Cloud Application Architect

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

59d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cloud Application Architect serves as a key technical leader under the Chief Technology Office, 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.
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, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more

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