Solutions Architect

Job ID: 2026-3949 | Location: Bethesda, MD (NIH/NHLBI)

About the role

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, Axle focuses on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries, working with top research organizations including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a Solutions Architect to join the team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The role provides support for applications that enable NHLBI/DIR scientists and labs to manage research-related workflows and clinical protocol data. Duties include building Power Platform applications for reporting and clinical protocol data analytics, creating customized reports and dashboards to support organizational analytics and decision making, and designing prototypes and frameworks for future applications. The role is advisory in nature, requiring the contractor to advise NHLBI leadership on emerging Super Intelligence (SI) technologies, machine learning capabilities, cybersecurity considerations, and technology modernization opportunities that enhance scientific discovery and advance the Institute's research mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support a portfolio of custom-built software applications built on Microsoft Power Platform (Model-driven and Canvas Power Apps) to support scientists and laboratories, including functional areas of budget management, expense tracking, space alteration management, personnel recruitment and onboarding, travel management, personnel management, credentialing tracking, reporting and clinical protocol data analytics
• Employ Agile software development methodology and best practices throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC) to enable an iterative approach for design, development, and deployment
• Work effectively with staff, management, and other professionals in a collaborative, consultative, and results-oriented environment
• Design architectural diagrams to build comprehensive Power Apps solutions by employing industry best practices for performance, security, and scalability on Power Platform
• Design and build solution prototypes and frameworks for future applications
• Conduct needs assessments and develop recommendations for improvements of current operations
• Provide strategic management planning and execution, business management, strategic planning, process improvement, metric assessment and measurement, acquisition planning, program management and governance
• Analyze current processes; develop strategies to improve them
• Provide advisory services on a full range of issues relating to administrative management and operational support of the Division
• Provide leadership for and coordinate the overall strategic direction and planning for the program
• Conduct and perform current state assessments; perform gap analysis; target 'as-is' state development and formulate the to-be state with associated execution strategy and roadmap project schedules
• Provide analyses, evaluations, technical assessments, feedback and support in the planning and implementation of activities
• Make recommendations on aspects of efficiency and continuous process improvement
• Plan and implement solutions to address gaps and improve performance related to general management practices, management of scientific projects and programs
• Perform unit, integration, and functional testing (including all system upgrades and patches) to ensure error-free deployment of new/existing systems
• Collaborate with other professionals to develop recommendations for current and future initiatives
• Provide creative counsel on data reporting and formatting
• Provide advisory services and staff support to executives and senior managers on a full range of issues related to the support of all divisions and centers
• Work collaboratively with NIH staff and other technical and administrative professionals to maintain the Authority-To-Operate and ensure 508 compliance of applications
• Coordinate with NIH staff and other professionals to develop recommendations for current and future technology, infrastructure, and operational initiatives
• Represent and advocate for the needs of the branch and organization at NHLBI and NIH technical working groups and committees
• Advise management and staff on formulation of new strategies and sensitive or complicated issues
• Work with staff to build and guide the execution of individual project plans for prioritized initiatives; manage and track the status
• Collaborate with staff on the alignment of any proposed changes to enhance the delivery of services and organizational development within the Institute
• Review plans for future programs based on draft and final forms
• Provide advice on emerging issues affecting the organization
• Work with staff to define a target state for the organization, processes, tools and technology required to meet the evolving needs of the Institute, including responsiveness to scientific and technological advances
• Oversee the conception and implementation of current and future strategic directions for all aspects of the project, including an RDoC strategic plan
• Advise management and staff on sensitive, complex, or technically challenging issues and recommend proactive strategies for addressing them
• Report progress on projects to management through clear and succinct verbal and email communication
• Advise management on industry and technology trends, platform evolution and propose ideas for new initiatives
• Work with staff to develop and implement new and proactive programs geared to specific audiences
• Provide broad support of the Institute's agenda, including strategic and tactical activities, and executive-level interfacing
• Determine solutions to overcome barriers, fill needs, respond to scientific opportunities and develop collaborative solutions
• Perform research in support of strategic planning
• Provide recommendations for internal management, risk assessment and deployment of assets
• Experience collaborating with technical and nontechnical professionals to develop recommendations for current and future initiatives
• Conduct research and analysis to proactively address and respond to inquiries on various policies and issues
• Work with staff to develop dynamic web-based and educational content for the program
• Lead and/or attend and participate in working groups, meetings and conferences
• Identify Institute-wide digital strategy and target audiences and translate the strategy into user-friendly interfaces that successfully present content, features and functionality appropriately for each audience
• Provide specifications and guidance for defining, managing, and delivering solutions
• Provide timely responses to inquiries concerning Power Platform policies, security, operations, technology, and infrastructure
• Assist with technology tracking and conduct research and analysis to identify modernization, replacement, and upgrade requirements necessary to ensure that Power Platform systems and applications continue to support the DIR process workflows
• Coordinate and advance professional development and research done by others in areas where other mechanisms may not be optimal due to time constraints or other issues
• Provide facilitation and training for staff
• Coordinate and advance professional development, technical documentation, and research activities related to Power Platform operations, particularly when standard processes or mechanisms are not optimal because of time constraints or other operational considerations
• Meet with lab members to present updates on a weekly basis

Requirements

• At least 15 years of overall experience in software engineering
• At least 5 years of experience as a Solutions Architect in a technical lead position
• Advanced experience in strategy design, implementation, and evaluation
• Proven expertise in creation of customized reports and dashboards to support organizational analytics and decision making
• Field of study: Computer Engineering or General Engineering

Skills

• Strong