Applications Architect

Job Summary:

The Applications Architect is responsible for designing and specifying the overall structure and interrelationships of software applications within a large, distributed environment. This role involves defining reusable components, ensuring quality metrics, and managing cross-platform applications while integrating with databases and middleware systems. The architect will develop solution architectures, monitor system interactions, and establish limitations and requirements for source code to meet organizational objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Define the structure, components, and interfaces of applications and their interrelationships.
• Develop, implement, and manage cross-platform applications in distributed environments.
• Monitor system-wide interactions and performance considerations across components.
• Create and maintain architecture deliverables including target solution architectures, as-is documentation, and to-be blueprints.
• Integrate applications with databases, middleware, and enterprise service bus systems.
• Apply structured methodologies for application design, development, and implementation.
• Utilize architecture frameworks such as TOGAF ADM or Zachman in solution development.
• Collaborate with teams using architecture tools and modeling languages like Archimate and UML.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and incorporate security and recovery procedures into designs.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in application architecture development and implementation.
• Extensive systems analysis and design experience in large systems environments.
• Knowledge of TOGAF ADM or Zachman architecture frameworks covering business, information, application, technology, and security domains.
• Practical experience with architecture tools such as EA Sparx, Archi, and modeling with Archimate and/or UML.
• Experience with integration types including SOA, APIs, web services, real-time and batch processing, and enterprise service bus implementations.
• Strong understanding of middleware, gateways, and performance considerations across platforms.

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of object-oriented analysis and design techniques.
• Experience developing enterprise architecture deliverables based on government or industry methodologies.
• Understanding of Information Management principles, policies, and practices.
• Experience designing detailed functional and technical requirements for new and existing business solutions.
• Proven ability to lead multi-tier application infrastructure design and configuration for medium to large implementations.
• Experience with cloud computing technologies and hybrid on-premises integration.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Rated Criteria:

• Application Architecture Design and Implementation - 30 Points
• Systems Analysis and Integration Expertise - 25 Points
• Experience with Architecture Frameworks (TOGAF/Zachman) - 15 Points
• Proficiency with Architecture Tools and Modeling Languages - 10 Points
• Knowledge of Middleware and Enterprise Service Bus - 10 Points
• Leadership and Communication Skills - 10 Points

Total: 100 Points Deliverables:

• Comprehensive application architecture blueprints and documentation (as-is and to-be).
• Reusable component specifications and interface definitions.
• Integration designs and middleware configuration guidelines.
• Performance and quality level metrics reports.
• Enterprise architecture models and solution roadmaps.

Must Haves:

• At least 6 years of application architecture development and implementation experience.
• Extensive systems analysis and design background in large systems environments.
• Practical knowledge of TOGAF ADM or Zachman frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with architecture tools and modeling (EA Sparx, Archi, Archimate, UML).
• Experience with diverse integration types including SOA, APIs, web services, and enterprise service bus.

Public Sector Experience:

Preferred