Lead Systems Engineering Architect
GDIT· enterprise· Defense IT· Oct 13, 2026 · 15d ago
Lackland Afb, TX
Hybrid
Full-time
Lead
$157K–$213K
10+ years exp
Job description
Type of Requisition:
Pipeline
Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:
Top Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:
Top Secret/SCI
Public Trust/Other Required:
None
Job Family:
IT Infrastructure and Operations
Job Qualifications:
Skills:
Architecture Frameworks, Enterprise Architecture (EA), Enterprise Architecture Governance, System Modeling, Team Leadership Certifications:
None Experience:
10 + years of related experience US Citizenship Required:
Yes
Job Description:
Lead Systems Engineering Architect :
Join GDIT’s mission‑driven team supporting the Department of Defense as we help unify the Air Force’s cyber defense to outpace threats with shared insight, faster decisions, and stronger mission protection.
MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT:
This is the authoritative technical architecture lead for the entire hybrid enterprise. The Lead Systems Engineer shall design, govern, and maintain the hybrid enterprise architecture, explicitly defining physical/logical boundaries, data flow, and cloud-to-on-prem networking (e.g., VPN, ExpressRoute).
This role conducts independent, objective Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for architecture decisions, integrating technology assessments, cost, and trade-off analysis, and maintains the enterprise architecture artifact repository and ensures alignment with overarching Department of War strategic directives, such as the Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture (JCWA).
The role also owns the digital twin discipline: developing, governing, and maintaining authoritative digital models of the large DoW Defensive Cyber hybrid enterprise architecture using standard MBSE languages (e.g., SysML), ensuring these models accurately reflect physical, logical, and security boundaries, and maintaining strict interoperability with JCWA.
The engineer continuously updates enterprise models based on internal deployment feedback and independent configuration audits, ensuring the MBSE repository serves as a dynamic, highly accurate Digital Twin synchronized to real-world changes in near-real-time.
Technical acumen required: Advanced proficiency in MBSE tooling and SysML modeling, enterprise architecture frameworks (DoWAF), and multi-domain hybrid cloud/on-prem network design.
Must be capable of leading rigorous AoAs, authoring cost-benefit analyses, and supporting ERB/ARB/CCB governance boards with technical justifications and architecture artifacts, consistent with preparing technical justifications, architecture artifacts, and serving in an advisory capacity for Engineering Review Boards, Architecture Review Boards, and Change Control Boards.
Daily SCIF access reflects the need for sustained, hands-on engagement with classified architecture baselines and JCWA integration data.
Directly supports the win theme of authoritative enterprise architecture governance tied to JCWA and Zero Trust alignment via MBSE and digital-twin traceability.
Priority Technical Skill Sets
Master-level expertise in hybrid enterprise architecture design, AoA, system modeling, and governance.
Advanced proficiency in MBSE and digital twin creation, synchronization, and requirements integration.
Experience designing cross‑domain solutions, multi‑classification data flows, and secure enterprise architectures.
Strong understanding of cloud‑to‑on‑prem networking, data transport security, and DoW cyber architecture requirements.
Ability to lead configuration control, CCB/ERB/ARB activities, and ensure “as-built” accuracy across environments.
QUALIFICATIONS - WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED:
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 10-15 years experience in systems engineering; 8 years in DoW enterprise architecture; 5 years MBSE experience using SysML or equivalent leading technical programs or product leadership
• Security Clearance Level: Top Secret with SCI eligibility
• Certification: Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
• Location: San Antonio region, TX
• US citizenship required
Why Join GDIT
· Own the architecture of a flagship cyber modernization effort
· Work alongside elite cyber, platform, and software engineering teams
· Shape enterprise‑scale solutions that directly strengthen national defense
· Innovate at the intersection of MBSE, Zero Trust, cloud, and mission systems
GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:
• 401K with company match.
• Comprehensive health and wellness packages.
• Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career.
• Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications.
• Cutting-edge technology you can learn from.
• Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays.
Community : Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY Explore a career in program management at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your passion for the mission and delivering results.
The likely salary range for this position is $157,250 - $212,750. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Travel Required:
Less than 10%
T elecommuting Options:
Onsite
Work Location:
USA TX Lackland AFB
Additional Work Locations:
Total Rewards at GDIT:
Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.
Our Identity Verification Process:
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.
About Our Work:
We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.
Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc .
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
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401k
401(K)
Paid Time Off
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