Software Architect SME - Cloud, Data & Analytical Platforms

DescriptionSoftware Architect SME – Cloud, Data & Analytical PlatformsSummaryThe Software Architect Subject Matter Expert serves as the technical authority for the design, modernization, and integration of mission-critical, cloud-native systems supporting the Decennial Census testing ecosystem. This role is responsible for defining enterprise and solution architectures across the full software development lifecycle, ensuring systems are secure, scalable, resilient, and aligned with federal standards and business objectives. The Architect SME partners closely with government stakeholders, engineering teams, and contractors to translate complex functional and non-functional requirements into implementable architectures. The position emphasizes microservices-based design, API-centric integration, cloud-native data platforms, large-scale computation services, DevSecOps enablement, and analytical platform integration. The Architect SME guides engineering execution while maintaining architectural integrity across front-end, back-end, data, and computational components.Salary $175-218KThis role requires a Public Trust - must be US Citizen for eligibility This role is HYBRID with on-site requirement in Suitland, MD and RemoteResponsibilitiesServe as the technical authority for application and system architecture across the full SDLC, including requirements analysis, architecture definition, detailed design, development guidance, testing strategy, deployment models, integration patterns, and operational supportDefine end-to-end cloud-native architectures supporting front-end applications, APIs, databases, queueing services, computation engines, and analytical platforms aligned with Decennial Census testing requirementsLead architecture activities within an Agile SAFe environment, supporting sprint planning, backlog grooming, technical refinement, and cross-team architectural alignmentArchitect front-end ecosystems using React or comparable JavaScript frameworks to support job configuration management, system monitoring, administrative access control, and embedded analytical visualizationDefine API-first, microservices-based architectures that manage communication between user interfaces, data stores, queueing systems, storage services, and computational workloadsEstablish enterprise API standards covering RESTful design, versioning, security, documentation, observability, and lifecycle governance, integrating Swagger/OpenAPI and cloud-native logging platforms such as AWS CloudWatchArchitect secure, scalable back-end platforms using Java, Spring Boot, JAX-RS, Jersey, and Python-based services where appropriateLead database architecture strategy across Oracle RAC, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Aurora, and cloud-native storage platforms, supporting multi-terabyte workloads, high availability, disaster recovery, data integrity, and performance optimizationDefine patterns for raw and processed data management using cloud-native object storage such as Amazon S3 and integration strategies between transactional systems and analytical platformsArchitect queueing and orchestration services that deliver job configurations from APIs to scalable computation environmentsLead the architectural design of computation engines that convert legacy SAS-based models into Python-based services running on scalable cloud platforms such as EMR, ECS, Kubernetes, or serverless computeDefine cloud-native analytics architectures leveraging platforms such as Amazon QuickSight, SageMaker, Cube.js, OpenSearch, and Elasticsearch, enabling embedded reporting, data quality validation, and stakeholder accessEstablish microservices design principles emphasizing loose coupling, API-centric integration, stateless and stateful service separation, containerization, elastic scaling, and policy-driven resource managementDefine containerization and orchestration standards using Docker, Kubernetes, ECS, and cloud-native deployment services to ensure portability, resilience, and security complianceLead security architecture activities including authentication, authorization, encryption, secrets management, network segmentation, and alignment with federal security and compliance frameworksArchitect CI/CD and DevSecOps ecosystems integrating GitHub, Bitbucket, Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, Terraform, CloudFormation, automated testing frameworks, and security scanning toolsEstablish reference architectures, reusable design patterns, and technical standards to guide multiple development teamsProduce and maintain architecture artifacts including system context diagrams, logical and physical architectures, data flows, interface specifications, threat models, and operational architecture documentationConduct architecture reviews, design walkthroughs, and technical risk assessments to ensure solutions meet quality, security, and performance requirementsCollaborate