System Architect positions focus on delivering results in their domain. This page aggregates open System Architect roles and what employers typically expect.
Systems Architect (Hybrid Infrastructure & Cloud Migration) About the Role The Systems Architect leads the design, operation, and modernization of a hybrid enterprise IT environment, with responsibility for both the current on-premises data center and its ongoing migration to a cloud architecture. The on-premises environment includes Cisco network switching, enterprise data storage, and virtualized servers. This role will drive the phased migration of these workloads to the cloud while maintaining a stable, secure, and well-documented hybrid environment for the foreseeable future. The Systems Architect designs target-state architectures, plans and executes migration workstreams, and ensures on-prem and cloud components operate cohesively throughout the transition — balancing modernization with the reliability of existing infrastructure. Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid — 2 days onsite) Clearance: Must possess active Top Secret Status: Exempt Responsibilities Design, document, and maintain hybrid architectures spanning on-premises infrastructure (Cisco switching, storage, virtualized servers) and cloud environments. Analyze user and business requirements and translate them into scalable technical designs for both current operations and future-state cloud architecture. Lead migration planning and execution, including workload assessment, sequencing, cloud landing zone design, and data center rationalization. Administer and optimize on-premises network and storage infrastructure, ensuring performance, availability, and security during the migration period. Architect cloud networking and connectivity (VPCs, routing, VPN, transit gateways) to support hybrid operations. Develop governance, security standards, and operational processes spanning both environments, including monitoring, patching, and configuration management. Support integration between infrastructure monitoring tools and ServiceNow to drive automated ticket/task generation for operational issues. Evaluate and recommend improvements for cost optimization, performance, and operational efficiency across on-prem and cloud. Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including architecture diagrams, migration plans, and system designs. Collaborate with stakeholders, engineers, and leadership to resolve technical issues and maintain architectural integrity throughout the migration. Qualifications 8+ years of experience in systems architecture, infrastructure engineering, virtualization, or cloud computing. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Science, or related discipline. Experience with Cisco switching and enterprise network administration. Familiarity with enterprise virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware) and storage systems. Hands-on experience architecting and deploying solutions on AWS/Azure/GCP, including migrating on-prem workloads to the cloud. Experience with infrastructure as code and automation (Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible). Strong understanding of cloud networking, VPCs, routing, load balancers, and hybrid connectivity. Experience with system maintenance, patching, monitoring, and advanced troubleshooting across hybrid environments. Familiarity with ServiceNow or similar ITSM platforms is a plus, particularly around monitoring integration and automated ticketing (not a core requirement). Possess demonstrable experience in at least 3 of the following areas: Cloud architecture, migration, and governance Cisco networking and network security Enterprise storage administration and storage migration to cloud Infrastructure as Code and automation Vulnerability management and security operations IT service management / monitoring integration (e.g., ServiceNow) Server virtualization (e.g., VMware) Certifications An active professional certification in one of the following is required: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or Professional, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or CCNP Enterprise. ServiceNow certificati…