Solution Architect - VA LGY/Java

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.
• Able 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.
• Prior 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.