Reference Architect

Akima, LLC•Springfield, MO

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Suvi is looking to fill critical Information Technology based positions for our customer with the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) located in Springfield, VA. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities: outstanding customer service, expertise/knowledge in the required field, dedication to the mission and strong work ethic. Suvi is in search of a dedicated IT professional to join our family as the Reference Architect for our TSA Enterprise Architecture Support Team. The Reference Architect serves as the primary authority on architectural standards, principles, and reusable reference models within the customer Enterprise Architecture program under the EASS contract. Reporting to the Lead Architect and Program Lead while directly supporting the Architecture & Data Management Branch (ADMB), this role ensures consistency, compliance, and reusability across all TSA programs and projects. The Reference Architect maintains and enforces architectural principles and reference architectures to reduce redundancies, enable cross-enterprise collaboration, and support modernization efforts. This position plays a critical role in governance, program/project reviews, and the development of standardized templates that align with FEAF v2.0, DoDAF components, and TSA’s strategic goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
8+ years of progressive experience in Enterprise Architecture, with at least 4 years focused on architectural standards, reference models, and governance.
Strong working knowledge of FEAF v2.0 and DoDAF frameworks.
Demonstrated experience developing and enforcing reference architectures and standards in federal or large-scale IT environments.
Proven ability to conduct architectural reviews and provide governance support (e.g., FITARA, EA review boards).
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance (or higher as required).
Excellent analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting TSA, DHS, or other federal agencies in architectural governance roles.
Familiarity with ServiceNow, Ins-Pi/YouDesign, or other EA modeling tools.
Knowledge of modern architecture patterns (e.g., cloud, microservices, data mesh, Zero Trust).
Certifications such as TOGAF, FEAF, or equivalent standards-focused credentials.
Understanding of TSA-specific domains (e.g., aviation security, TSE, identity management).

Responsibilities

Establish, maintain, and enforce architectural principles, standards, and reference architectures across enterprise, portfolio, and solution levels.
Review assigned TSA programs and projects, applying architectural principles, standards, and reference models in the development of associated artifacts and deliverables.
Assist with maintaining and enforcing architectural principles, standards, and reference architectures through EA governance processes, EA reviews, and Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) related reviews.
Serve as an embedded architect for specific programs/projects as required, providing direct guidance on standards and reference model application.
Support EA governance entities as the Executive Secretariat, including maintaining meeting cadence, notices, invitees, minutes/notes, and follow-up on action items.
Develop and update reference architecture templates, patterns, and guidance documents to promote consistency and reusability of IT assets.
Participate in Analysis of Alternatives (AoAs), gap analyses, and modernization activities to identify opportunities for standardization and reuse.
Ensure all architectural deliverables comply with TSA and DHS policies, FEAF v2.0, DoDAF components, and applicable federal mandates.
Collaborate with the Lead Architect and other domain specialists to integrate reference models into as-is and to-be architectures and enterprise views.
Provide subject matter expertise during technology insertion, procurement reviews, and stakeholder engagements to promote adherence to established standards.