategy 
  • Experience aligning solutions with enterprise architecture frameworks and governance boards 

Certifications 

Desired: 

  • The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) 
  • Cloud Architecture certification (AWS / Azure / Google) 
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 

Desired Skills

  • Experience with large-scale federal modernization or data-centric cloud transformation programs 
  • Familiarity with DevSecOps, microservices, containerization, and cloud-native design patterns 
  • Experience leading Engineering Working Group (EWG) or Technical Review Board (TRB) sessions 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive briefing to senior Government stakeholders 

Security Clearance

  •  U.S. Citizenship required  

More About B&A:

Notable Clients
B&A has grown to be a company that is trusted by our clients for exceptional service, innovative solutions, and inspired employees. Our service extends through federal, state, and local Government, the private sector, and higher education. Some of our notable clients include Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Senate, U.S. Courts, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Navy, and more.


Benefits and Programs

B&A is proud to offer three robust individual and family medical plans to full time employees, including a Health Savings Account (HSA) option as well as two tiers of dental coverage, vision, life & AD&D, disability, accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance. In addition to these benefits, B&A employees enjoy paid time off, B&A sponsored trainings and certifications, pet insurance benefits, commuter transit benefits and a free subscription to a virtual exercise platform (NEOU). B&A's 401(k) plan is available to all employees and includes a company matching contribution.

B&A has launched several programs to focus on employee engagement, wellness, and assistance. These include:

  • The B&A Cares program: 30/60/90-day wellness check ins, personal development, financial management, and stress management seminars, and more
  • A formal mentorship program
  • Job shadowing and cross training opportunities
  • Brand Ambassador program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Access to various support resources to include counseling, legal guidance, financial planning, and more
  • Monthly teambuilding events
  • B&A Annual Wellness Challenges: #StepWithB&A, #WalkDuringLunchWithB&A, #VolunteeringWithB&A, #ExerciseDuringLunchWithB&A, and more

At B&A, we place significant importance on improving the communities and lives of citizens across the nation through our involvement, technology expertise, and employees. B&A puts an emphasis on charitable efforts in the Northern Virginia area, including Capital Area Food Bank pantry drives, book donations, Hope for Henry Foundation events, and many more. In recognition of all these efforts, B&A has been named a Companies as Responsive Employers (CARE) award recipient by Northern Virginia Family Services and nominated by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award.

EEO

B&A provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. B&A complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy covers conduct occurring at B&A's offices, and other workplaces (including client sites) and all other locations where B&A is providing services, and to all work-related activities.

EEO is the Law

B&A participates in e-Verify. We provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 Form to confirm work authorization.