with Census Bureau technical leadership, subject matter experts, and partner organizations to analyze enterprise requirements and align solution architectures to program objectivesGuide and mentor senior and mid-level engineers, providing architectural oversight, design coaching, and technical governanceSupport application modernization initiatives, legacy transformation efforts, and cloud adoption strategiesDefine observability and operational architecture standards covering monitoring, logging, alerting, performance management, incident response, and continuous improvementProvide technical leadership for production systems, supporting root cause analysis, architectural remediation, scalability planning, and resilience improvementsContribute to long-term technical roadmaps incorporating automation, advanced analytics, and AI/ML enablementQualifications10+ years of experience in software engineering, systems architecture, or enterprise application design, with demonstrated ownership of complex, large-scale platformsProven experience architecting cloud-native, microservices-based enterprise systemsExpert-level knowledge of RESTful API architecture, integration patterns, and API security best practicesAdvanced proficiency in Java with strong working knowledge of Python, JavaScript, and TypeScriptExtensive experience designing enterprise data architectures using Oracle RAC, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Aurora, and cloud-native storage servicesDemonstrated expertise in AWS cloud architecture including EC2, ECS, EMR, S3, RDS, Aurora, Lambda, Step Functions, EventBridge, and CloudWatchStrong background in containerization and orchestration using Docker and KubernetesExtensive experience implementing CI/CD and DevSecOps pipelines using GitHub, Bitbucket, Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, Terraform, and CloudFormationProven experience establishing architectural standards, design governance, and technical best practicesStrong experience producing and presenting architecture documentation and technical briefings to executive and stakeholder audiencesBachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field preferredExperience with OpenSearch, Elasticsearch, and cloud-based analytical platforms preferredExperience designing data analytics, business intelligence, and AI/ML-enabled systems preferredThis role requires a Public Trust - must be US Citizen for eligibility This role is HYBRID with on-site requirement in Suitland, MD and RemoteActioNet is a CMMI-DEV Level 4, CMMI-SVC Level 4, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, ISO 9001, HDI-certified, woman-owned IT Solutions Provider with strong qualifications and expertise in Agile Software Engineering, Cloud Solutions, Cyber Security and IT Managed Services. With 26+ years of stellar past performance, ActioNet is the premier Trusted Innogrator!Core Capabilities:Advanced and Managed IT ServicesAgile Software DevelopmentDevSecOpsCybersecurityHealth ITC4ISR & SIGINTData Center Engineering & OperationsEngineering & InstallationWhy ActioNet?At ActioNet, our Passion for Quality is at the heart of everything we do:Commitment to Employees: We are committed to making ActioNet a great place to work and continue to invest in our ActioNeters.Commitment to Customers: We are committed to our customers by driving and sustaining Service Delivery Excellence.Commitment to Community: We are committed to giving back to our community, helping others, and making the world a better place for our next generation.ActioNet is proud to be named a Top Workplace for the twelfth year in a row (2014 - 2025). We have a 98% customer retention rate. We are passionate about the inspirational missions of our customers, and we entrust our employees and teams to deliver exceptional performance to enable the safety, security, health, and well-being of our nation.What's in It For You?As an ActioNeter, you get to be part of an exceptional team and a corporate culture that nurtures mutual success for our customers, employees, and communities. We give you the tools to be successful; all you need to do is bring your best ideas, your energy, and a desire to develop your skills, experience, and career. Are you ready to make a difference?ActioNet is an equal-opportunity employer and values inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Full-Time Employees are eligible to participate in our ActioNet’s Benefits Program:Medical InsuranceVision InsuranceDental InsuranceLife and AD&D Insurance401(k) Savings PlanEducation and Professional TrainingFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Employee Referral and Merit Recognition ProgramsEmployee Assistance and Identity Theft ProtectionPaid Holidays: 11 per yearPaid Time Off (PTO)Disability InsuranceActioNet is an equal opportunity employer and value inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.********Direct Applicants, only. No Agencies, No third-party recruiters, please********