Applications Architect

Opportunity Overview 

Northramp is seeking a Applications Architect to join the team supporting the client's Cloud program — a mission-critical effort to consolidate, modernize, and operate the client's enterprise cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments under FedRAMP High authorization. 

You will design, engineer, and oversee the development of application-layer solutions within the client's cloud-hosted enterprise environment. The role bridges enterprise architecture, cloud infrastructure, and software development — ensuring application platforms support the client’s CI/CD DevOps model, mission-critical workloads, and the growing portfolio of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS systems. 

This role is part of Northramp's integrated delivery model, where engineers and advisors work as one team to bring sound judgment, disciplined execution, and deep federal experience to high-stakes modernization programs. 

Location & Work Arrangement 

Hybrid, based in the Washington, DC metro area. On-site presence at designated client locations is expected on a cadence aligned to program needs. Remote work is supported around mission and security requirements. This role is not open to candidates outside the DC region. 

The Ideal Candidate 

You have led application architecture in federal cloud environments, you can move easily between microservices design, container strategy, and SaaS integration patterns, and you have shipped systems that meet FedRAMP High and FISMA controls. You are comfortable mentoring developers and supporting SELC reviews with senior government personnel. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Design and govern application architectures supporting the client's CI/CD pipeline model across development, testing, pre-production, and production environments on FedRAMP High-authorized CCBs. 

• Architect and oversee deployment of PaaS development platforms supporting Python, PowerShell, R, .Net, Java, Ruby, Node JS, and PHP per SOO Section 4.1.7. 

• Design microservices and containerized application architectures leveraging Server Containerization Services (SCS) with Docker, Kubernetes, and Pivotal Cloud Foundry; integrate with Virtual Load Balancers and IAM. 

• Lead architecture for serverless compute (SOO Section 4.1.12), Message Queuing Services (MQS), and Publish/Subscribe Notification services supporting event-driven workflows. 

• Design and integrate AI/ML platform capabilities (SOO Section 4.1.8) for data-driven application development and automated decision-making. 

• Oversee architecture of SaaS integrations — including CRM and Service Desk Management platforms — with client's Active Directory and Microsoft Office 365. 

• Collaborate with Cloud Architects and Systems Engineers to align application architectures with network, security, and infrastructure designs including FESS and TIC 3.0. 

• Assess fit of new and emerging application technologies against client's target architectures per SOO Section 4.2.2. 

• Ensure application designs meet FISMA High, NIST 800-53, STIG compliance, and FedRAMP requirements; support ATO documentation. 

• Lead Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) activities and technology evaluations; conduct testing in physical or virtual labs. 

• Evaluate replacement or enhancement options against existing client portfolio applications. 

• Mentor development and engineering teams on application architecture, DevSecOps, and client's SELC review processes. 

• Develop and maintain application architecture documentation, technical specifications, and standards aligned with the client's Architecture Repositories. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications 

• 7–10 years of progressive, hands-on experience in application architecture design for cloud-native, hybrid, and microservices-based environments. 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field. 

• Deep expertise in application architecture for cloud-native, hybrid, and microservices environments across AWS, Azure, and GCP. 

• Strong proficiency with PaaS development platforms and multiple languages — Python, .Net, Java, Node JS, Ruby, PHP. 

• Experience designing containerized applications with Docker and Kubernetes, and serverless architectures. 

• Solid understanding of CI/CD tools and practices — automated testing, version control (Git), deployment orchestration. 

• Knowledge of messaging and event-driven architectures (MQS, Pub/Sub). 

• Familiarity with AI/ML platform services and cloud-application integration. 

• Experience with SaaS integration patterns, REST APIs, and OAuth/SAML identity federation with Active Directory. 

• Strong grasp of application security requirements — FISMA, NIST 800-53, FedRAMP High, STIG, DHS standards. 

• Excellent communication and documentation; ability to support SELC reviews and brief senior government personnel. 

• Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility for application-layer ICT deliverables. 

• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DHS suitability / Public Trust clearance. 

Desired Qualifications 

• AWS Certified Developer or Solutions Architect, Azure Developer Associate, or equivalent GCP certification. 

• Kubernetes certification (CKA or CKAD). 

• Security+ or CISSP. 

• DHS, or other federal application architecture experience. 

• Active Public Trust or higher clearance. 

Clearance 

DHS suitability and a Public Trust background investigation are required for this role. Active Public Trust or higher clearance is preferred. Selected applicants will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to controlled or classified information. 

About Northramp 

Northramp is a federal consulting firm that helps agencies modernize and operate mission-critical systems with sound judgment, disciplined execution, and deep federal experience. We specialize in high-stakes digital transformation in highly regulated environments where failure is not an option. Our integrated delivery model brings engineers and advisors together as one team, combining technical depth with an operator’s mindset to move organizations from strategy to execution with confidence. 

We hold high standards because our clients’ missions demand it, and we support our people in meeting them. Northramp is where you are challenged, trusted, and supported — a place for people who take pride in their work, value clarity and follow-through, and want to make a meaningful impact through technology. 

Equal Opportunity 

Northramp is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Northramp participates in E-Verify. 

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home
• Wellness Resources
• Employee Bonus Programs