Lead Technical Architect

A-TEK is seeking a Lead Technical Architect-Cloud Modernization (AWS) to provide technical leadership for a major modernization initiative supporting the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The successful candidate will guide the transformation of a legacy enterprise platform into a cloud native architecture leveraging AWS, PostgreSQL, GraphQL Federation, React, Kubernetes, and modern DevSecOps practices. This individual will serve as the senior technical authority for modernization activities while remaining hands-on in architecture, design reviews, engineering leadership, and implementation support.

This role requires an experienced architect who can balance strategic planning with practical execution while mentoring development teams and collaborating closely with Government stakeholders. This is a hybrid position, requiring 3 days per week onsite in Rockville, MD. The ability to obtain and retain a public trust level clearance is required for consideration. A-TEK is not currently providing sponsorship for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the modernization of legacy applications and data platforms into a cloud native AWS environment.
• Define and maintain target-state architecture, technology standards, and modernization roadmaps.
• Architect and oversee migration from an on-premises Oracle environment to multiple PostgreSQL databases hosted in AWS.
• Design scalable microservices and API architecture utilizing GraphQL Federation and RESTful services.
• Lead application modernization efforts involving React front end applications and containerized services.
• Design and implement AWS-based solutions using services such as EKS, RDS PostgreSQL, IAM, Route 53, CloudWatch, Secrets Manager, and related platform services.
• Guide the adoption of modern DevSecOps practices including CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, automated testing, security scanning, and deployment automation.
• Collaborate with database administrators, developers, business analysts, and Government stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission objectives.
• Conduct architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical design sessions.
• Mentor engineering staff and establish engineering best practices.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend modernization approaches that improve scalability, security, maintainability, and operational efficiency.
• Support system security requirements, compliance activities, and Authority to Operate (ATO) processes.
• Contribute to strategic planning for future enhancements, analytics platforms, AI/ML capabilities, and enterprise architecture initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience designing and delivering enterprise software solutions.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience architecting cloud solutions on AWS.
• Experience leading large scale application modernization initiatives.
• Experience migrating Oracle databases to PostgreSQL or other modern cloud native database platforms.
• Experience designing microservices architectures and API ecosystems.
• Experience with GraphQL and API gateway technologies.
• Experience with containerization technologies including Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with AWS EKS and cloud native application deployment.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, CloudFormation, or equivalent tools.
• Experience implementing DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong understanding of software architecture patterns, security principles, and cloud operations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional.
• AWS Certified AI Practitioner or related AWS specialty certification.
• Experience supporting NIH, HHS, FDA, CDC, CMS, or other Federal civilian agencies.
• Experience supporting scientific, biomedical, research, grants management, or public health systems.
• Experience with React, TypeScript, Node.js, and modern web application frameworks.
• Experience with PostgreSQL performance tuning and database architecture.
• Experience implementing analytics, business intelligence, or data platform solutions.
• Familiarity with Federal security frameworks including NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, and FISMA.

Compensation:

• Salary Range: $170,000 – $180,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer match; paid time off; professional development opportunities.

Why Join Us?

At A-TEK, you’ll work at the intersection of cloud security, DevOps, and federal healthcare, ensuring that mission-critical health data remains secure, accessible, and compliant. You’ll collaborate with experts in cloud engineering, cybersecurity, and data governance to deliver innovative, secure, and efficient solutions that make a real impact on public health.