Senior AWS Cloud Systems Architect

Position Overview IgniteAction is seeking a senior AWS-certified Systems Architect to lead the design and governance of complex, multi-team modernization initiatives involving legacy application refactoring, cloud-native transformation, and system-of-systems integration. This is not a traditional infrastructure architect role. The position requires architectural leadership across interconnected applications, data pipelines, integration layers, and shared services. The Architect will guide legacy-to-cloud transformations, apply structured migration sequencing (7 Rs framework), and embed DevSecOps and automated validation into the architecture from inception. The Architect serves as the technical authority responsible for defining scalable, secure, and compliant target-state architectures across multiple delivery teams. Key Responsibilities: System-of-Systems Architecture LeadershipLead end-to-end architecture across interdependent systems and workflowsDefine target-state architectures across presentation, application, data, and integration layersEnsure integration consistency across upstream and downstream systems in data-intensive environmentsProduce and maintain architecture artifacts including:Logical, physical, data, and deployment viewsInterface Control Documents (ICDs)Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)Conduct architecture reviews and provide authoritative technical guidance to engineering teamsDefine and enforce architecture standards and reusable design patterns across multiple teams Legacy Modernization & Refactoring StrategyDefine architectural approach for refactoring legacy statistical and data-intensive systemsEstablish modular design patterns that preserve:Weighting logicVariance estimationMargin of Error (MOE) calculationsStatistical reproducibilityDesign architectures that improve maintainability, scalability, observability, and performanceEstablish parallel validation and regression testing frameworks to ensure equivalence between legacy and modernized systemsProvide architectural leadership for refactor, replatform, and migration initiatives 7 Rs Migration Framework GovernanceApply and govern the 7 Rs migration framework (Rehost, Replatform, Refactor, Repurchase, Relocate, Retain, Retire)Classify systems based on complexity, risk, dependency centrality, and operational constraintsDefine phased migration waves aligned to production cycles and environment onboarding timelinesPrevent hybrid cloud/on-premises thrashing through disciplined sequencing and guardrailsDevelop portfolio-level migration plans and modernization roadmaps Cloud-Native AWS ArchitectureArchitect AWS-based solutions leveraging services such as:Lambda, Step FunctionsECS / EKS / Fargate (when justified)Glue, Aurora/PostgreSQL, S3, BatchCloudWatch, IAM, KMS, Secrets ManagerDesign highly available, fault-tolerant, and secure architecturesDefine Infrastructure-as-Code standards for repeatable, auditable deploymentsEstablish secure-by-design patterns aligned with Zero Trust, NIST RMF, and FedRAMP-style controlsApply cloud security architecture principles (IAM, encryption, network security, logging, compliance)Identify and resolve system-level architectural, integration, and performance issues DevSecOps & Automated Validation ArchitectureDefine CI/CD architecture standards across delivery teamsIntegrate automated regression testing and statistical validation into pipelinesGuide containerization and serverless implementation patterns based on workload characteristicsEstablish logging, monitoring, and observability standardsEnsure DevSecOps processes are embedded and consistently implemented MVP / Prototype Architecture LeadershipDefine architecture for initial modernization MVPSelect representative modernization slices for proof-of-concept validationEnsure prototype artifacts are reusable and scalable across subsequent phasesValidate performance, scalability, and statistical equivalency prior to broader rollout Governance & Compliance AlignmentSupport architecture reviews and governance boardsPrepare required architecture artifacts for approvalsSupport ATO readiness and continuous monitoringEnsure compliance with Information Usage Security (IUS), Section 508, and enterprise standardsAlign architecture with both Agile and structured delivery models Requirements Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting federal government modernization programsExperience with statistical, analytical, or high-volume data processing systemsExperience operating in regulated or governance-heavy environmentsExperience designing hybrid and multi-cloud architectureExperience leading architecture across multiple concurrent workstreams Core Competencies Systems-level thinking across interdependent architecturesAbility to evaluate tradeoffs and document decisions clearlyStrong problem-solving and architectural judgmentAbility to mentor engineers and enforce architectural consistencyAbility to balance innovation with operational stability Work Location Hybrid role with required onsite presence in Suitland, Maryland 2-5 days per week. Benefits 401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceFlexible spending accountHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offProfessional development assistanceReferral programTuition reimbursementVision insurance