Solution Architect - VA LGY/Java

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Solution Architect - VA LGY/Java to lead the design, modernization, and integration of enterprise solutions supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan Guaranty (LGY) systems. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Java-based enterprise architectures, cloud-native technologies, and federal system integration within highly regulated environments. This role is responsible for translating business and technical requirements into scalable, secure, and maintainable solution architectures that support mission-critical veteran services.

The Solution Architect will collaborate closely with business stakeholders, development teams, cybersecurity personnel, DevSecOps engineers, and federal leadership to drive modernization initiatives, improve interoperability, and ensure compliance with VA and federal technology standards.

Key Functions

• Lead the architecture, design, and technical strategy for VA LGY enterprise applications and modernization efforts.
• Design scalable, secure, and high-performing Java-based solutions using modern architectural patterns and cloud technologies.
• Develop solution blueprints, architecture diagrams, integration patterns, and technical roadmaps aligned with VA enterprise architecture standards.
• Provide technical leadership for microservices, APIs, event-driven systems, and enterprise integration initiatives.
• Collaborate with product owners, business analysts, developers, and infrastructure teams to translate requirements into end-to-end technical solutions.
• Ensure compliance with VA security requirements, FedRAMP, Zero Trust, Section 508, and other federal standards.
• Guide implementation of CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps best practices, automated testing, and infrastructure-as-code methodologies.
• Conduct architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical assessments to ensure solution quality and maintainability.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend modernization opportunities that improve performance, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Support system integration activities involving VA enterprise services, legacy applications, external vendors, and third-party platforms.
• Troubleshoot complex production issues and provide architectural guidance for performance tuning and optimization.
• Mentor development teams and provide leadership on software engineering best practices and architectural governance.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies, technical planning sessions, and stakeholder briefings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of IT experience with at least 5 years in Solution Architecture or Enterprise Architecture roles.
• Extensive hands-on experience developing enterprise applications using Java/J2EE technologies.
• Strong experience with Spring Boot, RESTful APIs, microservices architecture, and distributed systems.
• Experience supporting federal government programs, preferably within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Knowledge of VA LGY systems, processes, or enterprise integration environments.
• Experience designing cloud-based solutions in AWS, Azure, or hybrid cloud environments.
• Strong understanding of DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes/OpenShift.
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases including Oracle, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of enterprise integration patterns, message queues, and API management platforms.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity standards, identity management, and secure software development lifecycle practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or other required federal clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Prior experience supporting VA Loan Guaranty (LGY) modernization initiatives or related VA programs.
• Experience with VA Enterprise Architecture frameworks, VAEC, and federal digital transformation initiatives.
• AWS, Azure, TOGAF, SAFe, or Java-related certifications.
• Experience with OpenShift, Kubernetes, Terraform, Ansible, or infrastructure automation tools.
• Knowledge of event streaming technologies such as Kafka or RabbitMQ.
• Experience implementing observability and monitoring solutions using tools such as Splunk, ELK, Grafana, or Prometheus.
• Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility compliance and federal usability standards.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments supporting large-scale federal programs.
• Knowledge of AI/ML integration patterns, robotic process automation (RPA), or advanced analytics platforms is a plus.
• Previous experience leading distributed technical teams in complex enterprise environments.