Solutions Architect

Axle • Bethesda, MD

2d • $117,000 - $121,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Axle is seeking a Solutions Architect to support the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. The role supports applications that help NHLBI/DIR scientists and laboratories manage research workflows and clinical protocol data. It includes developing and supporting custom Microsoft Power Platform applications, building reporting and analytics capabilities, creating prototypes and frameworks for future applications, and advising NHLBI leadership on emerging technologies, machine learning, cybersecurity, and modernization opportunities that support scientific discovery and the Institute’s research mission.

The position combines technical architecture and software delivery with strategic, operational, and advisory support. The Solutions Architect will guide architectural design and implementation, apply Agile practices throughout the software development lifecycle, conduct assessments and analyses, and recommend improvements to processes, systems, and organizational performance. The role also includes coordinating with NIH staff and other professionals, supporting compliance and application operations, advising executives and senior managers, and communicating project progress and technology recommendations.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of overall software engineering experience.
• At least 5 years of experience as a Solutions Architect in a technical lead position.
• Advanced experience in strategy design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Proven expertise creating customized reports and dashboards for organizational analytics and decision-making.
• Knowledge of Computer Engineering, General Engineering, software, Microsoft Power Platform, Power BI, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including investigating and responding to inquiries about policies and operational issues.
• Proficiency in Agile software development methodology and best practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience troubleshooting production and technical issues through root-cause analysis, risk management, and remediation.
• In-depth functional knowledge of processes supporting scientific research organizations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and consultatively with staff, management, and other professionals in a results-oriented environment.
• Experience collaborating with technical and nontechnical professionals to develop recommendations for current and future initiatives.
• Experience coordinating, advancing, and supporting professional development and research activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support custom Microsoft Power Platform applications, including Model-driven and Canvas Power Apps, for scientists and laboratories across areas such as budget management, expense tracking, space alteration management, recruitment and onboarding, travel, personnel management, credential tracking, reporting, and clinical protocol data analytics.
• Use Agile software development methodology and best practices throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Design architectural diagrams and Power Apps solutions with attention to performance, security, and scalability.
• Design and build prototypes and frameworks for future applications.
• Conduct needs assessments and develop recommendations to improve current operations.
• Provide strategic management planning and execution, business management, process improvement, metric assessment, acquisition planning, program management, and governance support.
• Analyze current processes and develop strategies to improve them.
• Provide advisory services on administrative management and operational support issues for the Division.
• Lead and coordinate strategic direction and planning for the program.
• Conduct current-state assessments and gap analyses; define target states and develop execution strategies, roadmaps, and project schedules.
• Provide analyses, evaluations, technical assessments, feedback, and support for planning and implementation activities.
• Recommend efficiency and continuous process improvements, and plan and implement solutions to address gaps and improve performance.
• Perform unit, integration, and functional testing, including testing of system upgrades and patches, to support error-free deployment.
• Collaborate with technical and nontechnical professionals to develop recommendations for current and future initiatives.
• Provide counsel on data reporting and formatting.
• Advise executives and senior managers on issues related to support of divisions and centers.
• Work with NIH staff and other professionals to maintain applications’ Authority to Operate and ensure Section 508 compliance.
• Represent organizational needs at NHLBI and NIH technical working groups and committees.
• Advise management and staff on new strategies and sensitive, complex, or technically challenging issues; recommend proactive approaches.
• Build and guide individual project plans for prioritized initiatives and track their status.
• Align proposed changes with service delivery and organizational development objectives.
• Review plans for future programs and help define the target state for organizational processes, tools, and technology.
• Oversee strategic directions for project aspects, including an RDoC strategic plan.
• Report project progress through clear, concise verbal and email communications.
• Advise management on industry and technology trends and platform evolution, and propose new initiatives.
• Develop and implement programs for specific audiences, and provide broad support for the Institute’s strategic and tactical agenda, including executive-level interfacing.
• Identify solutions to barriers and needs, respond to scientific opportunities, and develop collaborative solutions.
• Research and analyze strategic planning, policies, risks, and deployment of assets; respond to related inquiries.
• Develop dynamic web-based and educational content with staff.
• Lead or participate in working groups, meetings, and conferences.
• Identify Institute-wide digital strategy and target audiences, and translate the strategy into user-friendly interfaces and content, features, and functionality appropriate for each audience.
• Provide specifications and guidance for defining, managing, and delivering solutions.
• Respond to inquiries about Power Platform policies, security, operations, technology, and infrastructure.
• Track technology and research modernization, replacement, and upgrade requirements for Power Platform systems and applications supporting DIR workflows.
• Coordinate and support professional development, training, technical documentation, and research activities related to Power Platform operations.
• Meet with laboratory members weekly to present updates.

Benefits

• 100% medical coverage for employees
• 100% dental coverage for employees
• 100% vision coverage for employees
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) match up to 5%
• Educational benefits for career growth
• Employee referral bonus
• Healthcare flexible spending account
• Parking reimbursement account
• Dependent care assistance program
• Transportation reimbursement account

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed