Cloud Solutions / Architect Lead

Job Family:
IT Architecture/Cloud

Travel Required:
Up to 10%

Clearance Required:
Active Secret

What You Will Do

• Serve as overall cloud solutions lead.
• Coordinate with client and other contractor leadership, as needed, to drive implementation of cloud solutions.
• Design, implement, and monitor secure, scalable Azure cloud architectures that enable data, AI/ML models, and application platforms to operate reliably at enterprise scale.
• Define cloud standards, reference architecture, reusable patterns, and governance models that guide engineering implementation across the team.
• Architect Azure compute, networking, storage, IAM, and security configurations, ensuring proper segmentation, performance, compliance, and alignment with mission needs.
• Design and implement modular Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for repeatable deployments.
• Ensure Security-by-Design (SbD) through IAM, network segmentation, compliance and governance standards.
• Monitor cloud environments for performance and reliability. Maintain standard uptime and develop disaster recovery strategies.
• Troubleshoot infrastructure issues and optimize system performance.
• Stay current with emerging cloud technologies and recommend improvements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Develop trusted relationships with clients by learning their mission, challenges, and goals, and developing institutional knowledge to deliver tailored solutions that drive innovation.

What You Will Need

• An ACTIVE and MAINTAINED "SECRET" Federal or DoD security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field.
• Minimum NINE (9) years of relevant professional experience.
• Ability to be an overall cloud solution lead.
• Experience coordinating with client and other contractor leadership, as needed, to drive implementation of cloud solutions.
• Experience with design, implementation, and monitor secure, scalable Azure cloud architectures that enable data, AI/ML models, and application platforms to operate reliably at enterprise scale.
• Ability to define cloud standards, reference architecture, reusable patterns, and governance models that guide engineering implementation across the team.
• Deep understanding of Microsoft Azure services (e.g., Compute, Networking, Storage, Security).
• Proficiency in Infrastructure as Code tools (e.g., Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates).
• Strong knowledge of networking principles and cloud security best practices.
• Ability to design for scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Knowledge of identity and access management (Azure AD).
• Experience with monitoring and logging tools (Azure Monitor, Log Analytics).
• Ability to support hybrid or on-site projects in the DC metro area.

What Would Be Nice to Have

• Ability to understand client mission and business processes and adapt solutions and approaches accordingly to be successful.
• Ability to operate independently and collaboratively in small teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to think strategically and drive innovation.
• Relevant experience supporting Department of State or other Federal Government organizations.
• Master's degree in a relevant technical field.
• TWELVE (12) years of relevant professional experience.
• Relevant experience supporting Department of State or other Federal Government organizations.
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Azure Administrator Associate certification.
• Familiarity with AI/ML deployment patterns and MLOps frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with performance tuning for large-scale workloads.

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Care.com annual membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1- or via email at All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.

If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.