Application Architect

Application ArchitectLocation: Harrisburg, PA Work Arrangement: 100% On-site at 400 North St | Harrisburg, PA 17120 Schedule: 8 hours/day, 5 days/week Interview: Virtual Contract: 08/03/2026 - 07/03/2027. Historically, these roles are extended for an additional year. Visas Accepted: USC, GC, GC EAD, H1BRole OverviewThe Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) seeks an Application Architect with deep .NET and SQL Server expertise to design and modernize Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) applications and provide enterprise solution architecture across Microsoft and Java-based platforms, ensuring secure, scalable, maintainable and reusable application solutions. This role leads the adoption of AI-augmented development: advanced GitHub Copilot usage across teams while accelerating delivery while upholding security, WCAG accessibility, and regulatory compliance.Primary ResponsibilitiesArchitect secure, scalable.NET (C#/ASP.NETCore) applications and SQL Server solutions using clean architecture, DDD, and performance optimization patterns.Develop enterprise solution architectures that span multiple applications, services, APIs, databases and integration platforms while ensuring long-term maintainability and scalability.Design data models, advanced T-SQL (stored procedures, indexing, partitioning, Query Store tuning), and HA/DR strategies for high-volume transactional systems.Define integration strategies for enterprise systems including REST APIs, messaging authentication, and data exchange between Microsoft, IBM and third-party platforms.Drive adoption of GitHub Copilot for.NET development), including custom instructions, prompt engineering, and AI-assisted refactoring and automated code reviews, documentation and testing.Produce architecture diagrams, and technical specs; lead design reviews; mentor teams on.NET patterns and Copilot best practices.Establish architecture standards, coding standards, reusable design patterns, and technical best practices across development teams.Ensure solutions meet Commonwealth IT security policies, WCAG 2.2 accessibility, PII protection, and zero-trust principles in a regulated utility environment.Lead the application modernization technical design efforts to migrate legacy Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) applications into cloud native applications.Develop modernization roadmaps, evaluate technical debt and recommend phased migration strategies.Design and implement modern software delivery practices including source control strategies, branching models, CI/CD pipelines, automated deployments, environment management and DevSecOps practices.Evaluate emerging technologies, frameworks and commercial software products to provide recommendations aligned with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's (PUC's) long-term technology strategy.Provide technical leadership during project planning, estimation, POC's and architecture review sessions.Required Technical SkillsSoftware engineeringApplication/Solution Architect on enterprise .NET and SQL Server projects in complex environments.Expert-level C#, ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework Core, Web API, and modern.NET practices (clean architecture, minimal APIs, DI, async/await patterAdvanced SQL Server: complex T-SQL optimization, execution plans, indexing strategies, security (RLS, DDM), and Always On availability groups.Daily professional experience with GitHub Copilot for.NET/C# development, including advanced configuration and team enablement.Proven hands-on experience converted data from legacy systems to modernization application data models.Strong secure SDLC, Entra ID/managed identities, API security, and enterprise governance experience; excellent communication and stakeholder skills.Public sector, utilities, or regulated industry experience with strict compliance and accessibility mandates.Familiarity with legacy modernization, IBM FileNet/BAW; Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert or equivalent certifications