Principal M365 Exchange & Collaboration Architect - Full-time

**Description**  We are seeking a highly experienced **Principal M365 and Exchange Architect** to support a federal customer in designing, operating, and modernizing enterprise collaboration, messaging, and identity platforms. This role provides **architectural leadership and hands-on technical expertise** across Microsoft 365, Exchange (SE and Online), Entra ID, Teams, and hybrid cloud environments in a highly regulated setting. The ideal candidate will function as a **technical authority and trusted advisor** to government stakeholders, leading architecture decisions, large-scale migrations, and platform optimization efforts while ensuring security, compliance, and operational excellence. **Key Responsibilities:** **Architecture & Technical Leadership:** + Serve as the **lead architect** for Microsoft 365, Exchange, and collaboration services in support of a federal customer. + Design and maintain **enterprise reference architectures** , standards, and patterns for hybrid and cloud-based collaboration systems. + Provide architectural guidance aligned with **federal security, compliance, and governance requirements** . + Evaluate Microsoft roadmap features and recommend adoption strategies based on mission needs. **Exchange & Collaboration Services:** + Provide senior-level administration and architectural oversight of **Exchange SE and Exchange Online** environments. + Architect and manage **mail flow, security, compliance, retention, and eDiscovery** solutions. + Lead and support **enterprise migrations** , including hybrid-to-cloud transitions and tenant consolidations. + Architect, configure, and support **Microsoft Teams** deployments, integrations, and lifecycle management. **Identity & Access Management:** + Design and support **hybrid identity solutions** using Entra ID and Entra ID Connect. + Implement and maintain **identity synchronization, access controls, and governance policies** . + Support **conditional access, privileged identity management, and zero trust initiatives** in coordination with security teams. **Automation & Engineering:** + Design and maintain **PowerShell-based automation frameworks** to improve operational efficiency and reliability. + Develop scripts and tools for administration, monitoring, reporting, and compliance validation. + Apply engineering best practices to scripting, version control, and documentation. **Cloud, Virtualization & Infrastructure:** + Support **Azure and VMware environments** hosting collaboration and identity workloads. + Provide guidance on capacity planning, performance optimization, patching, and lifecycle management. + Ensure infrastructure configurations align with architectural standards and security requirements. **Project Delivery & Customer Engagement:** + Act as **technical lead** on task orders, projects, and modernization initiatives. + Collaborate with government stakeholders to translate requirements into implementable technical designs. + Support ServiceNow workflows, including complex incidents, problems, and changes. + Provide technical input to project plans, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies. **Documentation & Compliance:** + Produce and maintain **architecture diagrams, design documents, SOPs, and operational runbooks** . + Support audits, assessments, and compliance activities through accurate documentation. + Contribute to architecture reviews and change control boards. **Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer:** + Mentor junior contractor staff and provide technical escalation support. + Promote knowledge transfer and operational continuity for government personnel. **Qualifications**  **Required Qualifications:** **Experience:** + **10+ years** of enterprise experience supporting Microsoft Exchange, M365, and identity platforms. + Demonstrated experience in **architecting and supporting large-scale, hybrid environments.** + Experience supporting **federal or highly regulated customers** preferred. **Technical Skills:** + Expert knowledge of **Exchange SE and Exchange Online.** + Strong experience with **Entra ID and Entra ID Connect.** + Hands-on administration and architecture experience with **Microsoft Teams.** + Advanced **PowerShell scripting** skills; working knowledge of Python. + Experience with **Azure** and **VMware** environments. + Familiarity with email security platforms such as **Trellix.** **Security & Clearance:** + Must be a **U.S. Citizen.** + Ability to obtain and maintain a **Tier 4 Public Trust clearance.** **Soft Skills:** + Strong written and verbal communication skills. + Proven ability to work directly with government customers. + Strong time management and multitasking skills. **Preferred Qualifications:** + Microsoft certifications (Exchange, M365, or Azure Solutions Architect). + Experience leading **enterprise migrations and modernization efforts.** + Familiarity with **ITIL-based service delivery models.** **Work Environment:** + **100% remote** , with a preference to reside in the **DC/DMV area** for occasional on-site support. + Supportive, mission-focused environment with opportunities to lead high-impact initiatives. Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. REQNUMBER: T2601315 SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability