Senior Message Queue (MQ) Architect

JRAD is seeking candidates with experience in designing and building IBM MQ messaging solutions, including configuring queue managers, queues, channels, listeners, and clustering environments. Conducting root cause analysis for MQ incidents such as stuck messages, throughput bottlenecks, and connectivity failures. Implementing automation scripts for deployments, system monitoring, and routine operational tasks. Managing MQ components, including security configurations, access control, and certificate/TLS management. This position works closely with application developers, data analysts, and system architects to support mission‑critical operations and business intelligence initiatives. The position is a remote/telework position with frequent on‑site meetings at the TSA HQs (Springfield, VA) and TSA System Integration Facility (TSIF at Reagan National Airport (DCA), Arlington, VA). Roles / Responsibilities Collaborate with TSA internal stakeholders to design, develop and maintain MQ infrastructure between TSA systems Expert level of MQ architecture, configuration and failover design knowledge Maintain existing MQ infrastructure such as MQ OS updates, updates repositories, applying enhancements and incorporating lessons learned Troubleshooting MQ connectivity between internal TSA systems Implement and maintain data security standards, backup strategies, and disaster recovery plans Support data migration, ETL processes, and integrations between heterogeneous data systems Participate in database design reviews, capacity planning, and technology evaluations Provide support and mentoring to junior developers and database administrators Required Skills and Education Candidate must possess the following: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field 10+ years of experience in designing, developing, maintaining IBM MQ infrastructure Proficiency in IBM MQ products across platforms such as Windows or Linux; proficiency in SQL and experience with RDBMS platforms such as Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, or MySQL Familiarity with cloud‑based database services (e.g., Amazon RDS, Azure SQL, or Google Cloud SQL) Experienced in resolving cyber vulnerabilities identified by cyber tools for MQ servers, implementation and applying DISA STIGs Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with DevOps pipelines and Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform, Liquibase) Certifications such as IBM Certified MQ v9.4+ Administrator‑Professional, Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate, or AWS Certified Database – Specialty Exposure to BI/reporting tools like Power BI, Tableau, or Looker Active DoD 8570‑compliant certification (e.g., Security+, CASP+, CISSP) Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS GovCloud, Azure Government Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet) Experience in DevSecOps or Infrastructure as Code (IaC) environments Security Clearance Capable of passing DHS suitability screening or DHS financial responsibility standards Benefits Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for unreimbursed medical & dependent day care Disability Insurance 401k Plan Tuition Reimbursement EEO Statement JRAD is an equal‑opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities #J-18808-Ljbffr Joint Research and Development , Inc.