ICF is seeking a Proposal Solution Architect to lead the development and writing of compelling, compliant, and executable technical solutions for strategic Department of War (DoW) and other Federal pursuits. This role will draw on hands-on architecture experience to validate that proposed solutions are secure, realistic, affordable, and deliverable.
The ideal candidate combines the credibility of an experienced cloud and application architect with the discipline of a strong proposal solution architect and technical writer. You will work across capture, growth, delivery, pricing, security, engineering, and proposal teams to turn customer missions and solicitation requirements into differentiated technical approaches. You will personally author major sections of Federal proposals and guide subject matter experts in producing cohesive, evaluator-focused content.
This position requires excellent writing, facilitation, communication, and technical judgment. Success will be measured primarily by the quality and competitiveness of capture and proposal solutions, not by owning day-to-day delivery architecture for an active program.
Job Location: This position requires that the job be performed in the VA/DC/MD Metro area. You may be asked to occassionally travel to an office or client site.
Please note that ICF monitors employee work locations and blocks access from foreign locations/foreign IP addresses and prohibits personal VPN connections.
What you'll be doing :
- Lead technical solutioning for strategic DoW and Federal captures from early qualification and opportunity shaping through proposal submission and oral presentations.
- Serve as the primary technical author or technical-volume lead for proposals, writing substantial portions of the technical approach, solution architecture, implementation approach, transition plan, migration strategy, DevSecOps approach, cybersecurity approach, cloud approach, operations concept, and related management content.
- Develop proposal storyboards, annotated outlines, section plans, content assignments, and writing guidance that connect evaluation criteria to the proposed solution and win strategy.
- Create and refine win themes, technical discriminators, proof points, value propositions, and customer benefits in collaboration with Capture Managers and business leaders.
- Lead structured solution workshops with architects, engineers, cybersecurity specialists, program leaders, partners, pricing staff, and subject matter experts.
- Produce proposal-ready architecture diagrams, data flows, deployment models, CONOPS, technical roadmaps, workflows, and solution graphics in partnership with graphic designers.
- Integrate solution assumptions, staffing concepts, schedules, risks, dependencies, and basis-of-estimate inputs with pricing and delivery teams.
- Participate in and lead Pink Team, Red Team, Gold Team, and other color reviews; adjudicate comments and directly revise technical content to improve clarity, compliance, and persuasiveness.
- Support customer meetings, capability briefings, white papers, responses to sources sought, oral proposal presentations, and technical demonstrations.
- Apply practical knowledge of Federal security controls, NIST guidance, risk management, and Authority to Operate processes when developing proposal solutions.
What you must have: - Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or other related scientific or technical discipline.
- 10+ years of experience in leading and architecting enterprise software systems.
- 5+ years of experience of solution or enterprise architect work within the DoW
- Demonstrated experience supporting Federal or DoD capture and proposal efforts as a solution architect, technical-volume lead, lead technical writer, capture architect, or equivalent role.
- Demonstrated experience personally writing substantial technical proposal content-not only reviewing, advising, or providing SME input-including technical approach and solution architecture sections.
- Experience directly leading a DoW IL-4+ ATO process for a $10M+ project.
- ship required due to federal contract requirements
What we'd like you to have: - AWS Solutions Architect certification
- Experience with Oracle Cloud in DoW environments
Why you'll love working here: - Generous vacation and retirement plans
- Comprehensive health benefits
- Flexible work location
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Friendly community with lots of social events
- Participation in charity initiatives
- Employee support program
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Bot and Third-Party Applications Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact for assistance.
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 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 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:
$130,687.00 - $222,169.00
Reston, VA (VA30)
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