Senior Solutions Architect – Government Systems

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop the overall architecture blueprint and technology roadmap for system modernization, covering application, data, integration, and infrastructure architectures.
• Analyze the existing systems and data flows; design integration strategies to connect new platforms with legacy systems and external databases (state and federal) for seamless data sharing.
• Select and recommend appropriate technology stacks (platforms, frameworks, databases) that fit project requirements, emphasizing a modular, “best-fit” approach for each component.
• Ensure the solution’s design adheres to security and compliance requirements (e.g., NIST, FedRAMP, State security policies), with robust identity management, data encryption, and role-based access controls from the outset.
• Architect cloud-ready and scalable solutions (or hybrid on-prem/cloud as appropriate) to handle high volumes of permit data and documents, with strategies for high availability and disaster recovery.
• Define API and integration standards for connecting the platform with other systems (e.g. GIS services, document management, payment processing), ensuring interoperability and data consistency.
• Provide technical oversight during implementation: review system designs and code, guide engineering teams in aligning development with the established architecture, and address any technical challenges or deviations.
• Incorporate modern technologies such as AI-driven tools or workflow automation into the architecture where they add value (e.g., AI document review, RPA for routine tasks), ensuring they are implemented in a secure and effective manner.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, business analysts, and UX designers to ensure the technical solutions align with user requirements and provide excellent user experience.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and public sector IT trends, and proactively recommend innovations that could improve system performance, maintainability, or user satisfaction.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in software development and architecture, with at least 5 years in a solutions architect or lead architect role.
• Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale systems, preferably within government or other regulated industries (e.g., finance, healthcare).
• Deep understanding of enterprise architecture principles and patterns (modular design, microservices, SOA, etc.), as well as hands-on knowledge of integration techniques (RESTful APIs, message queues, ETL).
• Expertise in designing secure systems; knowledgeable about government security standards and compliance frameworks (such as NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, FISMA) and how to apply them in system architecture.
• Proficiency with cloud platforms and architectures (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud), including designing cloud-native applications and using cloud services for databases, storage, and monitoring.
• Experience with identity and access management, authentication protocols, and data encryption methods suitable for protecting sensitive government data.
• Strong understanding of database design (both SQL and NoSQL) and data architecture, including data governance and sharing across agencies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of translating complex business requirements into functional technical designs.
• Effective communication and leadership skills to articulate architectural decisions to both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience specifically with government permitting, licensing, or regulatory systems architecture.
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, FEAF) and modeling tools.
• Prior involvement in IT modernization projects that included the use of emerging technologies (AI/ML, robotic process automation, GIS integrations) in a government context.
• Knowledge of Section 508 and WCAG accessibility standards to ensure architectural decisions support building accessible user interfaces.
• Certification such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Professional Cloud Architect, or Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect.
• Experience implementing DevSecOps or CI/CD pipelines in an enterprise environment, and knowledge of containerization/orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Understanding of state procurement and IT approval processes (to assist in technology acquisition and compliance documentation).
• Public sector consulting experience or direct work in a government IT department is a plus, bringing insight into governmental processes and constraints.