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Defense & Space, Cybersecurity, Information Technology Services, Government Contracting

IT Strategist

Arlington, VAOnsiteContract$170,000–$200,000 /yrPosted 2 days ago

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Required skills

  • TS/SCI
  • SIPRNet VDI
  • Commercial SCIFs
  • CWAN
  • Zero Data Footprint
  • Type-1 encryption
  • DCSA
  • DIA
  • ATO lifecycle
  • ICD 705 SCIF build-outs

Nice to have

  • PMP
  • DoD 8140/8570 compliance
  • Security+
  • CISSP
  • CISM
  • AWS Secret/Top Secret

Role summary

Dark Wolf is seeking an IT Strategist to drive strategy and execution for TS/SCI networks, SIPRNet VDI, and Cross Domain Solutions (CDS). This hybrid role requires deep knowledge of agency classified network engineering, security accreditation, and operational execution, focusing on enabling faster access to classified data. The primary objective is to oversee the strategic implementation of the Commercial Wide Area Network (CWAN) to streamline TS/SCI access for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), transitioning to a contractor-delivered minimum viable product and reducing onboarding timelines. Key responsibilities include managing network architecture, security accreditation (ATO), VDI integration, and ensuring Type-1 encryption and a Zero Data Footprint policy. The role also involves stakeholder integration and future state planning for hosting services.

Dark Wolf is seeking an IT Strategist to support our mission by driving strategy and execution for TS/SCI networks and systems, SIPRNet VDI network and systems architectures, and Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) for commercial SCIFs. The role supports a high-stakes, department-wide transformation effort focused on enabling our customer to access classified data at mission speed through a government-funded, agile, contractor-delivered Minimum Viable Product. The IT Strategist serves as a hybrid operator with deep knowledge of agency classified network engineering, security accreditation, vendor accountability, and on-the-ground operational execution. The primary objective of this role is to oversee the strategic implementation of the Commercial Wide Area Network (CWAN) to streamline Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) access for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). The Senior IT Strategist will guide the paradigm shift from a government-funded infrastructure to a commercial fee-for-service model. The IT strategist will lead the Classified Infrastructure as a Service (CIaaS) Pilot, focusing on rapid capability delivery. The core scope involves reducing the current 12 to 24-month site onboarding timeline to under 3 months by transitioning to a contractor-delivered minimum viable product. The strategist will also ensure the architecture strictly adheres to a Zero Data Footprint policy, guaranteeing that no classified data resides at the contractor facility.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Network Architecture Oversight: Direct the establishment of IC Exchange Points (ICX) utilizing high-speed peering to connect contractor network backbones across Eastern, Central, and Western geographic regions.
  • Security & Accreditation: Manage the implementation of a single, scalable Authority to Operate (ATO) that covers all global kiosks, ensuring new sites require only administrative updates rather than new ATO cycles.
  • VDI Implementation: Supervise the integration of government-controlled peering connected to a contractor Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) network.
  • Encryption Standards: Validate that all commercial transport network connections utilize mandatory Type-1 encryption.
  • Stakeholder Integration: Empower the contractor to operate as the industry Program Management Office (PMO), serving as the single accountability interface between government stakeholders and the DIB.
  • Future State Planning: Authorize and evaluate future hosting services, including the implementation of centralized Virtual Resource Hosting Clusters for industry contract performance.

    • Required Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of tactical and strategic project management experience within the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, or Defense Industrial Base.
  • Extensive operational experience working with DCSA and DIA; Intelligence Community experience is a plus.
  • Deep working proficiency with the Risk Management Framework (RMF), the ATO lifecycle, and ICD 705 SCIF build-outs.
  • Practical understanding of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), secure cloud environments, Type-1 encryption transport, and modern software development lifecycles.
  • Proven ability to manage concurrent, multi-layered projects involving hardware deployment, facility construction, and complex IT network activations under tight deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical, cybersecurity, accreditation, and operational concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • US Citizenship and currently possess a Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility

    • Desired Qualifications:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP).
  • Agile/Scrum certification, or DoD 8140/8570 compliance certification such as Security+, CISSP, or CISM.
  • Familiarity with classified cloud architectures such as AWS Secret/Top Secret or Microsoft Azure Government Secret.

    • The salary range for this position is $170,000.00 - $200,000.00 commensurate on experience and technical skillset.

    We are strictly looking for direct, full-time W2 employees. We do not engage with third-party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 independent contractors for this role.

    We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity, confirm US Citizenship, and complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.

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