The Strategic Innovation Principal Solution Architect is a senior technologist and innovation leader who provides cross-domain guidance across all key pillars of digital transformation, including Data & Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Adoption, Modern Software Engineering, IT Service Management, and Cybersecurity. This role is central to the organization’s Innovation 2.0 strategy – a formal, mission-focused innovation program designed to embed innovation as a core business capability, accelerate digital transformation, and drive mission outcomes and business growth. The Innovation Capability Lead combines deep technical expertise with broad cross-domain knowledge to design and implement integrated, end-to-end solutions that leverage emerging technologies and best practices across these domains, delivering fast, tangible value to customers through a scalable, platform-based approach. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in federal consulting (GovCon) environments, with a proven track record in technical solution architecture, proposal development, and strategic innovation leadership. This individual must be a servant leader who can collaborate across organizational silos, inspire cross-functional teams, and confidently engage senior government clients and technical stakeholders as a trusted advisor and innovation champion.
Responsibilities
- Innovation Strategy & Leadership: Lead the development and execution of the organization’s innovation strategy aligned with Innovation 2.0 principles, integrating innovation across all business units. Champion an outcome-driven, mission-focused approach emphasizing pragmatic modernization and speed-to-value through agile prototyping, iterative pilots, and timely deployment of new technologies. Ensure innovation initiatives align with corporate strategic priorities, including embedding AI into operations, leveraging reusable solution assets, and delivering measurable mission outcomes.
- Technical Solution Architecture & Domain Expertise: Provide broad technical leadership across digital transformation domains, including data, AI/ML, cloud, software engineering, ITSM, and cybersecurity. Apply systems thinking and a platform mindset to design integrated solutions that holistically combine data architectures, analytics, AI capabilities, cloud services, DevSecOps practices, ITSM processes, and cybersecurity controls. Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, compliant, and sustainable, with built-in governance and responsible AI/data practices. Serve as a senior solution architect guiding complex proposals and internal initiatives while balancing innovation, practicality, and risk management.
- Capability Development & Innovation Execution: Define, build, and package a comprehensive portfolio of signature service offerings and solution accelerators across innovation focus areas. Lead the creation of reusable intellectual capital such as frameworks, accelerators, and tools that integrate people, process, and technology into complete solutions. Conduct ongoing research across AI, cloud, cybersecurity, data analytics, and DevSecOps to maintain state-of-the-art innovation capabilities. Oversee formalization of innovation methodologies, including ISO 56000–aligned processes and structured stage-gate models to mature ideas from concept to delivery.
- Business Development & Growth (GovCon Focus): Serve as a go-to solution architect and technical writer for high-priority federal proposals and capture efforts. Lead or support technical solutioning for RFPs, RFIs, and related solicitations, crafting innovative technical approaches and differentiators that increase win probability. Collaborate with capture teams to embed AI-enabled tools, data insights, and reusable accelerators into proposals. Support pre-sales activities including white papers, capability briefs, and demonstrations. Contribute to continuous improvement of business development processes through AI-driven proposal automation and knowledge base utilization.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a trusted innovation advisor to senior government clients and partners. Communicate complex technical concepts in clear business terms, articulating how innovative solutions address mission challenges and deliver outcomes. Build strong relationships with CXOs, program executives, and technical leaders across federal agencies. Represent the organization’s innovation agenda in customer forums, industry events, and partner engagements with professionalism and credibility.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Servant Leadership: Facilitate collaboration across business units and technical disciplines to ensure innovation efforts are integrated and scalable. Partner with delivery teams, operations, and shared services to embed innovation into existing projects. Mentor and enable communities of practice and subject matter experts across the enterprise. Embody servant leadership by enabling others’ success and fostering a culture of agility, openness, and continuous learning.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.
- Extensive Federal Consulting Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in technical solution development, innovation leadership, or related roles within government contracting or federal consulting environments, with strong understanding of federal IT ecosystems and acquisition processes.
- Business Development & Proposal Expertise: Proven experience leading or contributing to competitive U.S. Government proposal efforts, including strong technical writing, solution architecture, and win strategy development skills.
- Broad Technical Acumen: Cross-domain knowledge in data management and analytics, AI/ML, cloud platforms and services, modern software engineering and DevSecOps, IT service management, and cybersecurity. Deep expertise in at least one domain with the ability to rapidly integrate others.
- Leadership & Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, manage competing priorities, and influence diverse stakeholders. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for executive, business, and technical audiences.
- Education & Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field (Master’s degree preferred). U.S. security clearance (Secret or higher) required.
Preferred
- Experience working within or alongside formal innovation programs or enterprise solution architecture teams in a GovCon environment.
- Familiarity with innovation management frameworks such as ISO 56000, structured idea management, and innovation portfolio governance.
- Postgraduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) and/or industry certifications in cloud, cybersecurity, ITSM, or AI/ML.
- Hands-on experience with AI platforms, cloud architectures, or modern DevSecOps toolchains.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking using methodologies such as Disruption Theory, Jobs-to-Be-Done (JTBD), or three-horizons planning.
- Experience serving as a change agent driving enterprise adoption of new technologies through Centers of Excellence or Communities of Practice.
About Us
Diné Development Corporation (DDC) is a Navajo Nation owned family of companies that provides government agencies and commercial organizations with high-quality IT, professional, environmental, and research and development services. DDC is dedicated to empowering the Navajo Nation and communities we serve.
Benefits
Eligible full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, retirement savings with company match, paid time off, voluntary supplemental benefits, and access to an employee assistance program. The package also includes educational assistance, with tuition reimbursement.
EEO Statement
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation, or any other basis prohibited by law. We participate in E-Verify.
