Data Center Architect SME

Description

Position Summary 

The SME Data Center Architect supports the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) Task Force Raptor, a White House-directed effort to modernize, secure, and harden the C6ISR enterprise supporting the President. This expert-level position evaluates Department of War (DoW) data center infrastructure to determine suitability for upgrade, modernization, or replacement and provides authoritative guidance on facility infrastructure, systems architecture, and compliance with DoW and industry standards. The role supports mission-critical, no-fail communications capabilities and is performed onsite within the National Capital Region.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive data center assessments to evaluate existing DoW facilities for upgrade feasibility versus replacement requirements.

• Perform detailed infrastructure analysis of power systems, physical space utilization, and cooling/HVAC capacity to determine operational sustainability and scalability.

• Evaluate network architecture and underlying systems, including cabling infrastructure, redundancy configurations, TEMPEST/EMSEC, and connectivity frameworks.

• Apply industry standards and best practices, including Uptime Institute Tier classifications, TIA-942, and applicable DoW requirements.

• Develop detailed assessment reports and recommendations with technical justification for upgrade paths or facility replacement strategies.

• Collaborate with facility managers, network engineers, program leadership, and other stakeholders to align technical findings with mission requirements.

• Identify risks, gaps, and deficiencies in current data center operations and recommend mitigation strategies.

• Provide expert consultation on data center modernization roadmaps and implementation planning.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

• Must possess an active TS/SCI security clearance with Yankee White eligibility.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field.

• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in data center design, operations, or infrastructure evaluation.

• Expert knowledge of data center power distribution, UPS systems, generator backup, and electrical infrastructure.

• Comprehensive understanding of Uptime Institute Tier Standards I-IV and data center certification processes.

• Proficiency in network architecture evaluation, including structured cabling, fiber optics, and connectivity standards.

• Experience with DoW IT infrastructure requirements, security protocols, and compliance frameworks.

• Strong analytical and documentation skills with the ability to produce detailed technical assessment reports.

• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of senior leadership.

• Must have extensive senior-level experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fifteen (15)+ years of experience in data center design, operations, or infrastructure evaluation.

• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD) or Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS) certification.

• Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) or Certified Data Centre Specialist (CDCS) certification.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

• Experience supporting WHCA or White House support operations.

• Demonstrated expertise in HVAC systems, cooling technologies including air-cooled and liquid-cooled solutions, containment strategies, and thermal management.

• Knowledge of TIA-942 Data Center Standards and BICSI data center design principles.

• Familiarity with federal Data Center Optimization Initiative (DCOI) requirements and cloud migration strategies.

• Experience with critical infrastructure risk assessment and business continuity planning.

• Background in DoW communications systems and classified network environments.

• Master's degree in a relevant technical discipline.

• Previous program management or technical leadership experience on large-scale infrastructure projects.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

Work is performed onsite within the National Capital Region in secure government and mission-critical data center environments. The position may require access to classified facilities and infrastructure spaces and interaction with facility, network, engineering, and senior program leadership personnel.

Travel

Not specified in source position description.

Shift

On-site; specific shift or core hours are not specified in the source position description.

Note

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The salary range listed represents a good faith estimate and is provided in compliance with applicable pay transparency laws. The final compensation offered will be determined based on a variety of factors, including your skills, experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions.