Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

The Chief Technology Officer will be responsible for leading the technical vision, architecture strategy, and modernization roadmap for the USCG VIA Call 1 program. This executive-level position requires a deep understanding of enterprise IT systems, hybrid cloud architecture, cybersecurity frameworks, and platform integration in a highly regulated federal environment. The CTO will serve as the principal technical advisor to the Program Manager and a strategic partner to Coast Guard stakeholders, providing leadership across all engineering domains including infrastructure, software, cybersecurity, and emerging technology initiatives. The ideal candidate has a track record of driving innovation while ensuring compliance, mission alignment, and technical excellence across large-scale IT sustainment and transformation efforts.

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Responsibilities

Position Duties:

• Serve as the primary technical authority for system architecture, modernization planning, and platform engineering efforts.
• Lead the development and execution of the Annual Modernization and Innovation Plan (AMIP), technical baseline documentation, and enterprise engineering roadmaps.
• Oversee system integration strategies across hybrid environments (on-premise, cloud, and afloat platforms), ensuring compliance with DHS and USCG technology and security policies.
• Align solutions with DODAF, TOGAF, and DHS BEARS enterprise architecture standards.
• Provide guidance on Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), FedRAMP, IPv6 migration, automation, and AI/ML adoption across enterprise systems.
• Interface with CGCYBER, USCG C5ISC, and other mission stakeholders to support ATO sustainment, RMF implementation, and cybersecurity modernization.
• Drive innovation adoption through low-code platforms, DevSecOps pipelines, and microservices alignment to DHS Software Factory standards.
• Contribute to risk management, solution reviews, and continuous improvement of technical delivery.

Qualifications

Demonstrated Abilities:

• Leadership experience guiding enterprise technical strategy in large-scale federal IT programs.
• Proven ability to integrate cybersecurity, operations, and engineering in support of mission-aligned goals.
• Expert-level understanding of cloud engineering (AWS, Azure), virtualization, containerization, and secure networking.
• Hands-on experience developing enterprise architectures and modernization plans compliant with DHS or DoD frameworks.
• Skilled in stakeholder communication, technical mentorship, and innovation enablement.

Position Qualifications:

Education:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Systems Architecture, or related technical field required; Master's degree preferred.

Certifications:

• CISSP - Required
• AWS/Azure Architect - Preferred
• TOGAF or equivalent - Preferred
• DoD 8140/8570 Compliance (e.g., Security+) - Preferred

Clearance:
DoD Top Secret - Required (TS/SCI Eligible - Preferred)

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise IT architecture, engineering, or technology strategy.
• 5+ years supporting DHS, DoD, or federal civilian programs.
• Experience leading engineering teams through system modernization, cloud migration, and cybersecurity transformation.
• Familiarity with DHS 4300A/B, CDM, RMF, STIGs, and Zero Trust implementation.

SMS is a dynamic systems integrator established in 1976, delivering talented teams and innovative, cost-effective solutions and services to support our customers' missions for more than 47 years. Our ability to hire and retain quality people in a rapidly evolving IT market is proven through our employee retention rate averaging over 3 years. At SMS, we place a high value on quality of service, customer satisfaction, and best-of-breed policies and practices, resulting in CMMI Level 3 certification and ISO registrations including 9001:2015, 20000-1:2018, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States.

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employmen t without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.