Chief Architect – Critical Infrastructure Solutions

Remote, West Coast Preferred | Full-Time, Salaried | Up to 75% Travel

Are you the person teams call when a complex infrastructure design needs a decision, a customer needs a clear technical answer, or a field team runs into a problem the drawings didn’t anticipate?

Our client is a growing infrastructure services organization supporting commercial, government, defense, and maritime customers. They’re looking for a Chief Architect to set the technical direction for their critical infrastructure business, from data centers and telecom facilities to military and commercial shipboard environments.

Reporting directly to the CTO, you’ll serve as the senior technical authority for architecture, engineering standards, and solution development. You’ll help customers define what they need, guide teams through complex design decisions, and work with Operations and Field Management to make sure those designs can be built, tested, and maintained in the field.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Set the technical direction and engineering standards for a growing critical infrastructure business

• Work across data centers, telecom facilities, enterprise networks, and shipboard systems

• Get involved early in customer conversations and shape solutions before they reach the field

• Mentor engineers, technical leads, and field teams across geographically dispersed projects

• Partner directly with the CTO to evaluate emerging technologies and determine which capabilities to build next

The Infrastructure You’ll Shape

• Data center and enterprise network infrastructure

• Telecommunications facilities and central offices

• Fiber optic and copper structured cabling systems

• Racks, cabinets, network equipment, and supporting power distribution

• Military and commercial shipboard infrastructure

What You’ll Do

• Define the architecture, design guidelines, and engineering standards teams use across projects

• Review and validate technical drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and installation methods

• Lead technical discovery with customers and translate their requirements into designs, scopes, estimates, and implementation plans

• Partner with Business Development on technical proposals, RFP responses, and customer presentations

• Work with Operations, Project Management, and Field Management to carry design intent through planning, installation, testing, and closeout

• Lead technical escalations and root-cause reviews, then use what teams learn in the field to improve future designs and installation practices

• Develop technical talent through mentoring, training, and clear expectations for skills and certifications

• Set expectations for technical reviews, documentation, and quality assurance so designs meet applicable industry, safety, security, and customer requirements

What We’re Looking For

• 15+ years of experience in critical infrastructure, data centers, telecommunications, network architecture, structured cabling, or a related technical environment

• At least 7 years in senior technical leadership, architecture, engineering management, or a comparable technical authority role

• Experience developing and overseeing infrastructure solutions for data centers, telecom facilities, central offices, enterprise networks, or shipboard environments

• Advanced knowledge of fiber and copper cabling, network equipment installation, and supporting power systems

• Strong working knowledge of applicable TIA/EIA, BICSI, NEC, and MIL-STD standards

• Experience reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, system designs, and technical documentation

• Ability to explain complex technical decisions to customers and guide teams across engineering, operations, and project management

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant technical planning and documentation tools

Especially Interesting Backgrounds

• BICSI RCDD or Technician certification, Fluke CCTT, or manufacturer certifications from providers such as CommScope, Leviton, or Panduit

• NAVSEA Cableway or other shipboard infrastructure experience

• Experience supporting the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Department of Defense, or other military and government customers

• Prior military experience in a technical specialty

• Networking, safety, or project and service management credentials such as CCNA, Network+, OSHA 30, NFPA 70E, PMP, or ITIL

• A degree in electrical or computer engineering, telecommunications, IT, or a related field. Equivalent relevant experience is considered.

Location & Travel

This is a remote role with a West Coast preference. The position requires up to 75% domestic and international travel, a valid passport, and the ability to obtain a security clearance when required.

If you want to stay close to complex technical work while setting the standards and developing the people who deliver it, this could be an excellent next step.