Solution Architect at Booz Allen in San Diego, CA

Solution Architect Location: Annapolis Junction, MD Solution Architect The Opportunity: Wireless networks are getting a major upgrade thanks to artificial intelligence. The way our phones, military systems, and connected devices communicate is changing fast, moving from rigid and rule-based networks to smart systems that can adapt on the fly, optimize themselves in real-time, and work reliably even in challenging conditions. We're looking for a lead Solution Architect who can connect the dots between older telecom infrastructure and the latest AI-powered wireless technology. This isn't a behind-the-scenes support job, you're the person who closes deals, advises executives and government leaders, and helps shape the future of wireless systems for defense, intelligence agencies, and businesses. You'll take complex AI concepts, like using powerful graphics processors to handle wireless signals, building intelligent network layers, and deploying AI at the network's edge, and translate them into clear business benefits and real-world impact. You'll design complete solutions that blend existing 5G infrastructure with next-generation AI-powered systems, making sure everything is secure, working together smoothly, and meeting strict government and industry requirements. As the lead Solution Architect, you will shape technical strategies and solution architecture for next-generation AI Radio Access Network (RAN) deployments across government and commercial sectors. You bring deep expertise in legacy telecom systems and hardware-centric RAN engineering while guiding customers through the transition toward AI-accelerated, cloud-native, and Open-RAN-compliant architectures. In this role, you'll serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and government decision-makers. You’ll be technical capture and closer for high-value, complex sales opportunities, a system integrator ensuring interoperability across vendor ecosystems, and a strategic partner influencing product roadmaps and industry standards. Join us. The world can't wait. You Have: Experience architecting hybrid deployments that bridge legacy 4G or 5G infrastructure with next-generation AI-native RAN components, including AI-native PHY or MAC implementations, GPU-accelerated baseband processing, and cloud-native network functions Experience leading technical engagements with senior leadership, government stakeholders, DoD, Intelligence Community, and commercial operators to shape new technology adoption strategies Experience collaborating cross-functionally with product management, engineering, and research teams to align customer needs with technology roadmaps Experience driving and delivering compelling whitepapers, executive briefings, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and architectural workshops Knowledge of assessing and mitigating security implications of AI RAN deployments, including Zero Trust architectures, supply chain security, AI model integrity, and cryptographic integration for classified environments Knowledge of architectural guidance on system integration, security posture, operational readiness, and compliance with Risk Management Framework (RMF), STIGs, and FedRAMP requirements Ability to design solutions addressing interoperability challenges between O-RAN components, proprietary systems, legacy infrastructure, and government-mandated security frameworks Ability to translate sophisticated concepts into quantifiable business value Ability to obtain a Secret clearance HS diploma or GED ​ Nice If You Have: Experience deploying AI or ML models at the network edge or in wireless infrastructure environments, such as inference optimization or edge AI frameworks Experience in government or critical telecom environments, including DoD 5G testbeds or federal civilian agency wireless modernization initiatives Experience in 3GPP working groups, O-RAN Alliance, or other industry standards development organizations Knowledge of cloud-native RAN (vRAN), containerization with Kubernetes, virtualization technologies, and edge computing architectures Knowledge of spectrum sharing technologies, such as CBRS or DSS, and dynamic spectrum access for tactical and commercial deployments Knowledge of next-generation capabilities, including network slicing, Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive IoT Top Secret clearance Master's degree in Wireless Communications, Signal Processing, AI Engineering, ML Engineering, or CS AWS, Azure Solutions Architect, Nokia, Ericsson, or Samsung Certification Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Compensation At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page. Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $112,800.00 to $257,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date. Identity Statement As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. Candidate AI Usage Policy AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided. Work Model Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings. Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility. Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility. Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law. Additional Locations: San Diego, CA