[Remote] Lead Cloud Architect - Data Center & Cloud Engineering (Remote)

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. GovCIO is seeking an experienced Lead Cloud Architect with deep expertise in cloud and data center engineering to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Information Technology (OIT). In this role, you will provide technical leadership across hybrid infrastructure environments, collaborating with senior OIT partners, architects, engineering teams, and business stakeholders to design, modernize, and optimize secure, scalable, and resilient cloud and data center solutions.ResponsibilitiesDevelop a deep understanding of VA enterprise infrastructure, including cloud platforms, on-premises data centers, and modernization initiativesLead the design and implementation of hybrid cloud and data center architectures, ensuring alignment with VA strategic objectivesCreate and maintain architecture artifacts, engineering standards, technical guidance, and design documentationConduct design reviews and provide technical validation for infrastructure and cloud solutionsDrive infrastructure modernization initiatives, including hardware/software refresh, migration, and transformation strategiesSupport execution of multi-year modernization roadmaps and platform decommissioning effortsPerform and oversee advanced engineering analysis, including infrastructure performance modeling and optimization assessmentsLead capacity planning, resource allocation, and performance monitoring to ensure efficient and scalable operationsArchitect integrated solutions across on-premises systems and cloud environments, ensuring high availability, resilience, and performanceEnsure all architectures meet VA security requirements and federal compliance standards, incorporating cybersecurity controls into designsOversee development of configuration management materials and ensure all engineering artifacts are audit-ready and traceableCollaborate with program leadership, operations teams, and business stakeholders to support portfolio planning and investment prioritizationPresent technical strategies and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholdersDocument and communicate value delivery, performance improvements, and modernization outcomes across initiativesSkillsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)12+ years of experience in cloud architecture, data center engineering, or infrastructure leadership rolesDeep expertise in: Hybrid cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, or similar), Data center infrastructure (compute, storage, networking), Infrastructure modernization and transformation initiativesStrong experience developing architecture artifacts, engineering standards, and technical documentationDemonstrated ability to lead complex technical initiatives across enterprise environmentsExperience with capacity planning, performance optimization, and infrastructure lifecycle managementStrong communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional teamsCurrent in one or more of the following certificates: AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate/Professional), Google Professional Cloud Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect ExpertExperience supporting federal agencies, particularly the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), OIT, VBA, or VHAFamiliarity with advanced modeling and analysis techniques (e.g., performance modeling, computational simulations)Experience with cloud financial management, cost optimization, or FinOps practicesExperience with tools such as Jira for workflow and collaboration managementBackground in enterprise architecture and future-state technology planningCompany OverviewGovCIO is a business consulting firm that focuses on cyber security, digital, data, management and mission services, and IT services. It was founded in 2010, and is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is https://govcio.com.