Principal Solutions Architect at ICF in Washington, DC

Principal Solutions Architect
Location: Washington, DC
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider that partners with government and commercial clients to solve their most complex challenges. Our federal division helps agencies modernize legacy systems, harness data and AI, and deliver mission outcomes for the public they serve. We combine deep domain expertise with engineering rigor and human-centered design to build solutions that are secure, scalable, and built to last.
We are seeking a Principal Solutions Architect to serve as a senior technical authority across our federal portfolio. In this role, you will own the technical vision for complex, high-value solutions — translating agency mission needs into architectures that are secure, compliant, cost-effective, and deliverable. You will operate at the intersection of delivery, business development, and client engagement: shaping winning technical approaches during capture and proposal efforts, guiding solution design across active programs, and mentoring architects and engineers as a recognized technical leader.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can move fluently between an agency CIO's office and an engineering whiteboard, and who understands what it takes to design and stand-up systems within the federal environment.
This role will be based in the Washington, DC area as a hybrid position aligned to ICF’s Reston, VA headquarters.
What You Will Do
Define and own end-to-end solution architectures for federal programs spanning cloud modernization, data and analytics, application development, and AI/ML.
Lead technical solutioning for capture and proposal efforts — developing win themes, technical approaches, architecture diagrams, basis-of-estimate inputs, and staffing models that differentiate ICF in competitive procurements.
Serve as the senior technical advisor to federal clients, building trusted relationships with agency CIOs, CTOs, program managers, and technical stakeholders.
Establish architecture standards, reference patterns, and governance practices that drive consistency and reuse across the Federal portfolio.
Guide delivery teams through complex design decisions, technical risk mitigation, and trade-off analysis, ensuring solutions meet performance, security, and compliance requirements.
Architect cloud and hybrid solutions on platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, with attention to FedRAMP, the Authority to Operate (ATO) process, and NIST security frameworks.
Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, data platforms, automation) and define pragmatic adoption strategies for federal clients.
Mentor and develop solution architects and senior engineers, contributing to the growth of ICF's technical community of practice.
Partner with delivery leadership, capture managers, and growth teams to align technical strategy with portfolio and pipeline objectives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
12+ years of progressive experience in solution architecture, software/systems engineering, or technology consulting, including 5+ years architecting enterprise-scale solutions.
Demonstrated experience designing and delivering technology solutions for U.S. Federal government agencies.
Deep expertise in cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, or GCP), including migration, modernization, and cloud-native design.
Proven experience leading technical solutioning on competitive federal proposals and capture efforts.
Working knowledge of federal compliance and security requirements, including FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, ATO processes, and Zero Trust principles.
Strong understanding of modern architecture patterns: microservices, APIs, event-driven design, containerization, DevSecOps, and infrastructure as code.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to executive and non-technical audiences.
U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Active U.S. Government security clearance (Public Trust, Secret, or higher).
Cloud architecture certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert).
Experience with data platforms, analytics, and AI/ML solution design in a federal context.
Familiarity with specific federal mission areas relevant to ICF's portfolio.
Experience contributing to or leading technical volumes in federal proposal responses.
Advanced degree in a relevant technical discipline.
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Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEOpolicy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rightsor our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$191,339.00 - $325,277.00
Reston, VA (VA30)