Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Overview

The Chief Technology Officer will be responsible for leading the technical vision, architecture strategy, and modernization roadmap for the USCG VIA Call 1 program. This executive-level position requires a deep understanding of enterprise IT systems, hybrid cloud architecture, cybersecurity frameworks, and platform integration in a highly regulated federal environment. The CTO will serve as the principal technical advisor to the Program Manager and a strategic partner to Coast Guard stakeholders, providing leadership across all engineering domains including infrastructure, software, cybersecurity, and emerging technology initiatives. The ideal candidate has a track record of driving innovation while ensuring compliance, mission alignment, and technical excellence across large-scale IT sustainment and transformation efforts.

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Responsibilities

Position Duties:

• Serve as the primary technical authority for system architecture, modernization planning, and platform engineering efforts.
• Lead the development and execution of the Annual Modernization and Innovation Plan (AMIP), technical baseline documentation, and enterprise engineering roadmaps.
• Oversee system integration strategies across hybrid environments (on-premise, cloud, and afloat platforms), ensuring compliance with DHS and USCG technology and security policies.
• Align solutions with DODAF, TOGAF, and DHS BEARS enterprise architecture standards.
• Provide guidance on Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), FedRAMP, IPv6 migration, automation, and AI/ML adoption across enterprise systems.
• Interface with CGCYBER, USCG C5ISC, and other mission stakeholders to support ATO sustainment, RMF implementation, and cybersecurity modernization.
• Drive innovation adoption through low-code platforms, DevSecOps pipelines, and microservices alignment to DHS Software Factory standards.
• Contribute to risk management, solution reviews, and continuous improvement of technical delivery.

Qualifications

Demonstrated Abilities:

• Leadership experience guiding enterprise technical strategy in large-scale federal IT programs.
• Proven ability to integrate cybersecurity, operations, and engineering in support of mission-aligned goals.
• Expert-level understanding of cloud engineering (AWS, Azure), virtualization, containerization, and secure networking.
• Hands-on experience developing enterprise architectures and modernization plans compliant with DHS or DoD frameworks.
• Skilled in stakeholder communication, technical mentorship, and innovation enablement.

Position Qualifications:

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Systems Architecture, or related technical field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Certifications:

• CISSP – Required
• AWS/Azure Architect – Preferred
• TOGAF or equivalent – Preferred
• DoD 8140/8570 Compliance (e.g., Security+) – Preferred

Clearance:DoD Top Secret – Required (TS/SCI Eligible – Preferred)

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise IT architecture, engineering, or technology strategy.
• 5+ years supporting DHS, DoD, or federal civilian programs.
• Experience leading engineering teams through system modernization, cloud migration, and cybersecurity transformation.
• Familiarity with DHS 4300A/B, CDM, RMF, STIGs, and Zero Trust implementation.

SMS is a dynamic systems integrator established in 1976, delivering talented teams and innovative, cost-effective solutions and services to support our customers’ missions for more than 47 years. Our ability to hire and retain quality people in a rapidly evolving IT market is proven through our employee retention rate averaging over 3 years. At SMS, we place a high value on quality of service, customer satisfaction, and best-of-breed policies and practices, resulting in CMMI Level 3 certification and ISO registrations including 9001:2015, 20000-1:2018, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. 

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.