Resident Solution Architect (CLEARED)

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

Keywords:

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