Solutions Architect SME (secret clearance)

Overview

Aperio Global is a rapidly growing innovation company delivering advanced AI/ML, cybersecurity, cloud, and mission-focused solutions across the defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and commercial sectors. We are seeking a Solutions Architect to serve as a senior technical leader who drives architectural strategy, leads high-impact development efforts, and partners closely with executives to design solutions that meet both mission and commercial demands.

This role is ideal for a seasoned architect who thrives in fast-paced environments, can translate complex requirements into scalable systems, and enjoys building and mentoring high-performing engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & Technical Leadership

· Lead the end-to-end architecture and design of complex systems spanning AI/ML, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, DevSecOps, and Zero Trust environments.

· Develop future-state architectures, roadmaps, and integration strategies for Aperio’s flagship platforms, and emerging homomorphic encryption / privacy-preserving analytics capabilities.

· Serve as the chief architect for new solution concepts, prototypes, and MVPs supporting defense, intelligence, commercial, and global fintech use cases.

· Provide expert guidance on cloud-native architectures (AWS/Azure/GCP), containerization, microservices, and resilient system design.

Program & Proposal Support

· Partner closely with the COO, Chief Strategy Officer, and Director of Engineering to conceptualize, architect, and shape winning solutions for new opportunities.

· Translate mission problems and solicitation requirements into viable technical approaches, system architectures, and executable development plans.

· Author and review technical volumes, design artifacts, pricing inputs, and work breakdown structures for proposals and pilots.

· Support engineering solutioning for proposals, POCs, and customer briefings during capture.

Development Team Leadership

· Lead, mentor, and guide a high-performing engineering team in delivering secure, scalable, and mission-aligned products.

· Establish and enforce development standards, DevSecOps pipelines, code quality practices, and secure software engineering methodologies.

· Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and measurable technical excellence.

· Collaborate with product owners and senior leadership to translate vision into iterative development cycles, milestones, and releases.

Mission Enablement & Customer Engagement

· Engage directly with DoD, IC, law enforcement, and commercial stakeholders to understand requirements, constraints, and mission importance.

· Conduct trade studies, AoA, cost-benefit analyses, and technical risk assessments to guide decision-making.

· Provide expert insight into cybersecurity domains including SOC operations, threat hunting, ICAM, vulnerability management, risk management, and ATO readiness.

· Serve as a trusted technical advisor in customer meetings, demonstrations, and strategic discussions.

Required Qualifications

· 10+ years of experience in systems architecture, solutions engineering, or senior technical leadership roles.

· Demonstrated experience architecting secure, scalable platforms using modern cloud and DevSecOps methodologies.

· Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, Zero Trust, AI/ML workflows, and high-assurance system design.

· Hands-on experience leading development teams using Agile/DevSecOps practices.

· Experience supporting DoD, IC, or federal cybersecurity programs.

· Proven ability to translate mission needs into technical architectures and actionable development plans.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief executives and customers.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with AI/ML platform integration, data ingestion pipelines, advanced analytics, and UEBA.

· Familiarity with OSCAL, RMF, CMMC, and secure system accreditation processes.

· Prior experience developing solutions for law enforcement, financial intelligence, or global banking environments.

· Certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect, CISSP, CISM, TOGAF, or equivalent.

Salary: 180,000-200,000