Cloud Solution Architect

This is a Senior Level Individual Contributor position within the IT- Public Health Applications. The Individual shall perform highly complex (senior-level) technical analysis, streamline DevSecOps process, addresses security audit findings along with architecture work. This position provides vision and strategic direction for new and existing systems, Identify areas of improvements, guides and executes on current and future alignment in support of business objectives, operational efficiencies and requirements. Lends expertise to answer technical questions, individually or as part of a project team and serve as a subject matter expert associated with content, processes, and procedures associated with enterprise applications and the entire DevSecOps life cycle. Provide guidance on designing software solutions from the ground up, make high-level decisions about each stage of the SDLC, helps define and lead a team to create products utilizing various enterprise level resources.

The position has considerable latitude for the use of independent judgment and performs highly advanced senior level analysis and development of both complex business process and system solutions. Operates as a liaison, analyzes user requirements and business processes, and advise Public Health Application leadership on designs, fixes, and operational or technical enhancements. Performs advanced, senior level technology architecture work in support of IT projects. Works closely with the other application development teams, business stakeholders and other vendor partners. Utilizes Agile development practices and works together with teams in support of application enhancements. Develop strategic plans for enterprise level products, solutions and areas of operational efficiencies. Functions as a software architect working with other IT divisions in the review/assessment of solutions proposed for use or implementation at HHS.

Provides application support by assisting technical staff in troubleshooting and diagnosis of problems, including development of resolution strategies on both core and emerging technologies. Serves as the top level Hands-on technical expert by creating high-level architectural specifications and addressing problems of systems integration, compatibility.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(35%) Provide architectural blueprints and technical leadership to the IT Public Health teams including vendor teams. Able to communicate well through writing and be able to create flowcharts and diagrams. Evaluate vendor deliverables and recommend tools, technologies and processes to ensure the highest quality product. Determines infrastructure, database requirements by analyzing operations, application or programming, reviewing existing documentation and evaluating current systems. Act as IT representative in Architecture Review Board meetings and work closely with the Chief Technology Office to assist in architecture and design decisions.

(30%) Identify Areas of Efficiencies, Design, develop and execute solutions to address business or operational issues. Troubleshoot code level problems quickly and efficiently. Oversee, review and work closely with other members of a development team such as programmers. Constantly review the code to ensure the quality of the design by avoiding complexity, advocating clarity and drive this approach with the team. This usually requires hands-on work in terms of developing prototypes, contributing code or evaluating technologies and deliverables.

(15%) Mentor peers and technical teams. Collaborate with peer teams, quality assurance and end users to produce cutting-edge software solutions. Share their skills and expertise with their staff as well as set a positive example for them. Encourages team members to think creatively as well as keep them motivated. Participate in creation of a team suitable for the scope of the project, assigning duties to the staff, creating a timeline for the project, and performing cost analysis and budgeting functions. Create a roadmap for the analysis, design, programming, testing and deployment for assigned applications and/or projects. Solicits input from Leadership, IT stakeholders and other subject matter experts to standardize the usage of tools, systems and subsystems, development platforms and design guidelines in order to come up with best practices across the entire IT PHA division. Monitors and enforces those standards to ensure quality and consistency.

(10%) Rapidly develop proof-of-concept implementations that can be easily evolved into production worthy solutions. Interact with clients, product managers, and developers in order to envision, model and provide initial models and designs that can be built. Conduct a test of a product, service, or process and successfully improve the quality or performance.

(5%) Pursues/participates in continuing education opportunities to enhance both technical and interpersonal skills on new technology trends. Use the knowledge and work on various POCs to improve dept’s existing applications. Maintaining documentation and repository. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

(5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

• Proven abilities to work in multiple Cloud platforms and proven record of handling multi-million project initiatives
• Expertise in Code Deployment, CI/CD pipeline, and Dev Sec Ops methodologies and industry best practices
• Expertise with JIRA software, GitHub and GitHub Actions
• Knowledge of latest databases and current types, such as Snowflake, Oracle, MySQL and NoSQL data stores, e.g. Postgres.
• Knowledge of cloud delivery models: PaaS, SaaS, IaaS.
• Knowledge of agile (scrum) methodology and scrum ceremonies.
• Knowledge of cloud-based services for AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau) and data modeling tools
• Good understanding of industry standard technologies and tools, including but not limited to database management systems, master data & metadata management tools, data acquisition strategies, and cloud storage and associated security considerations for all data classifications
• Knowledge of hardware and software technology infrastructure, configuration, and networking and telecommunications requirements for data & analytics systems
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and identify/implement effective solutions
• Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures
• Ability to coordinate multiple assignments/projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to plan, assign, and oversee the work of others
• Must possess critical thinking ability and grasp complex topics
• Ability to assemble effective presentations and documentation for agency executive management to provide overviews of the technical approach to data acquisition and the implementation of systems
• Ability to communicate with a high level of effectiveness both verbally and in written formats.
• Ability to communicate effectively, build and maintain effective working relationships, negotiate with individuals and groups, develop professional networks, and identify the internal and external dynamics that impact the work of the organization

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Professional Certification in Technology Architecture such as TOGAF, and/or similar certifications is preferred, but not required.

Initial Screening Criteria: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in information technology security, computer information systems, computer science, management information systems, or a related field is generally preferred. Education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis. 10+ years in application design and development, with 5+ years in hands-on cloud architecture roles. 5+ years of experience with cloud technologies and DevOps tools.

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Selected candidate must be willing to commute to the office on the required days.

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.