Principal Automation and Intelligence Architect

More About the Role:
Leidos is seeking a Principal-Level Leader to support the Service Management, Integration, and Transport (SMIT) contract, the largest IT services program for the Navy. Under SMIT, the Leidos team delivers the core backbone of the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI), including areas such as cybersecurity services, network operations, service desk, voice & video, messaging & mobility, and data transport. The Leidos team supports the Navy in unifying its shore-based networks and data management to improve capability and service while also striving for cost efficiencies and savings by focusing efforts under one enterprise network.

The newly established Intelligent Automation & Analytics program is dedicated to transforming operational performance within one of our largest, most complex accounts. Operating in a Department of Defense (DoD)-regulated environment, this initiative leverages Agile frameworks, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, Automation toolsets, and cutting-edge AI/ML technologies—including GovCloud large language models—to deliver measurable improvements in speed, quality, and compliance. The leader will guide multi-disciplinary teams and collaborate with executive stakeholders, ensuring continuous improvement practices are embedded throughout the organization. Through proactive innovation, strategic metrics, and secure, data-driven automation, this program aims to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and elevate the overall quality of service provided.

What You'll Get to Do:
•Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Identify, design, and implement initiatives using Agile, Lean Six Sigma, and advanced analytics to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.
•AI/ML Integration: Deploy secure AI/ML solutions, including large language models in GovCloud, to automate complex workflows, predict performance trends, and improve data-driven decision-making.
•Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with diverse teams—ranging from engineering and analytics to security and compliance—to ensure that solutions align with DoD standards and organizational objectives.
•Team Leadership & Mentorship: Directly oversee a small team, providing guidance, setting goals, and fostering professional development to ensure high-quality output and cohesive performance.
•Strategic Metrics & Reporting: Develop and maintain meaningful KPIs, dashboards, and executive briefs that clearly demonstrate improvement outcomes, inform leadership decisions, and guide ongoing refinement.
•Thought Leadership & Mentorship: Serve as a subject matter expert, offering guidance, training, and mentorship to teams, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and best-practice adoption.

You'll Bring These Qualifications:
•Requires B.S. Degree and 12-15 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 10–13 years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain (in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Data Science, Business, or a related field or ten (10) or more years’ experience on programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity).
•Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess an active Secret clearance to start the program.
•Demonstrated success in developing and delivering solutions for highly complex IT infrastructure architectures and strategic plans, ensuring technical alignment and organizational impact.
•Proven experience managing technical projects with Lean and Agile methodologies, enabling continuous improvement, efficient execution, and timely delivery.
•Comprehensive understanding of key IT technologies, systems engineering practices, IT processes, lifecycle methodologies, and IT modernization/transformation initiatives. Skilled in using analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Splunk) and AI/ML frameworks within secure (GovCloud) and compliant (DoD) environments.
•Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) regulations and security standards, integrating compliance considerations into every phase of solution development and delivery.
•Ability to operate effectively within a matrixed organization, providing guidance to direct reports and collaborating with cross-functional teams, peers, subordinates, and executives. Strong analytical, communication, and troubleshooting skills, with the capability to clearly articulate status, strategies, and technical concepts to diverse stakeholders, including C-level customers and program leadership.
•Several years in a technical leadership or advanced individual contributor capacity, focused on process improvement, analytics, and AI/ML integration to drive organizational excellence and innovation.
•Travel up to 10% may be required.

These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have:
•Master’s Degree o