Solutions Architect, Microsoft 365, Azure, Identity and Zero Trust

Aardwolf Consulting LLC is hiring a Solutions Architect to support a federal agency client in downtown Washington, DC. We need a true architect who designs durable, long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. You will own the architecture and the plan, and an existing delivery team will execute it. The role covers the agency's Microsoft 365, Azure, identity, and zero-trust architecture, with a focus on automation and practical AI enablement. This is an individual contributor role responsible for technical design, standards, and delivery.

Work arrangement:

- Full-time, on-site 5 days a week in downtown Washington, DC for at least the first 6 months.

- Some remote flexibility may be possible later at the client's discretion.

- Candidates must be local to the DC area.

What you'll do:

- Design and implement Microsoft 365 solutions (Entra ID, Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) and Azure environments.

- Architect and configure Okta identity integrations, SSO, MFA, and lifecycle management alongside Entra ID.

- Design and maintain Zscaler (or equivalent) zero-trust network access, internet security, and private access configurations.

- Build automation for provisioning, configuration, monitoring, and operations using PowerShell, Azure Automation, Logic Apps, and Microsoft Graph.

- Expand practical AI capabilities in the Microsoft ecosystem (Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure OpenAI, and related tools) with appropriate security, data protection, and governance controls.

- Create and maintain architecture standards, reference designs, and technical documentation.

- Support FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, FISMA, and agency security control implementation.

- Perform hands-on configuration, integration, and troubleshooting, and partner with security, operations, and application teams on designs, migrations, and integrations.

- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

- 7+ years of hands-on experience with enterprise Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.

- Strong practical experience with Entra ID, Azure (IaaS, PaaS, networking, identity, security), Okta or an equivalent identity platform, and Zscaler ZIA/ZPA or a comparable zero-trust/SASE solution.

- Demonstrated automation experience with PowerShell, Azure Automation, Logic Apps, Microsoft Graph, or equivalent.

- Experience implementing AI features in Microsoft 365 or Azure with attention to security and data controls.

- Solid knowledge of zero-trust principles, identity and access management, and federal frameworks (NIST, FedRAMP, FISMA).

- Clear technical design, standards, and documentation skills.

- U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or appropriate federal clearance.

Preferred:

- Microsoft certifications (Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft 365, or Security).

- Federal agency or highly regulated environment experience.

- Infrastructure-as-code, endpoint management (Intune), or related security tooling.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

- Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with the company paying a majority of premiums for you and your family

- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions

- Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare and limited-purpose FSA)

- Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

- Company-paid short- and long-term disability

- 401(k) with company match

- Paid time off plus 12 federal holidays