Lead Application Architect

Lead Application Architect

Job Summary

We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME)-level Lead Application Architect to design and define the overall structure and framework of applications within the U.S. Census Bureau's Decennial Transformation and Application Modernization (DTAM) effort. This role provides technical and management leadership on major application architecture assignments, establishing standards, patterns, and types that prioritize interoperability, reliability, scalability, security, and other DevSecOps dimensions. The Lead Application Architect develops secure multi-cloud application architectures and ensures alignment with Decennial business and operations plans and governance. Decision‑making and domain knowledge may have a critical impact on overall program implementation. May supervise others.

Responsibilities

• Establish, document, and maintain application architecture standards, patterns, and types prioritizing interoperability, reliability, availability, performance, scalability, extensibility, and security
• Develop and maintain tools, processes, documentation, and templates required to manage the Application Architecture
• Develop, document, and maintain secure multi-cloud application architectures using microservices, infrastructure as code, serverless computing, and containerization
• Perform business and solution architecture activities to model requirements in alignment with Decennial architecture goals
• Create and maintain application architecture artifacts and brief governance boards as requested by the Government
• Perform reviews and assessments of current and proposed application architecture and provide recommendations that meet business needs
• Develop, document, and maintain Concepts of Operations based on business requirements by application
• Develop, document, implement, and maintain API standards and best practices, including API management, discovery, security, and governance
• Implement application lifecycle management practices aligned with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and API security requirements
• Develop and maintain application architectures consistent with Decennial FinOps procedures, including automated cost monitoring and optimization
• Participate in Engineering Working Group (EWG) reviews and other governance boards, providing technical recommendations

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field
• 15+ years of experience providing technical and management leadership on major application architecture assignments (SME level)

Required Skills

• Expert experience defining application architecture standards, patterns, and reference architectures
• Demonstrated ability to design secure multi-cloud application architectures (microservices, IaC, serverless, containerization)
• Strong background in API management – design, security, discovery, and governance
• Experience aligning application lifecycle management with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
• Experience developing Concepts of Operations and briefing architecture governance boards

Certifications (Desired)

• Certified Solutions Architect (AWS / Azure / Google Cloud Professional)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• DevOps Certification

Desired Skills

• Experience with application FinOps cost optimization and automated monitoring
• Familiarity with DevSecOps CI/CD and cloud‑native best practices
• Experience with large‑scale federal modernization or System of Systems (SoS) programs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive briefing to senior Government stakeholders

Security Clearance

• U.S. Citizenship required

Benefits and Program Highlights

• Three robust individual and family medical plans including a Health Savings Account (HSA) option
• Two tiers of dental coverage and vision
• Life & AD&D, disability, accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance
• Paid time off, sponsored trainings and certifications, pet insurance, commuter transit benefits, and free subscription to a virtual exercise platform
• 401(k) plan with company matching contribution

EEO

B&A provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. B&A complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy covers conduct occurring at B&A's offices, and other workplaces (including client sites) and all other locations where B&A is providing services, and to all work‑related activities.

B&A participates in e‑Verify. We provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I‑9 Form to confirm work authorization.