Solution Architect

Description

Background Information:

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT), provider of cutting-edge cloud-based integration, automated testing and data analysis for complex, mission-critical systems in the US Department of Defense (DOD), is seeking a Solution Architect to be based in our Arlington, VA office. Leveraging advanced software automation, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and AI-driven capabilities, IDT accelerates capability development, enhances operational readiness, and reduces lifecycle costs for the Department of Defense. The company is dedicated to transforming defense systems through innovation, efficiency, and mission-critical results.

Overview:

IDT is seeking a Solution Architect to lead competitive pursuit efforts from opportunity identification through submission. This role focuses on Other Transaction Authority (OTA) proposals, Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and other solicitations from new and emerging DoD customers. The Solution Architect owns the strategy and execution of proposal efforts, including solution design, win strategies, content development, and deadline adherence.

Reporting to the Vice President of Business Development, the Solution Architect will collaborate closely with the corporate business development team and IDT Business Areas to drive strategic growth through targeted competitive captures.

The ideal candidate is a well-organized self-starter with a proven track record of winning competitive OTAs and other complex DoD solicitations. Success in this role will be measured by the volume of qualified bids submitted, win rates on assigned pursuits, and direct contributions to major capture outcomes.

All applicants must be able to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the full lifecycle of competitive pursuits (OTAs, BAAs, RFIs, and other solicitations) from identification through submission.
• Develop and lead technical solutions, win strategies, and discriminators aligned to customer needs and IDT's core capabilities.
• Translate government problem statements into compelling, evaluable solution narratives and architectures.
• Engage with Program Managers, SMEs, Finance, and Contracts teams to integrate technical, cost, and contractual inputs.
• Coordinate with Proposal Content Developers to ensure clear, compliant, and visually supported proposal responses.
• Ensure all proposal submissions are timely, compliant, and aligned with customer expectations.
• Conduct technical debrief analyses and lessons learned to drive continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the maintenance of proposal templates, content repositories, and business development process documentation.
• Lead and support internal capture and proposal reviews (gate reviews, color teams) throughout the business development lifecycle.
• Represent the company in technical discussions during pre-solicitation engagements, white paper phases, and customer briefings.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to overall team development and process maturity.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in technical discipline or equivalent full time professional experience; Masters Degree preferred
• 10+ years industry experience

Required skills:

• Proven experience pursuing, leading, and winning DoD proposals, especially through OTAs, DIU, or BAA/RFI submissions.
• Strong technical writing and storytelling skills tailored to government acquisition audiences.
• Ability to create integrated technical solutions involving software, systems engineering, or hardware development.
• Experience distilling win themes and customer hot buttons from solicitations and market research.
• Working knowledge of DoD acquisition models, especially non-traditional pathways.
• Ability to manage multiple pursuits with tight and overlapping deadlines.
• Familiarity with proposal compliance standards (e.g., Section L/M mapping, evaluation criteria).
• Excellent interpersonal skills for effective collaboration across technical and business teams.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.

Preferred skills:

• Familiarity with AI-enabled proposal tools (e.g., LLM-driven content generators).
• Experience submitting proposals through OTA consortiums (e.g., AMTC, TReX II, NSTXL, NSTIC, DIU).
• Background in a small to mid-size government contractor environment.
• Ability to lead solution visualizations or develop technical graphics in collaboration with design support.
• Training or experience with Shipley or similar proposal development methodologies.

Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Sees the big picture and aligns proposals with broader customer and company objectives.
• Solution Development: Creative problem solver with strong engineering and mission understanding.
• Communication: Translates complex concepts into clear, compelling content for government evaluators.
• Proactive Leadership: Takes full ownership of assigned pursuits and continually improves processes based on feedback and results.
• Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic environments with shifting priorities and rapid turnarounds.
• Collaboration: Works seamlessly with internal stakeholders to integrate diverse expertise into cohesive proposals.
• Customer Orientation: Understands mission needs and tailors solutions to address both stated and unstated customer priorities.
• Continuous Improvement: Seeks feedback and lessons learned to refine proposal development over time.

EEO Statement:

IDT is an Equal Opportunity employer.