Principal Solutions Architect

About Kentro

Kentro is seeking a Principal Solutions Architect to serve as the Technical Authority for our Federal Health and Benefits portfolio, with a primary focus on the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is a high‑impact, strategic role for a leader capable of defining the "To‑Be" architecture for one of the federal government's largest and most complex IT ecosystems. Unlike a traditional architect, the Principal Architect does not just design solutions; they govern the technical vision. You will bridge the gap between legacy mainframe environments and modern cloud‑native architectures, translating complex legislative and mission requirements into secure, scalable, and compliant technology roadmaps.

Responsibilities

• Modernization Strategy: Define cohesive, end‑to‑end architecture blueprints that transition legacy workloads (e.g., Mainframe/COBOL) to modern, future‑ready cloud environments (AWS/Azure/Hybrid) without disrupting mission‑critical benefit delivery.
• Data Architecture: Lead the development of a transparent and accessible data ecosystem that improves data discovery and usability, enables actionable insights, and strengthens public trust in SSA data.
• Analysis of Alternatives (AoA): Lead high‑level trade‑off analyses to select the optimal mix of COTS, SaaS, and custom software, ensuring decisions align with the client's specific constraints regarding data privacy and transaction volume.
• Technical Governance: Establish and enforce enterprise architecture guardrails and Authority to Operate (ATO) ensuring all designs comply with NIST 800‑53, Zero Trust, Section 508 (Accessibility), and client specific security mandates.
• Risk Management: Evaluate solution viability through rigorous feasibility studies and technical risk assessments, specifically addressing the challenges of data migration and interoperability in a federal environment.
• Technical Leadership & Engineering Culture: Coach and empower Senior Solution Architects and engineering leads; serve as the standard‑bearer for engineering discipline and architectural quality across the organization.
• Cross‑Functional Command: Direct cross‑functional engineering teams through the full lifecycle—from capture and design to delivery—ensuring solutions meet the extreme performance and reliability standards required for national entitlement programs.
• Innovation vs. Stability: Drive enterprise innovation by piloting emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML for fraud detection, Intelligent Automation for claims processing) while converting these capabilities into scalable, compliant standards.
• Customer Engagement & Executive Advisory: Act as the strategic technical partner to SSA leadership and program offices, translating complex "tech‑speak" into clear value propositions aligned with the agency's goal of improving customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Present high‑stakes architecture decisions, roadmaps, and ROI analyses to non‑technical executive audiences to drive informed decision‑making and secure buy‑in for modernization initiatives.
• Business Development & Capture Support: Partner with Sales and Capture teams to lead the technical volume development for major SSA proposals; shape the "Win Strategy" by demonstrating deep understanding of the customer's business needs and pain points (e.g., backlog reduction, system interoperability).
• Market Differentiation: Identify growth opportunities by demonstrating how architectural innovation (e.g., DevSecOps maturity, Automated Governance) delivers measurable business value to the government.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree preferred (Bachelor’s required) in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: 12+ years of progressive IT experience, with at least 7+ years in senior or principal technical leadership roles (e.g., Chief Architect, Principal Systems Engineer).
• Federal Domain Expertise: Mandatory experience supporting the Social Security Administration (SSA), CMS, or similar large‑scale federal transaction processing environments.
• Legacy Transformation: Proven track record of designing mainframe modernization strategies (e.g., re‑platforming, API enablement, or Strangler Pattern Migration).

Technical Expertise

• Hybrid Cloud Architecture: Deep mastery of designing highly available solutions across AWS (GovCloud) or Microsoft Azure, with specific experience in hybrid connectivity to on‑premise data centers.
• Integration Patterns: Expert knowledge of modern integration standards (REST/SOAP APIs, Microservices, Event‑Driven Architecture) and their application in untangling monolithic legacy systems.
• DevSecOps: Expertise in technologies and solutions to enable streamlined, automated CI/CD pipelines with integrated cATO, IaC, Automated Test and Document generation. (Experience with Agentic workflows a plus)
• Security & Compliance: SME level understanding of NIST RMF, FedRAMP, FICAM, and Section 508 accessibility standards.

Leadership & Strategic Thinking

• Communication: Elite presentation skills with the ability to articulate technical concepts to C‑suite executives and government leadership.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to look 3‑5 years into the future, converting vague business requirements into actionable, long‑term technology roadmaps. Demonstrated understanding of CIO and EA organization, as well as the TTAP and EA Governance Models.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or CISSP.
• Frameworks: Implementation experience with TOGAF or SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) in a federal context, and the processes SSA utilizes to execute the development lifecycle within the organization.
• SSA Specifics: Prior possession of an SSA "Suitability" clearance or experience working with SSA's Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
• Automation: Experience integrating ServiceNow or similar ITSM/ITOM platforms to drive operational efficiency in government agencies.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401(k) with employer match, discount perks, and rewards.
• Education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development (subject to IRS limitations).
• Employee wellness and recreation: virtual and in‑person events such as happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations.
• Commitment to community: hosting and attending charity galas/events.

Equal Opportunity Employment & VEVRAA

Kentro is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.