Job Description

ANSER enhances national and homeland security by strengthening public institutions. We provide thought leadership for complex issues through independent analysis, and we deliver practical, useful solutions. ANSER values collaboration, integrity, and initiative and we are client focused in all that we do. Because we were established for the purpose of public service and not for profit, we measure our success in the impact of our service.

Are you a cleared System Architect with experience in defense or intelligence programs, but don’t see an open role at ANSER that fits your profile?

We still want to hear from you.

At ANSER, we’re always looking to build relationships with seasoned professionals who bring strategic, mission-focused systems engineering expertise to the table. If you're driven by national security challenges and thrive in secure, complex environments, we invite you to submit your resume for future opportunities aligned with your background.

About System Architecture at ANSER

As a System Architect supporting ANSER’s national security customers, you'll play a pivotal role in designing and integrating advanced, resilient systems that enable critical missions across the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), and related agencies. You'll work hands-on in classified spaces, ensuring technical solutions meet stringent security, interoperability, and performance requirements.

Most roles are on-site in secure facilities located in the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. region Remote or hybrid arrangements are rare due to the sensitive nature of the work and the need for real-time collaboration within SCIF environments.

Core Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• Providing guidance on architecting and engineering secure, mission-critical systems across the full system lifecycle—from requirements and CONOPS development through test, integration, and deployment.
• Providing support for and aligning system design decisions with IC/DoD mission priorities, acquisition strategies, and evolving threat environments.
• Defining architecture frameworks, interface control, data flows, and integration points across multi-domain and multi-agency systems.
• Collaborating with program managers, analysts, cyber SMEs, and fellow engineers to ensure enterprise-level interoperability and compliance.
• Supporting legacy modernization efforts and hybrid/cloud solution integration in classified domains.
• Ensuring compliance with security frameworks such as ICD 503, NIST RMF, DoDI 5000, and Zero Trust architectures.
• Leading or supporting readiness reviews, Configuration Management (CM), and Change Control Boards (CCBs).
• Producing engineering documentation tailored for classified audiences, including system architecture diagrams, risk assessments, and security-focused design artifacts.
• Other guidance, architecture and system design duties and required.

Ideal Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field; advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., INCOSE CSEP, PMP, CISSP) strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of systems engineering or system architecture experience.
• 3 + years supporting IC, DoD, or other classified national security programs.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing architectures for secure, interoperable systems in TS/SCI environments.
• Familiarity with cloud migration strategies, enterprise IT modernization, and secure data exchange across enclaves.
• Deep understanding of government acquisition processes, classified systems engineering standards, and mission assurance principles.
• Experience working in SCIFs and navigating strict information assurance protocols preferred.

Clearance Requirements:

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility is generally required, with some openings allowing for Secret clearance.
• Current CI or Full Scope Polygraph highly preferred.

If you're a mission-focused System Architect ready to support the nation's most critical challenges, we want to connect. Submit your resume, and we’ll keep your profile on file for upcoming opportunities that align with your skills, security clearance, and career trajectory.

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with ANSER, please call 703-416-2000 or e-mail Recruiting@anser.org

ANSER is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We seek individuals from a broad variety of backgrounds with varying levels of experience who have a desire to do meaningful work. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.