Cloud Application Architect

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

51d

About The Position

The Cloud Application Architect serves as a key technical leader under the Chief Technology Officer, responsible for designing, modernizing, and integrating complex enterprise applications across state systems. This role ensures application solutions are secure, interoperable, cost-effective, and aligned with statewide technology strategies. The architect collaborates with program areas, technical teams, and vendors to develop roadmaps that support modernization, digital transformation, and mission outcomes.

Requirements

• Deep expertise in designing and modernizing large-scale, resilient applications, focusing on cloud-native architecture principles (e.g., microservices, event-driven, serverless) and effective legacy system modernization strategies.
• Expert proficiency in architecting solutions across leading cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), specifically leveraging their native services for compute, networking, security, and data.
• Mastery in implementing robust API-driven, service-oriented, and microservices architectures, including API gateway management, service mesh technologies, and security best practices for public and private APIs.
• Proficiency in designing solutions using modern development stacks (Java, .NET, Node.js, Python, or Golang) and leveraging DevOps/GitOps principles for continuous delivery and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC).
• Skilled in using industry-standard architecture modeling tools (e.g., ArchiMate, Sparx EA, or similar) to document and communicate architectural decisions effectively.
• Experience in designing effective hybrid and multi-cloud integration models that balance enterprise standards with project agility.
• Strong working knowledge of state and public sector IT environments, including an understanding of procurement processes and unique regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with critical federal and state cybersecurity and risk management frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-53, FISMA, FedRAMP, CMMC), and experience designing compliant systems.
• Knowledge of enterprise data exchange standards relevant to the public sector (e.g., NIEM, HL7, FHIR) and experience with modern messaging/middleware technologies for secure data interoperability.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities with a proven track record of guiding cross-functional teams to consensus on complex architectural challenges.
• Adept at balancing enterprise standards with project agility to drive technical innovation while maintaining governance and security.
• Effective communicator and technical leader, capable of presenting complex architecture roadmaps and technical concepts to both executive stakeholders and development teams.
• Ability to evaluate and modernize legacy applications for scalability, interoperability, and security.
• Ability to assess trade-offs between technology, cost, and long-term maintainability.
• Ability to lead cross-functional architecture initiatives across agencies or divisions.
• Ability to present architectural recommendations clearly to executive decision-makers.
• Ability to drive alignment between business, data, and technical domains.
• Ability to stay current with evolving public sector technology trends, including zero-trust security, cloud migration, and shared platforms.
• Skill in solving problems; in scheduling, testing, installing, and implementing programs; and in troubleshooting computer systems.
• Ability to analyze systems and procedures, to write and revise standards and procedures, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field or equivalent experience on a year for year basis.
• 10+ years of experience in application design and development including 5+ years in a lead or architecture role.
• 5+ years of experience leveraging cloud technologies and DevOps tools
• Experience in enterprise modernization, system integration, and cloud transformation.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications such as TOGAF, AWS/Azure Certified Solutions Architect, or Certified Software Architect are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining application architecture standards, frameworks, and patterns that align with statewide IT strategies.
• Participating in enterprise architecture governance to ensure consistency across systems and agencies.
• Supporting the CTO's modernization roadmap, particularly by assessing legacy applications for cloud readiness and opportunities to enhance interoperability.
• Defining technical reference models and creating reusable solution components to drive standardization and minimize duplication.
• Translating business objectives and requirements into secure, scalable, and sustainable technical solutions.
• Designing and documenting end-to-end architectures that integrate on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Collaborating with Business Architects, Technical Product Managers, and Solution Architects to ensure application designs are aligned with business capabilities and data strategies.
• Ensuring that all solutions comply with accessibility, cybersecurity, and performance requirements.
• Guiding major initiatives by leading technical reviews, orchestrating design sessions, and overseeing project activities.
• Providing expert advice to development teams on the implementation of architecture patterns, frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Offering recommendations for selecting technologies, platforms, and vendors that best meet project requirements while balancing cost-effectiveness.
• Supporting the adoption of DevSecOps and automation practices to enhance delivery efficiency and maintain compliance.
• Embedding security-by-design and privacy-by-default principles throughout all application architectures.
• Ensuring strict adherence to state cybersecurity policies, federal data exchange standards, and NIST frameworks.
• Designing and implementing solutions that support secure data exchange and interoperability among agencies and external partners.
• Working collaboratively with Information Security Officers and Infrastructure teams to identify and mitigate risks, thereby enhancing system resilience.
• Collaborating with business and IT stakeholders to thoroughly understand program objectives and effectively translate these goals into actionable technology outcomes.
• Partnering closely with enterprise architects, data architects, and integration teams to ensure all initiatives are fully aligned with statewide architectural principles.
• Contributing to the creation and refinement of multi-year application modernization roadmaps and migration strategies that drive organizational progress.
• Communicating architectural decisions and the rationale behind technical trade-offs in a way that is accessible to both executive leaders and technical teams.
• Performing other responsibilities as needed to advance the agency’s enterprise data modernization strategy, ensuring flexibility and comprehensive support for evolving organizational priorities.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees