Chief Architect

9th Way Insignia is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business bringing transformative technology to our government customers so they can achieve their missions. Our specialties include cybersecurity, cloud modernization, software development, data analytics, enterprise architecture, enterprise IT, analytics, process automation, and artificial intelligence. Learn more about 9th Way Insignia at https://9thwayinsignia.com/.

Application password: Niner

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Professional Level Information:
The Chief Architect aligns as an E3 at 9th Way Insignia. This role provides strategic technical leadership for the modernization, integration, and sustainment of the VA Enrollment System (ES) and related eligibility platforms (EDB, IVM, VistA REE). The Chief Architect drives enterprise architecture decisions, integration strategies, and ensures alignment with VA directives and modernization goals.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the architectural vision and roadmap for ES modernization and integration of legacy systems (EDB, IVM, VistA REE) into a unified platform.

• Design scalable, secure, and interoperable solutions supporting high-volume eligibility and enrollment transactions.

• Oversee integration of microservices, APIs, and data pipelines across VA enterprise systems and external partners.

• Ensure compliance with VA technical standards, FedRAMP, FISMA, IRS 1075, HIPAA, and other federal requirements.

• Guide DevSecOps adoption, CI/CD automation, and cloud-native deployments within VAEC.

• Direct data migration, schema modernization, and system consolidation efforts.

• Collaborate with product, engineering, and operations teams to ensure architectural consistency and delivery quality.

• Evaluate and select technology stacks, integration frameworks, and middleware solutions.

• Provide technical oversight for incident response, root cause analysis, and system resilience.

• Mentor engineering teams, review design documents, and approve technical deliverables.

• Support transition planning, knowledge transfer, and post-go-live stabilization.

• Report architectural risks, opportunities, and progress to senior leadership.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related technical discipline.

• 10+ years of relevant experience in enterprise architecture, system integration, and modernization (VA or federal experience preferred).

• Proven expertise in designing and integrating large-scale, mission-critical systems.

• Deep knowledge of microservices, API management, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, VAEC), and data migration strategies.

• Experience with federal security, privacy, and compliance frameworks.

• Strong background in DevSecOps, CI/CD, and automation.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.

• Ability to mentor teams and drive consensus across diverse technical groups.

• Availability for after-hours escalation and critical incident support.

Salary Range
$98,153—$110,000 USD

9th Way Insignia’s range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Clearance/Background Investigation
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Benefits
Eligible employees will have access to our comprehensive benefits package which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life Insurance, 401(k), Basic Life A&D, STD, LTD, PTO, Telehealth, paid holidays, FSA, HSA. Additional resources include our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Traveling Assistance.

Legal
We’re an equal employment opportunity employer that empowers our people to fearlessly drive change – no matter their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.