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Principal Performance Architect Jobs in Washington

Bixal

Principal Cloud & DevSecOps Architect

Fairfax, VA · On-site +1

$178K - $195K/yr

Bixal is seeking a Principal Cloud & DevSecOps Architect to serve as a senior technical authority ... Ensure solutions meet quality, performance, and compliance requirements across complex federal ...

Bixal

Principal Cloud & DevSecOps Architect

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$178K - $195K/yr

Bixal is seeking a Principal Cloud & DevSecOps Architect to serve as a senior technical authority ... Ensure solutions meet quality, performance, and compliance requirements across complex federal ...

Amgen SA

Principal Anaplan Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$160 - $210/hr

Principal Anaplan Architect What you will do Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital ... performance optimization etc. * Work directly with Product Owner and SMEs to understand, prioritize ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Performance Architect JobsPrincipal Performance Architect Jobs in Washington

Principal Performance Architect information

See Washington salary details

$91.2K

$194.1K

$261.6K

How much do principal performance architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal performance architect in Washington is $194,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $164,200.00 and $220,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal performance architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Performance Architect, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, performance engineering, and scalability, often backed by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with performance analysis tools (e.g., JMeter, Dynatrace), cloud platforms, and scripting languages, along with relevant certifications, is typically expected. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive best practices. These skills ensure that large-scale systems operate efficiently, meet business requirements, and deliver optimal user experiences.

What are the typical challenges a principal performance architect faces when optimizing large-scale enterprise systems?

Principal Performance Architects often encounter challenges such as balancing system scalability with cost efficiency, identifying performance bottlenecks in complex architectures, and aligning optimization strategies with evolving business goals. They must work closely with cross-functional teams—including developers, infrastructure engineers, and product managers—to ensure that solutions are both technically robust and aligned with user needs. Navigating legacy systems and integrating new technologies can also present unique hurdles, requiring strong analytical skills and deep experience with performance testing tools.

What is a principal performance architect?

Principal Performance Architects are senior-level professionals responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing the performance of software systems or IT infrastructure. They work to ensure that applications and services run efficiently, reliably, and can scale effectively with increased usage. Their role often involves identifying bottlenecks, recommending improvements, and establishing best practices for performance across development teams. With extensive experience, they also mentor other engineers and collaborate with stakeholders to meet organizational performance goals.

What is the difference between Principal Performance Architect vs Performance Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Performance ArchitectPerformance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in performance architectureUsually requires a bachelor's or master's in computer science or related field, with relevant performance testing certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing and overseeing performance strategies across large systems and enterprise environmentsConducts performance testing, analysis, and tuning on specific applications or components
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large tech firms, financial institutions, and enterprise software companiesUsed across various industries including IT, software development, and consulting firms

The Principal Performance Architect typically leads performance strategy and architecture at an enterprise level, requiring more experience and strategic oversight. Performance Engineers focus on testing and optimizing specific applications or systems. Both roles are essential but differ mainly in scope and seniority.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Performance Architect jobs in Washington? For Principal Performance Architect jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Performance Architect jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Performance Architect jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Principal Performance Architect jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Principal Performance Architect job openings:
Principal Performance Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Performance Architect job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $194,107 per year, or $93.3 per hour.

Principal Solutions Architect

ICF International, Inc.

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider that partners with government and commercial clients to solve their most complex challenges. Our federal division helps agencies modernize legacy systems, harness data and AI, and deliver mission outcomes for the public they serve. We combine deep domain expertise with engineering rigor and human-centered design to build solutions that are secure, scalable, and built to last.
We are seeking a Principal Solutions Architect to serve as a senior technical authority across our federal portfolio. In this role, you will own the technical vision for complex, high-value solutions - translating agency mission needs into architectures that are secure, compliant, cost-effective, and deliverable. You will operate at the intersection of delivery, business development, and client engagement: shaping winning technical approaches during capture and proposal efforts, guiding solution design across active programs, and mentoring architects and engineers as a recognized technical leader.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can move fluently between an agency CIO's office and an engineering whiteboard, and who understands what it takes to design and stand-up systems within the federal environment.
This role will be based in the Washington, DC area as a hybrid position aligned to ICF's Reston, VA headquarters.
What You Will Do
  • Define and own end-to-end solution architectures for federal programs spanning cloud modernization, data and analytics, application development, and AI/ML.
  • Lead technical solutioning for capture and proposal efforts - developing win themes, technical approaches, architecture diagrams, basis-of-estimate inputs, and staffing models that differentiate ICF in competitive procurements.
  • Serve as the senior technical advisor to federal clients, building trusted relationships with agency CIOs, CTOs, program managers, and technical stakeholders.
  • Establish architecture standards, reference patterns, and governance practices that drive consistency and reuse across the Federal portfolio.
  • Guide delivery teams through complex design decisions, technical risk mitigation, and trade-off analysis, ensuring solutions meet performance, security, and compliance requirements.
  • Architect cloud and hybrid solutions on platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, with attention to FedRAMP, the Authority to Operate (ATO) process, and NIST security frameworks.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, data platforms, automation) and define pragmatic adoption strategies for federal clients.
  • Mentor and develop solution architects and senior engineers, contributing to the growth of ICF's technical community of practice.
  • Partner with delivery leadership, capture managers, and growth teams to align technical strategy with portfolio and pipeline objectives.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in solution architecture, software/systems engineering, or technology consulting, including 5+ years architecting enterprise-scale solutions.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and delivering technology solutions for U.S. Federal government agencies.
  • Deep expertise in cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, or GCP), including migration, modernization, and cloud-native design.
  • Proven experience leading technical solutioning on competitive federal proposals and capture efforts.
  • Working knowledge of federal compliance and security requirements, including FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, ATO processes, and Zero Trust principles.
  • Strong understanding of modern architecture patterns: microservices, APIs, event-driven design, containerization, DevSecOps, and infrastructure as code.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to executive and non-technical audiences.
  • U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active U.S. Government security clearance (Public Trust, Secret, or higher).
  • Cloud architecture certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert).
  • Experience with data platforms, analytics, and AI/ML solution design in a federal context.
  • Familiarity with specific federal mission areas relevant to ICF's portfolio.
  • Experience contributing to or leading technical volumes in federal proposal responses.
  • Advanced degree in a relevant technical discipline.

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Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$191,339.00 - $325,277.00
Reston, VA (VA30)

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