Resident Solution Architect

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Resident Solutions Architect (RSA) to support a next‑generation data and AI modernization program for a federal‑focused enterprise customer. This position is 100% on‑site in McLean, VA. The RSA will work directly with customer engineering teams to design, build, and operationalize large‑scale data platforms, distributed compute environments, and AI‑driven applications. This role is ideal for a senior data engineer or architect who thrives in customer‑facing engagements and enjoys solving complex technical challenges across cloud, analytics, and big‑data ecosystems.

ACTIVE DHS EOD CLEARANCE REQUIRED

Primary Responsibilities:
• Lead short‑ and medium‑term customer engagements focused on data engineering, analytics, and cloud architecture

• Design and implement scalable reference architectures, data pipelines, and distributed compute solutions

• Guide customers through modernization efforts, migrations, and end‑to‑end deployment of big‑data and AI workloads

• Provide architectural consulting, technical design guidance, and best practices for successful platform adoption

• Deliver hands‑on development using Python or Scala, including Spark‑based distributed processing

• Support integration of cloud services across AWS, Azure, or GCP environments

• Provide escalated technical support for customer operational issues and drive rapid resolution

• Collaborate with project managers, architects, and engineering teams to ensure all technical deliverables meet customer requirements

• Contribute to CI/CD workflows, production deployment strategies, and MLOps practices

• Document architectures, whiteboard solutions, and communicate technical concepts clearly to stakeholders

• Maintain billable utilization targets while delivering exceptional customer service and technical execution


Required Qualifications:
• U.S. citizenship, Active DHS EOD Clearance

• 6+ years of experience in data engineering, data platforms, or analytics

• Strong coding proficiency in Python or Scala

• Deep experience with Apache Spark™ and distributed computing concepts

• Working knowledge of at least two major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) with expertise in one

• Experience designing and deploying end‑to‑end data architectures

• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and production deployment workflows

• Working knowledge of MLOps concepts and tooling

• Experience delivering technical projects, managing scope, and meeting timelines

• Strong documentation, whiteboarding, and communication skills

• Experience working directly with customers, including conflict resolution and expectation management

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or equivalent experience

• Ability to travel up to 30% as needed


Preferred Experience (Not Required):
• Experience with modern data lakehouse architectures or similar platforms

• Background in consulting, professional services, or customer‑facing engineering roles

• Experience with large‑scale data migrations or modernization initiatives

• Familiarity with data governance, security, and compliance frameworks

• Strong troubleshooting and performance optimization skills across distributed systems


Compensation & Benefits:
• Competitive salary range (depending on experience and location zone)

• Eligibility for annual performance bonus and equity programs

• Comprehensive benefits package including PTO, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and sick leave

• On‑site work in McLean, VA with potential travel flexibility